The North Shore Winery is the only winery located on Minnesota’s North Shore, and it is located in Lutsen, MN. The winery is owned and operated by two couples who share a passion for wine and the North Shore. It opened its doors in 2016 and has since been awarded the best wine by “Northern Wilds magazine”. North Shore Winery uses grapes from both Minnesota and California to make their wine, and they also offer ciders made from Minnesota-grown apples.

Open year round for indoor and outdoor seating.

Summer Hours: May 25th through October
12:30-7:30, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday
2:30-9:00, Thursday, with Music from 7-9
11:00-6:00, Sunday, With Music from 3:30-5:30

Winter Hours: November Through May 25th
12:30-6:30, Friday, Saturday, Monday and Tuesday
2:30-8:00, Thursday, with Music from 6-8
11:00-6:00, Sunday

Daily offerings in the Tasting Room – No reservation needed

Tasting flights – White wine, mixed wine, premium reds, and cider
A full selection of wine and cider by the glass or bottle
Snacks like cheese, meats, and crackers

Tours: If you’d like a small group private tour of the Winery, please call (218) 481-9280 or email info@northshorewinery.us to schedule.

Special Wine Tastings: We offer three special wine tastings by appointment only. Each are unique and can be arranged by calling (218) 481-9280 or email info@northshorewinery.us. Listed prices are per-person.

Group Tour and Tasting: (Call or email for current pricing)
Our talented staff will show you the winery while teaching you about winemaking and our wines, before they introduce you to your choosen tasting and leave your group to enjoy!
Wine & Truffle Tasting: Enjoy a delicious tasting of five of our wines paired with five Gunflint Mercantile chocolate truffles.
This is primarily self-guided tasting, but we ask that you call ahead to insure availability of truffles.
Winetasting 101: These tastings are an event not to be missed. Our winemakers take your group of four or more through our wine-making process, lead a lively discussion about our wines, and pair them with cheeses, meats, and crackers.

202 Ski Hill Road | Lutsen, MN 55612 | e-Mail: info@northshorewinery.us | Tel: (218) 481-9280

North Shore Winery Website | North Shore Winery Facebook Page

20 mi./24 min. from Superior Inn Grand Marais

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS

Grand Marais Restaurants & Dining Guide

Within walking distance, or a short hop in your car, you will find almost every type of Grand Marais Minnesota dining experience convenient to Superior Inn. Dining out is one of the main adventures of traveling. From elegant dinners with a view of magnificint Lake Superior and white linen to eating a crab on the beach, the North Shore region has everything you can imagine. If you want seafood you’ve definitely come to the right place! Our Grand Marais Dining Guide will help you find the best bowl of clam chowder, grilled salmon or fish tacos. Grand Marais bakeries are also excellent when it comes to their home made breads, cookies and other local favorites.

Grand Marais restaurants offer a variety of cuisines in fun and casual environments. Whether your goal is a fun meal with the family, romantic dining for two, or a large group gathering, there are plenty of options to choose from.

View Grand Marais dining guide.

You will find the Oberg Mountain trail beautiful year round, but it’s especially gorgeous in the fall, when the surrounding forest is aglow with shades of gold, orange and red. There is no shortage of spectacular views on this 2.3-mile loop, including 360s of the Lake Superior North Shore, surrouding forest, and Oberg Lake. Generally considered a moderately challenging hike, allow 1-1/2 hours to complete. This is a very popular hiking trail, so you are likely encounter others. Dogs are welcome, but be sure to keep them on a leash. There are steep cliffs at the top so use caution with small children. Listen for black throated blue warblers in the spring, and look for beaver activity in Oberg Lake. The maples here are a distinct ecosystem, and harbor a variety of plants not common on the rest of the forest. This trail is a spur trail off of the Superior Hiking Trail.

