Overview
Grand Marais is a harbor village along Lake Superior's shoreline in Minnesota.
5 things to do · 9 places to eat · 1 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Grand Marais
Fisherman's Picnic
The first full weekend in August (31 Jul-2 Aug 2008) is a fun event to be in town for. Fireworks on Saturday night of the festival.
Walk
Out on the natural outcropping of stone that creates the harbor. Great place for kids and dogs to run around in the lapping waves. Artists' Point is a cool thing to see too.
Superior Hiking Trail
Take a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail. You can actually hike this trail all the way from Two Harbors to the Canadian border if you like. Otherwise, pick a portion of it and enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior.
Sawtooth Mountain Stables
Take a scenic, guided trail ride through the Superior National Forest on a horse.
Pump House Fitness Center
Full fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights and strength machines. Private showers. Day passes can be purchased at the Holiday Station during un-staffed hours.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 2°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul. (climate data from nearby Duluth)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- CMX Houghton County Memorial Airport, Hancock — 95 mi away. Directions
- DLH Duluth International Airport, Duluth — 108 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 241 mi away (major hub). Directions
The only way in, and the only way out (at least by car), is Minnesota Highway 61, which parallels Lake Superior. There are other roads that leave town, but they just head into the woods and eventually stop. Highway 61 is the only paved through road in Cook County, so enjoy it. As a historical note, Highway 61 didn't open until the 1920s; before that, most travel to much of anywhere was by scheduled steamer on Lake Superior. This meant, of course, that between sometime in November and about April, there was no service due to ice. During that time, you had your option of horses or dogsled, but this was confounded by the fact that there was really no continuous road where highway 61 is now. There is an airport a few miles out of town, up on the ridges overlooking the lake, but no scheduled service.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $25–$99 a night (typical $69), from 7 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$140, comfortable ~$260.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Fisherman's Picnic, Walk, Superior Hiking Trail
- Lunch Angry Trout Cafe
- Afternoon Sawtooth Mountain Stables, Pump House Fitness Center
- Dinner Gunflint Tavern
- Evening Pickled Herring Club
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Grand Marais is a small village built along the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. Grand Marais is situated on a doubled-harbor stone outcropping of the shoreline. It is 110 miles (177 km) northeast of Duluth and 40 miles (64 km) southwest of the Canadian border along Highway 61, an All-American road and national Scenic Byway. Fully half of the full-time residents of Cook County, Minnesota live in Grand Marais - that's about 1,300 people.
"Grand Marais" is from the French: "big marsh," to distinguish it from the town of Little Marais, which is about 60 miles (96 km) down the road and apparently was built on a smaller marsh. This is apparently boosterism run amok, "You think you have it bad, we have it worse!" Never fear, the town is no longer swampy.
Grand Marais offers a great deal to multiple kinds of visitors. Whether you are interested in getting into the outdoors, shopping, fishing, or getting a great bite to eat, there is a lot to be had in this small town.
Please keep in mind that many restaurants and shops are only open seasonally. Call ahead or you may be disappointed.
Get in
The only way in, and the only way out (at least by car), is Minnesota Highway 61, which parallels Lake Superior. There are other roads that leave town, but they just head into the woods and eventually stop. Highway 61 is the only paved through road in Cook County, so enjoy it. As a historical note, Highway 61 didn't open until the 1920s; before that, most travel to much of anywhere was by scheduled steamer on Lake Superior. This meant, of course, that between sometime in November and about April, there was no service due to ice. During that time, you had your option of horses or dogsled, but this was confounded by the fact that there was really no continuous road where highway 61 is now. There is an airport a few miles out of town, up on the ridges overlooking the lake, but no scheduled service.
And of course, you can boat in via Lake Superior. There is a municipal marina to dock at and get fuel. The harbor generally has a few fair-sized sailboats or powerboats in it, often having sailed across the lake from the Apostle Islands. Boating on Lake Superior isn't necessarily dangerous but isn't for novices, either. The State of Minnesota has created about 15 "safe harbors" up and down the North Shore, because there are virtually no natural harbors along this 130-mile (209 km) stretch. There's a reason they're called "safe harbors;" think about it before you just up-hook and set out.
