Location: Grand Marais
Top Things to do in Grand Marais
The 10 Best Things to Do in Grand Marais, United States
Grand Marais is a city in Cook County, Minnesota, United States. It is a northern village located on the shores of Lake Superior, and a vibrant, bustling town. The population was 1,351 at the 2010 census. It is also the county seat and sole municipality of Cook County. Prior to inhabitation by white settlers and prior to Minnesota’s statehood, Grand Marais was inhabited by the Anishinaable indigenous people, the thriving woodland people also known as the Ojibwe. The Ojibwe name for the area is Gichi-biitoobiig, which means "great duplicate water," "parallel body of water" or "double body of water" (like a bayou), a reference to the two bays which form the large harbor off Lake Superior.
Restaurants in Grand Marais
1. Grand Portage State Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 173 reviews
Located northwest of Lake Superior, this area offers camping, hiking, cross-country skiing and dogsledding.
Reviewed By Traveler918 - West Des Moines, Iowa
Minnesota's North Shore is lined with fabulous state parks, most built around rivers and waterfalls. This is the most northern one (on the border with Canada) and the falls are both easily accessible and very impressive! When the sun shines, you should be able to see a rainbow. Our stop here wasn't long (because the trail was relatively short) but completely worthwhile. After seeing the waterfall, we drove the short distance to Grand Portage National Monument, also well worth a visit.
2. Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 281 reviews
A good example of Minnesota's North Shore wilderness with waterfalls, forests and wildlife.
Reviewed By MALsVETTE - Flagler Beach, Florida
went UP and Down to see the Devil's Kettle waterfalls - plenty of stairs (180 EACH way) plus the regular path/trail. Beautiful Sunday and great scenery...some leaves were turning colors here. well worth the effort - give yourself 2 hours to appreciate!
3. Sivertson Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By donih - St Paul Minnesota Usa
We love this gallery. There is always new artists work and they are pet friendly as well. They have lovely jewelry, wood, paintings, pottery and more.
4. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center presents the cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail. Chik-Wauk Museum has interpretive and interactive displays that present the area’s cultural history from its prehistoric beginnings to the development of today’s unique, rural community. Chik-Wauk Nature Center aims to reveal the magic of nature along the Gunflint trail for young and old alike. We invite you to immerse your senses in all that the natural area has to offer. Outside, a network of nature trails crisscrosses Chik-Wauk’s 50-acre grounds. Plan to immerse yourself in the Gunflint Trail forest with Chik-Wauk's family-focused, self-guided naturalist program, which includes activity packs for use on the Chik-Wauk grounds. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center is a partnership of the Gunflint Trail Historical Society and Superior National Forest, Gunflint Ranger District. Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center is closed for the season. It opens back up for the season on May 26, 2018
Reviewed By Nancy F - Brookings, South Dakota
This was the second time in five years that I have visited this museum. New to the site was the hands on area that children will like. Friendly staff. Informative and interesting displays that tell the history of the Gunflint Trail. And we saw a bear with two cubs across the marshes!
5. Grand Marais Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By Kgordon10 - Minneapolis, Minnesota
This little lighthouse sits at the end of an amazing concrete walk. The pathway is surrounded by rustic rock formations...and if you step off the path, you can find the names of the original settlers of Grand Marias, Minnesota carved in the rocks. This tradition started with the town celebration of the Fisherman's Picnic. During the picnic, sweethearts and families walked out on the rocks and carved their names year after year. You will find town names like Mayhew and Johnson.The annual The Fisherman’s Picnic celebrations in Grand Marais go back more than 80 years. The best part of this walk are finding the little known carvings.
6. Pincushion Mountain Trail System
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By Kim M - Thunder Bay
We did a day trip to Grand Marais to check out the mountain bike trails. This area is about a 5 minute drive from the city centre. I would suggest getting a map of the trails at the local bike shop in Grand Marais before venturing here (suggested donation = $2 for the map) although there are signs up along the trails. There is a a nice variety of intermediate and advanced trails that seem well maintained and were a lot of fun to ride.
7. Poplar Lake
Overall Ratings
5 based on 33 reviews
Entry point to many lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Reviewed By Anita D - Minneapolis, Minnesota, Usa
Beautiful lake with islands. Entry to the BWCAW. Easy portage to other lakes, or just fun staying on this lake for a short trip. Outfitters with canoe rental available on Gunflint trail.
8. Grand Marais Art Colony
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Nestled in the harbor-side village of Grand Marais, Minnesota, with direct access to Lake Superior and the BWCA wilderness, the Art Colony is a gateway for people to explore their creativity in a nurturing atmosphere. The Art Colony supports artists and creative seekers at every step of their creative journey from novice to professional artist through a variety of educational opportunities. With over 200 classes, artist talks, family-friendly activities, artist services (including residencies and studio access), and artist-driven community events.
Reviewed By Rbj2040 - Alton, Illinois
Neat idea, several very interesting sessions and lots of new ideas. Planning for the next offering could use some forethought and consideration for both convience of participants and the economy of the area. Missed opportunities for cross pollination and civic coordination.
9. Honeymoon Bluff
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Kalyn310 - Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
We stopped at the Honeymoon Bluff trail after staying at a resort on the Gunflint Trail, and the hike was relatively quick and worth the incredible views from the top. The trail is about a 3/4 of a mile loop, and there are a lot of stairs and inclines/declines for those that may have mobility concerns. It is worth the quick hike for the views at the top.
10. Visit Cook County
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
The official information center for the communities of Lutsen – Tofte – Schroeder, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage. Here in the tip of Minnesota’s Arrowhead, amidst the north shore of Lake Superior and the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), you can go bigger, play harder and relax better than anywhere else in the Midwest.
Reviewed By DNvisitors - Knoxville, Tennessee
This was our first visit, so were stopped. It has another great view of Superior right along Hwy 61, entrance roads from both directions, handicap parking available and a large decking that almost surround the building. The people inside are very friendly and knowledgeable about the area, so just ask them about anything. Their maps and tips are great!
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