Oberg Mountain Trail Hike By-the-Numbers

Length: 2.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 230 ft
Route Type: Out-and-Back Loop

Nearby Ranger District Locations/Phone Nos:

Location/Directions/Parking:

Oberg Mountain Trail Features

Grand Marais Outdoor Activities Guide

In Grand Marais and Cook County, Minnesota you can enjoy Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake, visit Minnesota’s tallest mountain peak at Eagle Mountain, view the state’s highest waterfall in Grand Portage, ski the largest ski resort in the Midwest at Lutsen Mountains and enjoy Minnesota’s longest and most scenic biking trails. Stay awhie and find your adventure in Cook County!

Experience the spectacular chain of state parks, waterfalls, and seemingly endless list of year-round outdoor activities that are located on Highway 61 on the North Shore. From Gooseberry State Park (69 miles southwest) to Grand Portage State Park (40 mile northeast), eight State Parks provide a wide array of summer and winter outdoor fun. Grand Marais and the Superior Inn are a great place to stay for your outdoor adventure and easy access to these Highway 61 parks and all the other activities to be found north in Cook County, Minnesota.

Grand Marais and the Lake Superior North Shore offer hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing trails (hiking and biking trails in summer). In fact, Cook County, Minnesota has the largest network of cross-country trails in North America. You can stay close to Grand Marais, or head up from the lake shore area to the other cross country skiing trails. A Minnesota Ski Pass is required on all trails unless otherwise noted.

Summer is the time, and the Lake Superior North Shore and Grand Marais, Minnesota is the place for summer fun. The northern shoreline of Lake Superior, the myriad Minnesota lakes, the state parks and national forests provide sights you can enjoy from the comfort of your car, and even more to do for those more adventurous souls who wish to venture out on hiking trails or enjoy other summer outdoor activities like fishing, bike riding, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching and more.

In Grand Marais and Cook County, Minnesota you can enjoy Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake, visit Minnesota’s tallest mountain peak at Eagle Mountain, view the state’s highest waterfall at Grand Portage State Park, and enjoy Minnesota’s longest and most scenic biking trails at the Luntzen Mountains.

Experience the spectacular chain of state parks, waterfalls, and seemingly endless list of year-round outdoor activities that are located on Highway 61 on the North Shore. From Gooseberry State Park (69 miles southwest) to Grand Portage State Park (40 mile northeast), eight State Parks provide a wide array of summer fun. Grand Marais and the Superior Inn are a great place to stay for your outdoor summer adventure and easy access to these Highway 61 parks and all the other activities to be found north in Cook County, Minnesota.

Tags: Grand Marais Parks, Grand Marais Outdoors, North Shore Parks, North Shore Outdoors Grand Marais Summer Sports, Grand Marais Winter Sports, Grand Marais Outdoor Activities, North Shore Outdoor Activities

We chose to visit Grand Marais right after the Labor Day weekend. The leaves hadn’t quite turned, but the midweek availability at Best Western Plus Superior Inn location was just right. Because we usually pass through Grand Marais on our way to the Boundary Waters, we were pleased being pampered at this property located right on the water on the quieter eastern bay of Grand Marais. It’s an easy walk to the main shopping and dining district, and just around the corner from the food co-op and another grocery store. Our room included a balcony overlooking the lake, a gas fireplace, a steam shower (wow, now I want to visit in the winter), a Jacuzzi, and enough room for the king bed, desk area, and two (!) comfortable chairs. We ventured out of the room long enough to meet other travelers at the friendly lobby bar, and got some work done warm dining area with a soaring fireplace and plenty of electrical outlets. For a longer stay, we might have used the kitchenette with sink, microwave and refrigerator.

For travelers to this part of the world, we highly recommend taking your time driving from Duluth to Grand Marais along the picturesque north shore of Lake Superior. We’ve written about some highlights of the North Shore here.

Note: Our stay with Best Western was hosted by Best Western back in 2017. Portions of this story appeared on Best Western’s blog, Travel Zone.

You can help yourself get ready for your own travels by reading our Get Started Planning Your Trip Now page.

View complete Five Reasons to Visit Grand Marais, Minnesota blog post. This includes sections on “Historic Fishing & Trading Town, Shopping & Attractions, Nearby Nature Trails, and Eating in Grand Marais”.