Get around
There appears to be little public transport in Grand Marais, however the average person should be able to walk the entire town with no problem. Most people drive in and park their car and then proceed to window shop and walk around town. Some rent bikes. Crossing MN 61 is a risky endeavor. Be forewarned.
See
Grand Marais is one of the principle gateways to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, via the Gunflint Trail, which starts in the middle of town and heads up and back into the woods. The Gunflint Trail is 65 miles (105 km) of blacktop winding through very beautiful woods and lakes, with numerous resorts and cabins along the way. Deer, bear, and moose are often seen along (or on) the road at all hours, so keep the right foot light on the pedal. At resorts, or from outfitters, canoes and kayaks are available by the day or week, along with complete or partial outfitting and even guides, for day-to-week-long canoe trips. The BWCAW is one of only a few areas in the U.S. where you can canoe back into a significant true wilderness for weeks at a time, and it adjoins the Quetico Wilderness of Ontario; if you want, you can canoe all the way to Hudson's Bay.
Do
Do Fisherman's Picnic
The first full weekend in August (31 Jul-2 Aug 2008) is a fun event to be in town for. Fireworks on Saturday night of the festival.
Do Walk
Out on the natural outcropping of stone that creates the harbor. Great place for kids and dogs to run around in the lapping waves. Artists' Point is a cool thing to see too.
- Grand Marais is home to a thriving art colony , has lots of galleries with local and regional artists' work, and a well-attended summer arts festival
- Grand Marais also has several outfitting and charter companies. Call ahead for reservations and spend the day, afternoon, or evening sailing Lake Superior with lunch served, or earn your keep fishing.
- Near Grand Marais are several smaller villages, including Lutsen and Schroeder, as well as other State Parks with trails and natural beauty to keep you plenty busy. Try Cascade River State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and Grand Portage State Park. At Judge C.R. Magney State Park, be sure to hike the Devil's Kettle trail, which leads to a magnificent 50-foot (15-m) waterfall that mysteriously disappears into the rock.
- Pick up a copy of the Cook County News-Herald to connect and find out more about what to do while in Grand Marais.
Do Pump House Fitness Center
Full fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights and strength machines. Private showers. Day passes can be purchased at the Holiday Station during un-staffed hours.
Learn
- Take a class at North House Folk School, teaches traditional northern crafts, everything from wooden boat building to knife making to baking.
- Grand Marais Art Colony, Begun in 1947, it is Minnesota's oldest art colony. Offers classes in oil, water colors, ceramics, glass, print and more. Special events include the Grand Marais Art Festival, held in the middle of July, and the Plein Aire Painting Competition at the end of August.
Buy
Shop Drury Lane Books
Look for a small house on a dead-end street, brightly painted and usually waving a flag. Enter the small book store for a variety of books on local topics. Local authors are also found there and you can often get an autographed copy of a book.
Shop Joynes Ben Franklin
Catering to your needs in outdoor clothing, camping supplies, souvenirs, gifts and life's everyday necessities!
Shop Gunflint Mercantile
Made-from-scratch Fudge, Turtles and Truffles and each and every soup and cookie mix is put together by hand in our kitchen. Jams & Syrups made locally. 100% Arabica Fair Trade Coffee is roasted in Minnesota and all rice, pasta, and beans come from Bemidji. Stop by for a free sample!
Eat
- The Pie Place, known for having great breakfast and pie
Eat Angry Trout Cafe
A cute waterfront restaurant that serves great food and supports local artists as well as local craftsmen. Anything seen in the restaurant was made in the area and is available for purchase. The building itself features indoor and outdoor eating in an old commercial fishing house turned restaurant. Open seasonally from May to mid-October.
