Complete Guide to Grand Marais, Minnesota

** Updated : October, 2022 **
​Use the map to see a visual of all our recommendations - click the arrow next to our photo to have a pop up list! This post may also contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase a product via these links, with no extra cost to you

Getting There

Grand Marais is a small town in Cook County, Minnesota. Known for family friendly festivals, celebrating the arts, and just for being a cute town in general, Grand Marais is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior - about 2 hours north of Duluth, Minnesota. Grand Marais has long been a favorite of ours, and is often very crowded during the summer months. We highly recommend going in the early summer, or spring and fall seasons to avoid the crowds. The only downside to visiting during the off season is many restaurants and shops close by mid-October.

Campgrounds and Stays in the Area

Personally, we’ve only ever camped when visiting at the Grand Marais Campground & Marina, as we typically take a day trip here from somewhere else along the North Shore. However, if you’re looking for an adventure and don’t mind driving a bit, we highly recommend staying on the Gunflint Trail with Voyageur Canoe Outfitters - this was our most recent visit and we absolutely loved it! If you’re looking to stay somewhere along the North Shore, we’ve previously stayed at Cascade Lodge once and Lamb’s Resort (also camping) many times, and can personally recommend the two.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for places to stay specific to Grand Marais, you actually have quite a few options :

• The Mangy Moose - these cabin like rooms have lots of amenities and they're the top recommended place to stay!
• Best Western Plus Superior Inn - beautiful rooms & common areas, plus right on the lakefront!
• Cascade Vacation Rentals - they have a wide array of lodging available to rent throughout the North Shore, including plenty of places in Grand Marais
• East Bay Suites - also located right on the shores of Lake Superior, they have plenty of options 
• The Mayhew Inn - this boutique lodging option is located right next to the restaurants and shops downtown

Best Local Spots to Eat

One of our favorite things to do in Grand Marais is to try all the local restaurants, believe me there are more than you think. Unfortunately, one of our all time favorites - Sven & Oles’ Pizza - has permanently closed. We’re looking forward to seeing what might pop up in it’s place!

Our other personal favorites :

• Sydney's Frozen Custard & Wood Fired Pizza - like their name says, great pizza and ice cream!
• Hungry Hippie Tacos - awesome flatbread tacos!
• ​Voyageur Brewing - great snacks and drinks (they also have a kombucha option)!
• Beth's Fudge & Gifts - you can't go wrong with fudge ;)
• World's Best Donuts - self explanatory, go early to have the most options still available!
• Java Moose - great local coffee shop!

Other options in town :

• South of the Border Cafe
• Blue Water Cafe
• Gunflint Tavern
• Birch Terrace
• Food Trucks - The LunchBox, The Crooked Spoon Food Truck, Shook Food Truck, The Bad Seed Food Truck

Best Things to Do

Although the town of Grand Marais is on the smaller side, there is so much to do and explore in the area! Our current favorite is getting out on the Gunflint Trail to hike! Otherwise, read on for some other options near Grand Marais!

You can read our full guide to the Gunflint Trail here!

• ​Visit a local Fish Market - The Fisherman's Daughter at Dockside Fishing Market
• Go Mini Golfing at Put n Pets Mini Golf
• Head out on a Guided Fly Fishing Trip with Fly Box
• Go Shopping - there are plenty of cute shops on the main streets in town like The Sweetwater Co, North 61, Gunflint Mercantile & Candy Company, The Big Lake, and the always classic Ben Franklins (this might be the last one around)
• Check out the Cook County Museum or the Gunflint Ranger Station
• Go Hiking - we always love making our way out to the Grand Marais Lighthouse at Artists' Point and Falls Waterfall just out of town! Or you could try checking out the Pincushion Mountain Trail System that connects to the Superior Hiking Trail!
• Have a Picnic - you can either stay right on the beaches in town or head out of town to the Cut Face Creek Wayside Rest Area

Fun Facts

• Public restrooms are located at 15 North Broadway.
• Parking can be very limited, especially during the busy summer months.
• Grand Marais has a population of about 1,300 - but receive almost 1 million visitors each year!
• In the 1700's it was known as a French Canadian fur trading station!

Watch our adventure on the Gunflint Trail here!

Check out our other Minnesota blogs here!

• Crosby-Ironton
• Cuyuna Cove
• DIY Winery Tour
• Grand Marais​

• Gunflint Trail
• ​Taylors Falls-St. Croix Falls
• Voyageur Canoe Outfitters​

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