About TravelPast50

After a 30-year career in publishing, Tom Bartel and Kristin Henning shed their last publication, their house, and most of their possessions. In 2010, they gave their dog to their daughter and set out on a journey to see the world. Kris and Tom combine a love of culture with enthusiasm for the outdoors. Their travels vary between long stays in such cultural cities as London, Barcelona, Rome, and Beijing, detours to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and spurts of hiking or biking in Europe, Australia, Asia, or the United States National Parks.

Even before taking to the road full time, Kris and Tom were students of the world. They’ve spent months in London going to the theater, a summer in Rome studying Latin, three months in Florence studying art history, and have visited nearly every major museum and church in Europe. They’ve lived in Madrid and Quito while teaching English, and earned their keep housesitting in Spain, Chile, and elsewhere.

Kris and Tom bring their considerable experience as professional writers and photographers, publishers and marketers, to Travel Past 50. It’s only natural that they enjoy sharing their personal travel stories, love offering travel tips to their followers, and work hard to support their clients’ content and marketing needs.

Travel Past 50 reflects Kris and Tom’s appreciation of international cultures and active travel. It is designed for travelers 50+ who share their sense of curiosity and are inspired to explore a range of destinations including historic sites, arts and cultural centers, and natural parks with wildlife. The blog is for those who want to learn, for those who want to participate, and for those who enjoy a good meal and friendly conversation at the end of the day. Travel Past 50 has always been defined as the travel resource ‘for those who’ve been around.”

Best Western Flexible Cancellation Policy for Reservations Made by June 30, 2020

Important Update for our Guests

The health, welfare and safety of our guests, employees and hoteliers is paramount at Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. The COVID-19 health crisis has had a tremendous impact on families, communities and businesses around the world. We understand that your travel plans may have been affected by the rapidly changing information on travel restrictions and event cancellations. With your safety and satisfaction at the heart of Best Western, we are working diligently to support you during this challenging time.

Best Western Cancellation Policy ~ Effective Date: March 23, 2020

As we continue to monitor the impact of COVID–19, the Best Western Hotels & Resorts cancellation policy is as follows:

• Cancellation Policy Frequently Asked Questions

As the world begins to gradually reopen, we are excited to welcome our loyal guests back to our hotels while meeting your health and wellbeing standards. When you are ready to travel again, we understand that you will understandably have a heightened awareness and expectation of cleanliness when it comes to your choice of accommodations.

For nearly 75-years, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts has been an industry leader in our reputation for providing you with clean, well-maintained accommodations. In 2012, we became the first hotel brand to set a high-level of cleanliness with the roll out of our I Care Clean program in partnership with IDEO. At the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were among the first in the industry to roll out standards and best practices to enhance our cleaning protocol. Now, as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you safe and healthy during these challenging times, we have expanded on those industry-leading cleaning standards with the launch of the new We Care Clean^SM program

Based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Health Canada, the We Care Clean program addresses everything from guest room and common area cleanliness, to streamlined processes that minimize contact between guests and associates while maintaining the customer service you expect from a Best Western-branded hotel.

Based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Health Canada, We Care Clean addresses everything from guestroom and common area cleanliness, to streamlined processes that minimize contact between guests and associates, while maintaining customer service. The program will be updated regularly based upon the latest standards and recommendations by governmental agencies and industry groups.

When you next stay with us, there will be some changes you can clearly see, such as the installation of social distancing floor decals; while others, you can rest assured are taking place behind the scenes, such as the enforcement of heightened and comprehensive cleanliness standards. The We Care Clean program addresses five key areas in our hotels:

Front Desk and Lobby

Guestroom and Housekeeping

Temporary Breakfast Offerings

While recognizing the importance of a quality breakfast, offerings have been adapted to prioritize your health and safety, including:

Public Amenities

Hotel Employees and Staff Requirements:

Hotel in Grand Marais on The Shores of Lake Superior

Superior Inn Grand Marais, is a beautiful hotel situated right on the shores of Lake Superior. When you walk in the doors of Superior Inn you will be met with a the award winning customer service that Best Western Plus Superior Inn Grand Marais is known for.

