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.

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.”

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

Grand Marais and the Lake Superior North Shore offer hundreds of miles of cross-country skiing trails. In fact, Cook County, Minnesota has the largest network of cross-country trails in North America. You can stay close to Grand Marais (see trail info below), 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.

Grand Marais Area Cross Country Ski Trails

Grand Marais Ski Trails at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
These ski trails are located about 1.7 miles west of the Superior Inn Grand Marais on county road H-58, across from the Sable Lake Ranger Station. The trail receives about 140″ of snow annually. Each trail offers a variety of loop lengths for a leisurely day ski or quick workout at the end of the day. All Lakeshore trails are designed for diagonal stride only – skating is not permitted. Trail junctions are marked with green posts and maps are available at most intersections. Trails are groomed regularly – watch and listen for grooming equipment when you ski. Grand Marais Ski Trails Map

Pincushion Mountain Cross Country Ski Trails
From Hwy 61 in Grand Marais, drive north on Gunflint Trail (County Road 12) about 2 miles, then turn right / east on County Road 53 less than one minute to scenic overlook. Includes 25K single tracked with skating lane with 7K expert trails including loops from 1K to 4.1K; the entire Pincushion Mountain Cross Country Ski Trail system is in a birch forest featuring Devil Track River valley and hilly terrain. Level of Difficulty – easy, more difficult & most difficult.

George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail
The George Washington Pines Winter Recreation Trail is a relatively short 3.3 km trail located just seven miles up the Gunflint Trail from the Superior Inn in Grand Marais. The trail system passes through a beautiful grove of pines, the George Washington Memorial Pine Plantation. The multi-use trail is shared by cross country skiers, snowshoers, and people using dogs for skijoring. People also might be simply hiking or walking their dog on the trail. This is an easy trail, suitable for beginning skiers or for people looking for an easy access quick ski close to town. George Washington Pines Ski Trails Map

Cross Country Skiing Safety Concerns
“Stuff happens” regardless of the season. In this case you can be in remote areas where you could injure yourself, where temperatures over extended time could be life threatening. Following the general rules and regulations of marked trails and state parks by staying on track will assure that you stay away from hidden dangers. Dangers may include hidden water sources or hot springs, drop-offs and cliffs. Skiing with a friend or group is recommended to create a buddy system in the event there is an accident or emergency. Check the weather ahead of time, right up to departure, both for road travel issues, and expected conditions during your skiing. Be ready to postpone your trip if necessary!

Dogs, Bikes, Snowshoes & Boots are all allowed on trails marked ‘okay’ for their use. Otherwise, choose a non-cross-country ski trail. Check trail maps for details.

Tags: North Shore Cross Country Skiing, Grand Marais Shore Cross Country Skiing, Cook County Shore Cross Country Skiing, North Shore Shore Cross Country Ski Trails, Grand Marais Cross Country Ski Trails, Cook County Cross Country Cross Country Ski Trails, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

If you’re looking for Cook County, Minnesota or North Shore Snow Skiing & Snow Boarding, your destination is the Lutzen Mountains only 20 miles from Grand Marais, Spread across four mountains — Eagle, Ullr, Mystery and Moose — Lutsen Mountains offers more variety than any Midwestern ski area. The new Doppelmayr gondola makes it easier to get between the two furthest peaks, Eagle and Moose, while joyriding above a stream-cut canyon.

Lutsen is quadruple the size of most Great Lakes ski resorts. With four peaks, more than 1,000 acres, over 1,000-foot vertical drop, over 90 runs and the region’s only gondola, it’s a legitimate ski area. This New England look-alike also gets rave reviews from skiers and snowboarders for the scenery, thanks to its spectacular views of Lake Superior from just about anywhere on the mountain. Located on four separate peaks of the Sawtooth Mountain range – Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain – Lutsen offers long New England-like trails.

445 Ski Hill Road, Lutsen, MN 55612 | (800) 360.7666 | Website • 21 Miles From Superior Inn

Current Lutzen Winter Season Opening Dates, Hours & Rates

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

You don’t have to travel to the Arctic Circle to see the Aurora Borealis, or northern lights. With the right conditions you can find them bright and clear from anywhere in Cook County / Grand Marais, Minnesota. Their far-northern location and open, dark skies make this one of the world’s best places to view northern lights.

Improve your odds of finding the best northern lights viewing experience by following these tips:

Check the forecast: Best viewing is found on clear nights with little to no moonlight. That means Minnesota’s long, dark winter nights present the perfect opportunity to hunt for the northern lights.

Stay up late: Best times to see Northern Lights is often between 9 pm – 4 am, so bring along plenty of coffee or tea. This time of evening and early morning is often the coldest part of the night in Minnesota, don’t skip the next tip about bundling up.

Dress warm: Northern Minnesota nights get very chilly (that’s cold for Southerners!). If you’re not used to it (or if you come unprepared) it could be dangerous. A warm jacket, hat and good pair of mittens or gloves are a must Heat escapes through your extremiti. We also recommend bringing blankets and a thermos of your favorite warm beverage to keep things cozy. If you get here and realize you forgot an important piece of gear, local shops or outfitters and guides will have what you need.

