Grand Marais Annual Events Archives - Superior Inn Grand Marais

Pincushion Winter Festival

David Hart — Sat, 18 Feb 2023 08:00:00 +0000

2023 Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Race & Tour

Winter fun awaits you at the annual Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races on February 18, 2023 at Pincushion Mountain Trails, about 2 miles up the Gunflint Trail overlooking Grand Marais. Registration is now open at pincushiontrails.org. Online registration is preferred making it easier for the race volunteers, but Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races participants can register on the morning of the races between 8:00 and 9:00. The 10km classic, 10km freestyle, and 25km classic races and 10km tour begin at 10:00. There is also a woodie-ski division included. Free hats are available to the first 70 participants registered for the 10km and 25km races/tour.

They’ve been maintained as ski, running, and bike trails for about 30 years by a volunteer organization called the North Superior Ski and Run Club (NSSR).

Following the Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races we’ll have bonfires, prizes and refreshments. Starting on 1:30 pm there are kid races (1/2km, 1.5km and 3km). The fun continues with 3km and 7km Skijoring races at 2:30. Spectators are welcome and participation is encouraged.

Location

Pincushion Chalet
1 Pincushion Drive
Grand Marais, MN 55604

Pincushion Winter Festival Ski Races Events:

25 km classic on more challenging terrain starting at 10:00AM Central Time
10 km classic tour/race on easier terrain starting at 10:00AM Central Time
10 km freestyle race on easier terrain starting at 10:10 Central Time
Kids races (1/2km, 1.5km, or 3km) starting at 1:30PM Central Time
Skijoring races starting at 2:30 Central Time
Online Pincushion Winter Festival Registration & Events Detail

Event Fees

Free ski hats to first 70 registrations on the 10km classic/freestyle and 25km classic races
25km classic – $50 until Feb. 17, $55 on race day
10km classic/freestyle – $30 until Feb. 17, $35 on race day
Kids Races (free to Cook County Y-Ski members!) – $10 to all others
Skijoring races (3km & 7km) – $30

About North Superior Ski and Running Club

The North Superior Ski and Running Club, Inc., (NSSRC) is a Minnesota member based non-profit corporation whose mission is to promote outdoor, silent sports for the lifetime enjoyment of all, especially young people. NSSRC has created and maintained the Pincushion Mountain Trail System in conjunction with the US Forest Service and Cook County. All work completed on this fine trail system was either volunteer or paid for from club proceeds. To this day, club members continue to volunteer their time and money to maintain and improve this tremendous trail facility.

NSSRC owns and maintains a Pisten Bully trail groomer, snowmobile ski trail grooming equipment, maintenance garage and warming chalet, as well as a waxing building at the Pincushion Trailhead. The 25 kilometers of trails include 2km of lighted trails and scenic overlooks of Lake Superior. In addition to grooming the trails for winter ski use, the club mows and maintains the trails for summer use. They also support Junior Ski Racing, a Youth Ski League for ages 13 and under, Cook County High Nordic Skiing, Cross Country Running, and Track teams, as well as numerous events at Pincushion.

NSSRC is the host of the Sawtooth International Ski Races and the Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run/Walk held annually on the Pincushion Trail System. North Superior Ski and Running Club was recognized by the US Forest Service when they were named Outstanding Volunteer Organization of 1999.

Best Winter North Shore Hotels in Grand Marais, Minnesota

Winter at Best Western Plus Superior Inn & Suites

The only way to improve on all the North Shore winter activities and attractions, is to stay at TripAdvisor’s top Grand Marais hotel! With an average of 120 inches of snow per year, you can be sure there is a lot of winter this far north in Minnesota. You would also 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. Be sure to check out Superior Inn’s extensive North Shore Winter Activities Guide and Grand Marais Area Event Calendar for lots of information on what to do while you’re here.

Best Western Plus Superior Inn Winter Gallery

Whether you’re here for an event like the Pincushion Winter Festival, holiday visit, business, or a North Shore getaway, you will find our lakefront hotel is the perfect setting to relax and recover from all the day’s activities. What better way to unwind after a busy winter Minnesota day than in Superior Inn’s beautiful Fireside Lobby and Cove Bar & Bistro.

With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, we stand out among other Grand Marais lodging choices. For couples or family getaways, we offer a variety of rooms and suites with king, queen or two queen beds. Our free hot breakfast, free local calls, giant indoor hot tub and fitness center make the hotel a great place to stretch your travel budget. View hotel detail.

All rooms feature lakefront views, ergonomic desk and chairs, magnifying ligated make-up mirrors, double-headed shower heads and Bee Kind® bath amenities, we strive to provide a Superior Experience. And, as always, you will receive the superior customer service that you expect from any Best Western Hotel. View accommodation detail.