Eat Gunflint Tavern
Offers many vegan and organic choices, a fine wine list and a plethora of micro-brews. On weekends live music is often playing, reggae, jazz or blues. Great atmosphere for dinner and a couple drinks.
Eat Sven & Ole's
Renowned for great pizza, they also offer salads, sandwiches, etc. Many Minnesotans have often seen the yellow S&O's bumper stickers around the area so feel free to pick one up from your visit as well. Great for groups, S&O's is the type of place where you order at the counter and they bring it out piping hot from the oven to your table.
- Johnson's Foods, a family owned grocery store known for their friendly smiles, located next to the only stoplight in the county!
Eat World's Best Donuts
Get 'em before they run out.
Eat Beth's Fudge & Gift
While this place is more of a tourist trap, offering bobble-head moose, Grand Marais sweatshirts, and shot glasses - among other things - Beth's Fudge & Gift is a must-see for the fudge one can get in the back of the shop. If you buy 1 lb of fudge, you get a 1/4 lb free. Fudges include mint, rocky road, and peanut butter and the best chocolate amaretto you have ever tasted!
Eat My Sister's Place
This is casual northwoods dining at its best. Serves burgers, sandwiches, soups, and locally caught fish.
Eat Sydneys Frozen Custard
known for great frozen custard, featuring their custom blended sydnami cocretes, Sydneys also serves Chicago Dogs, Gyros, and an eclectic choice of pita wraps, situated on lake superior with its own beach it has outdoor seating with a dining deck on the roof that offers a great vantage point of the harbor and east bay. One of a kind a must stop.
Eat Cook County Whole Foods Co-op
Natural Foods Grocery Store with a grab n go deli carrying soups, sandwiches, salads, spreads and hot coffee. They carry healthy juices, trail foods, organic produce, cheese, meats, bulk foods and grocery items.
Drink
Drink Pickled Herring Club
After you've eaten your way through a Sven & Ole's pizza, head up to the Pickled Herring Club for a drink. Very, very small, but cozy atmosphere.
Sleep
Grand Marais has many lodging options, depending on the kind of vacation that you would like to have. Options include wonderful hotels with fire places, jacuzzi tubs, and beautiful views, all the way down to simple cabins with running water and not much else. Many smaller lodging places that are family run may only be open seasonally.
Stay Anderson's North Shore Resort
These are simple cabins, perched on the top of cliff overlooking Hwy 61 and Lake Superior. Though nothing fancy, these cabins have a beautiful view from the decks, especially on a moonlit night.
Stay Grand Marais RV Park
If you have an RV, this is the only place in town to go. 300 sites. Options for water and electric hookups. Bathhouses, public phones, boat launch.
Stay Kahneetah Cottages & Gallery
These are quaint cottages without lake views. The owners are friendly and a gallery with local art is located on-site. Pets were accepted at last visit.
Stay Nelson's Travelers Rest
These are pleasant cabins, many with fireplaces. Other lodging options at this resort are motel-style rooms. Not all cabins have a lake view, but the property does go down directly to the shore line. Pets not allowed.
Go next
Take a short road trip out from Grand Marais to visit the many sites. Travelers can head north on Hwy 61 to the Canadian border and visit Fort William Historic Park in Thunder Bay. The kids will enjoy this historical fort with actors recreating many activities. Otherwise, head south on Hwy 61 from Grand Marais and visit Lutsen. Here you can ski (in winter), ride the gondola, and hike. On your way south on Hwy 61, be sure to stop in Tofte and visit Coho Cafe Bakery & Deli where you can munch on gigantic sandwiches and fantastic spreads.
Nearby
Lutsen
City / town · 9 listings · 17 mi away
Grand Portage
City / town · 2 listings · 34 mi away
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Park · 3 listings · 56 mi away
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Park · 64 mi away
Madeline Island
City / town · 67 mi away
Bayfield
City / town · 1 listings · 69 mi away
Ely
City / town · 31 listings · 71 mi away
Cornucopia
City / town · 2 listings · 72 mi away
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