Look North: Grab a compass and find a spot with a good view to the north, someplace without hills or trees blocking your line of sight. Forgot your compass? The night sky has you covered. You can use the Big Dipper, a prominent northern constellation, to find north and the direction to search. The two stars on the far edge of the big dipper’s bowl point directly to Polaris, the North Star. Before you venture out, check out our list of favorite northern lights viewing areas in each Cook County community.

Turn off your lights: Artificial light will make it more difficult to see the northern lights and your eyes need time to adjust to the natural darkness. Once they do, you’ll be able to see more than you ever thought possible. Be sure to turn off car lights, house lights, flashlights and keep your cell phone screen dim. Any exposure artificial light may disrupt your night vision and could jeopardize your moment to see the northern lights.

Be patient: Part of the mystique of the northern lights is the absolute unpredictability of occurrence. Sometimes, you wait all night for the tiniest flicker of movement in the sky. Other nights, you’re witness to a wondrous dancing display of intense color across the sky.

Know what to look for: The northern lights appear in a broad spectrum of colors, so you never quite know what to expect. Most typically seen is a faint green-yellow or white-grey display that can almost be confused with bonfire smoke, or clouds. However, deep purples and vivid reds have also been known to regularly appear in Cook County.

Tell a friend: When venturing into the woods to find that perfect spot, be sure to let someone know where you are going and when you expect to return. It is also recommended to scout your location during the day to be sure all roads are open, accessible and safe.

Tags: North Shore Northern Lights, Grand Marais Northern Lights, Cook County Northern Lights, Minnesota Northern Lights, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.

There is something almost mystical about North Shore ice fishing. The frozen lakes may seem quiet in winter, but underneath that ice, the water is teeming with the best fish in the Northland: lake trout, rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and panfish.

Your Stone Harbor Wilderness ice fishing tour starts when you assemble at 9:00 a.m. (they are located on 275 feet from the Superior Inn) to get geared up. Then your guide takes you to one of the Gunflint Trail’s inland lakes where you trek across the ice until you find the best fishing hole. (We can’t give away all of our secrets, but you can bet that your guide has been spending plenty of time looking for where the fish are biting.) We can say that due to normally unfavorable conditions, we usually do not offer ice fishing on Lake Superior itself.

There’s no need to worry about the cold Minnesota wind because your guide brings along a portable ice house, heater, lunch and warm beverages. That means you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy a day out on the ice.

Whether you are an experienced angler or brand new to this winter tradition, call them at 218-387-3136 to schedule a day of ice fishing.

Full Day Ice Fishing Trips are $150/person. Meet at Stone Harbor at 8:30 AM to get geared up. Then it is off to the lake to pursue lake and rainbow trout, walleye, northern pike and panfish.

Half Day Ice Fishing Trips are $100/person. This is the ideal trip for bringing younger family members! We meet you at Stone Harbor at 8:30 AM to get geared up. After that we head to the lake for a great morning of fishing.

What Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Provides: Rods, lures and all fishing equipment,
Snowshoes and trekking poles, if needed, Ice auger, Portable ice house and heater, Lunch & warm beverages, and Transportation from our store to the fishing site.

Recommended Packing List: Are you missing something from the equipment list? All participants receive a 10% discount at Stone Harbor on the day before and the day of the trip. Or if you prefer, we rent high quality Wintergreen clothing to keep you toasty warm.

More information about Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply

Tags: North Shore Ice Fishing, Grand Marais Icefishing, North Shore Winter Activities, Grand Marais Winter Activities

Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you would expect Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities to include just about everything you could want to do on this slippery white stuff! You’d be right, and you can enjoy it on the 400 km of groomed cross-country ski trails (the biggest such network in North America), 450 miles of snowmobile trails, and 1,000 acres of downhill skiing and snowboarding.

“Lutsen Mountains” is the largest ski area in the Midwest. It features four interconnected mountains of the Sawtooth Mountain range with 95 runs that spread across 1000 acres overlooking Lake Superior. These four peaks include Moose Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Ullr Mountain and Mystery Mountain.

The Sawtooth Mountains are located amongst the rugged terrain found along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Rising over 1000 feet from the shores of Lake Superior at angles that vary from 8 to 20 degrees, they drop off steeply on their northern slopes. They were named “sawtooth” due to their relatively uniform size, angles, and regularity of spacing as viewed from Lake Superior to the east, from which their crest line creates a profile that resembles the teeth of an enormous saw.

From the west, rising from the Temperance River, major peaks of the mountain range include Eagle Mountain at Lutsen (tallest), Carlton Peak above Temperance River State Park, Leveaux Mountain and a knob immediately across the Onion River, Moose Mountain, peaks along a ridge above Cascade River State Park, Murphy Mountain, and Sawtooth Bluff above Grand Marais.

View Grand Marais & North Shore Winter Activities Guide.