The amenities and services offered at our lakefront hotel are reminiscent of a hotel you would be paying much more for. At Superior Inn Grand Marais we offer an experience, not just a place to stay. Our 66 richly-appointed smoke-free guest rooms and suites, come complete with 40-inch flat panel televisions, free wireless internet access, microwave, coffee/tea maker, mini refrigerator, and voice mail. You will wake each morning to a delicious complimentary full hot breakfast in our beautiful Breakfast Room. This Grand Marais hotel’s additional amenities include a choice of whirlpool, fireplace or Renewal Steam Suites with walk-in steam shower and picture window with view of Lake Superior. We feature a variety of accommodations with special touches for couples, families and single business travelers.

Have you experienced a spectacular sunrise view over Lake Superior while listening to the waves lapping on the cobblestone shore while at Superior Inn yet? Most of our guests rooms come complete with a private balcony offering up breathtaking views of Lake Superior.

Feel the wind in your face as you glide acros the water on your Grand Marais Hjordis Schooner Outing. The Hjørdis is a 1978 gaff-rigged schooner that bears the name of a Norwegian goddess. The schooner was used as a houseboat for 12 years in the Bahamas prior to its arrival in Lake Superior. In recent years it became part of the Lake Superior Education Program, which operates within the North House Folk School in Grand Marais.

LOCATION: On the Harbor 500 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
| (218) 387-9762 | Website • 0.4 mi From Hotel

Originally, people sailed Lake Superior for utilitarian reasons: fishing and transportation. The Hjørdis is similar to the schooners used by the Scandinavians who settled this region but it sports some modern safety features and claims a completely different mission. The Lake Superior Education Program often works with organized groups but 80% of the participants in its Freshwater Studies Sail inquire individually at the dock in Grand Marais.

The flagship of the Grand Marais Harbor, Hjørdis shares the name of the mythical Norse goddess of war. Take a trip on this 50’ traditionally-rigged steel schooner and gain access to both the largest lake in the world and experience Grand Marais as it was approached in the centuries before Highway 61 — from the water.

Reservations: You can BOOK YOUR RESERVATION ONLINE up to one hour before the scheduled sail. Beyond that, call North House for availability. Per Coast Guard regulations, we can accommodate up to 6 guests per sail. Regardless of age, each passenger counts towards our 6 guest limit, and therefore must be registered. All youth up through age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. As the boat cannot simply return to shore upon request, North House recommends serious consideration before deciding to bring youth ages 0-5 aboard.

Each sail requires a minimum of 3 guests. If the minimum number of guests is not met, the captain may cancel that sail. Alternatively, if two passengers are registered and arrive to find that the minimum number of guests has not been met, they may “float the boat” by paying an additional $10 each which will allow the sail to happen.

Booking & Cancellation Policy
A credit card is required to hold your reservation but will not be charged until the sail. If you cancel your booking more than 48 hours in advance, you will not be charged. If you cancel fewer than 48 hours in advance or do not show up for your sail, your card will be charged the full amount.

More Reservations Detail

Our captains reserve the right to cancel a sail due to weather, equipment failure, or failure to meet the minimum number of guests. If we do cancel a sail, your card will not be charged. We will do our best to notify you ahead of time that your sail is cancelled by phone and email. If you do not get a call from us, assume that your sail is going ahead as scheduled.

Check-in and What to Bring

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your sail is scheduled to depart. Check in at the Yellow Building (School Store).
• Please dress warmly. Out on the lake, the temperature is often at least 10 degrees cooler than on land. Dress in layers and bring a jacket. Sunglasses, a winter hat, mittens, and scarf are recommended.
• You are welcome to bring snacks or beverages along. Water is a great idea.
• If you are bringing a young person who weighs less than 50 lbs, you will need to provide your own PFD.
• Dogs do not make good crew members, and are therefore not allowed on the schooner.

