Grand Marais Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Grand Marais with this comprehensive travel guide featuring natural attractions, hiking/biking routes, local culture, safety tips, where to stay, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Grand Marais, Minnesota

Grand Marais is a charming harbor town located in North Shore, Northeastern Minnesota, with a rich cultural heritage and a stunning natural landscape that offers outdoor adventure activities and scenic views.

Discover all the best places to visit, where to eat and drink, where to stay, and what to do while visiting Grand Marais in this comprehensive travel guide that covers everything from cultural attractions to outdoor adventures.

Introduction to Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a small harbor town located on the shores of Lake Superior, known for its unique charm, rich cultural history, and beautiful natural attractions. It is a perfect destination for all kinds of travelers, whether you want to explore the great outdoors or learn about the local culture.

List of Places to Visit in Grand Marais

  • Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
    • Cook County Historical Society Museum
    • Grand Marais Art Colony
    • North House Folk School
  • Natural Attractions of Grand Marais: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
    • Superior Hiking Trail
    • Cascade River State Park
    • Artist’s Point
    • Judge C.R. Magney State Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Grand Marais

Grand Marais boasts some of the best trails in the Midwest for hiking, biking, and trekking enthusiasts.

  • Superior Hiking Trail
  • Pincushion Mountain Trails
  • Devil Track River Trail

Best Things to Do in Grand Marais: Activities and Tours

Some of the best things to do while in Grand Marais include:

  • Kayaking Tour on Lake Superior
  • Grand Marais Harbor Tour
  • North Shore Winery Tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Grand Marais

If you plan on spending a week in Grand Marais, here’s a perfect itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Artist’s Point, Cook County Historical Society Museum, and enjoy a sunset at Gunflint Trail
Day 2 Hike the Superior Hiking Trail during the day and go on a Grand Marais Harbor Tour in the evening
Day 3 Drive to Judge C.R. Magney State Park, hike the Devil’s Kettle Trail, and have a picnic on Lake Superior
Day 4 Go on a kayaking tour at Lake Superior
Day 5 Visit Cascade River State Park and North Shore Winery
Day 6 Take a scenic drive to Grand Portage and explore its beautiful wilderness
Day 7 Relax, unwind, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Grand Marais

Food and Drink Scene of Grand Marais

Grand Marais has a vibrant food and drink scene, with many delicious local dishes and beverages that you must try.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lake Trout
  • Wild Rice Hotdish
  • Pasties

Local Beverages

  • North Shore Winery
  • Voyageur Brewing Company

Where to Stay in Grand Marais: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Grand Marais offers various options for accommodation, ranging from luxurious hotels to more affordable hostels and guesthouses.

  • Grand Marais Harbor Inn
  • East Bay Suites
  • Super 8 by Wyndham

What to Buy in Grand Marais: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wild Rice
  • Birch Syrup
  • Hand-Woven Baskets

Local Culture and Customs of Grand Marais

Grand Marais is a small town with a rich cultural heritage that values traditional values, such as:

  • Respect for Nature
  • Hospitality to Strangers
  • Strong Community Bonds

Best Time to Visit Grand Marais

The best time to visit Grand Marais is during the summer and fall season, from June to October. In these months, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and the foliage in the forests is breathtakingly beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Grand Marais

Do:

  • Respect Nature
  • Practice Safety Measures
  • Tread Softly

Don’t:

  • Litter in Public
  • Hunt Without Permission
  • Walk off the Trails

Safety and Health

Safety in Grand Marais

Grand Marais is generally a safe town to visit. However, you should always practice standard safety measures, such as:

  • Carry a Map
  • Keep Your Valuables Safe
  • Beware of Wildlife

Health in Grand Marais

Grand Marais has a health center that provides primary care services. For serious health issues, it is best to visit a hospital located in the nearby town of Duluth.

Getting to Grand Marais: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Grand Marais

  • Duluth International Airport (DLH)
  • Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)

Bus Stations Near Grand Marais

  • Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car Rental
  • Taxi Services

How to Get Around in Grand Marais

  • By Car
  • By Bike
  • On Foot

Where to Go Next from Grand Marais: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lutsen Mountains
  • Gunflint Trail
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Conclusion

Grand Marais is a hidden gem of Minnesota and offers many exciting activities and attractions that are perfect for all kinds of travelers. Whether you want to explore its beautiful natural landscape or immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage, you are sure to have a memorable trip to Grand Marais.

The entrance to the Lake Superior harbor at Grand Marais. The entrance to the Lake Superior harbor at Grand Marais. A view of Grand Marais from Lake Superior. A view of Grand Marais from Lake Superior. Entering downtown Grand Marais from MN 61. Entering downtown Grand Marais from MN 61. Grand Marais Cook County Airport Grand Marais Cook County Airport Fireweed Bike Co-Op, which offers bike rentals. Fireweed Bike Co-Op, which offers bike rentals. A pedestrian crossing in Grand Marais. A pedestrian crossing in Grand Marais. The Gunflint Trail. The Gunflint Trail. Artists' Point Hiking Trail. Artists' Point Hiking Trail. Cook County News-Herald Cook County News-Herald One of several sculptures in this arts community. One of several sculptures in this arts community. North House Folk School. North House Folk School. Beaver House, downtown. Beaver House, downtown. Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op. Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op. Maple bacon doughnut, of regional fame. Maple bacon doughnut, of regional fame. World's Best Donuts, downtown Grand Marais. World's Best Donuts, downtown Grand Marais. Downtown Grand Marais, which has a surprisingly good night life. Downtown Grand Marais, which has a surprisingly good night life. East Bay Suites overlooking Lake Superior. East Bay Suites overlooking Lake Superior.