Tags: Grand Marais Hjordis Schooner Outings, Hjordis Schooner, Grand Marais Major Attractions, North Shore Local Guide, Lake Superior North Shore Local Guide

North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide

Our North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide singles out a variety of things to do in the area that visitors have rated as ‘must see/do’. Don’t limit yourself to this list – be sure to browse the rest of the guide for a better idea of what the Lake Superior North Shore area has to offer.

Grand Marais is a small village built along Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Shore and situated on a doubled-harbor stone outcropping of the shoreline. It is found on Highway 61, an All-American road and national Scenic Byway that skirts the North Shore. Grand Marais offers something to do for literally all kinds of visitors.

Outdoor activities are plenty year-round. If outdoors isn’t your ‘thing’, you’ll enjoy shopping while your partner is outdoors, and you’ll both enjoy the variety of dining experiences. Be sure to keep in mind that many restaurants and shops are only open seasonally, so call ahead to check.

View North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide Guide.

Artist’s Point in Grand Marais is something you don’t want to miss. It provides access to the shoreline along a narrow path of concrete. Following it, you’ll find tide pools and rocky shores that take your breath away. You can take the path all the way to the lighthouse. Or head the other direction and visit the pine tree covered “island”. Make sure you have sturdy, comfortable shoes and a good hand on your kids because this is all at your own risk. This location is a favorite for sunsets, storm and great shoreline photographs. And, as its name suggests, you never know when you’ll spot artists at work.

Artist’s Point was formed from eruptions 1.1 billion years ago, the dark gray basalt that makes up the point appears to undulate in many places and is hexagonal fractured where it meets the lake – with picturesque results. The rock patterns and silhouettes combine with the fantastically vivid water colors making the point a breathtakingly beautiful spot. Incredibly some of the fractures split the rock below the water line into narrow inlets barely ten feet wide.

It’s a fantastic vantage point for the Grand Marais harbor, and looking back on land to the Sawtooth Mountains. Don’t just walk out and back. Take your time; watch the waves roll in and watch the sail boats come in and out of the harbor. Artist’s Point is a great place to end your day with amazing sunset pictures.

Trail
0.3 mile out and back
Easy/Intermediate
Elevation Ascent: 8′; Descent: -7′
High: 611′; Low: 605′
Grade: Avg Grade: 1% (1°); Max Grade: 2% (1°)

Tags: Grand Marais Artist’s Point, Artist’s Point, Grand Marais Major Attractions, North Shore Local Guide, Lake Superior North Shore Local Guide

North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide

Our North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide singles out a variety of things to do in the area that visitors have rated as ‘must see/do’. Don’t limit yourself to this list – be sure to browse the rest of the guide for a better idea of what the Lake Superior North Shore area has to offer.

Grand Marais is a small village built along Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Shore and situated on a doubled-harbor stone outcropping of the shoreline. It is found on Highway 61, an All-American road and national Scenic Byway that skirts the North Shore. Grand Marais offers something to do for literally all kinds of visitors.

Outdoor activities are plenty year-round. If outdoors isn’t your ‘thing’, you’ll enjoy shopping while your partner is outdoors, and you’ll both enjoy the variety of dining experiences. Be sure to keep in mind that many restaurants and shops are only open seasonally, so call ahead to check.

View North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide Guide.

This North Shore & Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide singles out a variety of things to do in the area that visitors have rated as ‘must see/do’. Don’t limit yourself to this list – be sure to browse the rest of the guide for a better idea of what the Lake Superior North Shore area has to offer.

Grand Marais is a small village built along Minnesota’s Lake Superior North Shore and situated on a doubled-harbor stone outcropping of the shoreline. It is found on Highway 61, an All-American road and national Scenic Byway that skirts the North Shore. Grand Marais offers something to do for literally all kinds of visitors.

Outdoor activities are plenty year-round. If outdoors isn’t your ‘thing’, you’ll enjoy shopping while your partner is outdoors, and you’ll both enjoy the variety of dining experiences. Be sure to keep in mind that many restaurants and shops are only open seasonally, so call ahead to check.

Tags: Grand Marais Major Attractions Guide, Grand Marais Major Attractions, North Shore Major Attractions Guide, North Shore Major Attractions, Grand Marais Artists Point