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Unplugged Music Festival Birch Bark Bash

David Hart — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

2023 Unplugged Music Festival Birch Bark Bash

Join us for the Annual Unplugged Music Festival Birch Bark Bash on September 14-17, 2021 at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota. This year, Unplugged celebrates 25 years of gathering the community to celebrate craft and music on the harbor in Grand Marais. Building on that history and the skills learned in last year’s Unplugged, we will offer an unprecedented Unplugged on Saturday, September 18th! Join us from the comfort of your home or safely gather with friends on campus to view this year’s program.

Thursday and Friday night will feature two unforgettable nights of music with Sean Carey, Pieta Brown, Mike Lewis, Jeremy Ylvisaker, Joe Rainey Sr., Dylan Jennings, and Barbara Jean Meyers. If you were with us last year, you know you’ll want to make sure you have tickets for both nights!

Saturday Morning will mark the second annual family concert, which will be followed by the Birch Bark Bash hosted by Chef Scott Graden of the New Scenic Café.

We’ll also be hosting the Folk Artisan Marketplace, along with a speaker series, and the Points North Online Auction.

Mark your calendar – Tickets go on sale August 1st – and last year sold out in just a few days.

North House gives special thanks to Visit Cook County for sponsoring this event.

Location
North House Folk School
500 W Highway 61
Grand Marais, MN 55604

For more details, visit the North House Unplugged website.

Questions or comments: Development Director, Tom Morse (tmorse@northhouse.org)

About the North House Folk School

North House Folk School, host of the annual Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival, was founded in 1997 by a small handful of inspired locals passionate about traditional craft and cooperative learning. When we published the first catalog of 12 courses (including Inuit kayak building, Scandinavian bowl carving, and canoe paddle making), North House didn’t yet have a home — or even a classroom. However, two old forest service buildings on the harbor serendipitously became available, and North House settled in and began building a campus. Campus has changed and expanded over the years, but those two original buildings — the red building and the blue building — are still at its heart. North House has thrived over the ensuing two decades, and now hosts over 350 classes and 3,000 students per year, and connects students and instructors from all over the state, country, and world.

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next North House Folk School Unplugged Music Festival Birch Bark Bash in September at the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Tags: North House Folk School Unplugged Music Festival Birch Bark Bash, Unplugged Music Festival Birch Bark Bash,North House Folk School Unplugged XX, Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events

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Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic

David Hart — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

2025 Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic

Join us for the 2024 Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic on August 1-4, 2024 in Downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota. This is way more than just shore lunch! This Annual Fisherman’s Picnic is filled with fish burgers (those beloved deep fried herring filets served on a bun) and lots of daily games, activities and fun, like the Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales, Daily Contests and Prizes, Live Music outdoors and Kids Activities. The Lions Club BIG raffle includes a grand prize of $10,000 and lots of other great prizes for $5.00 a ticket. Get your collectible button, it’s your pass to participate in events all weekend long.

The annual Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic turns this small North Shore community into a bustling, fun-filled scene of families and folks of all ages. It’s both a celebration and observance of the past and the present – a coming together of the ‘locals’ who never forget how unique their North Shore hometown is. It’s also an event that draws visitors from all over back to Grand Marais each year to enjoy the event and town, and the natural surrounding beauty. Bring an appetite too. The very popular fish burgers that are on sale during the Picnic even have a song written about them: “They’re all red ready and they’re all red hot. Pickle in the middle and the mustard on top.” Stay for the parade of local businesses and organizations on the last day of the Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic as it moves down Wisconsin Street.

Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic Highlights:

Crazy Days Sidewalk Sales & Craft Show
Live Music in Harbor Park
Food Trucks, Bingo, and Daily Contests
Loon Calling, Rock Skipping, Fish Toss, and Cutest Puppy Contest
Kids Activities and Games
Fisherman’s Picnic Trail Run 5K – Saturday morning at Pincushion Recreation Area
Fireworks over the harbor – Saturday night
Grand Parade – Sunday afternoon
And of course, the famous Lion’s Club Fishburgers – fresh Lake Superior herring on a bun!

Don’t Forget:

Purchase your collectible button—your all-access pass to participate in events all weekend.
Enter the Lions Club BIG Raffle for a chance to win $10,000 and other great prizes. Tickets are just $5!
Whether you’re a local reconnecting with friends or a visitor soaking in the North Shore charm, the Fisherman’s Picnic is a must-experience summer tradition.

Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic Schedule

Thursday: July 31, 2025

9 AM Crazy Daze Sales (all over town)
10 AM–2 PM Craft & Bake Sale – The Hub
10 AM–3 PM Paint Pottery – The Hub
10 AM–4 PM Basketry Demo – North House Folk School
10 AM–5 PM Kiddie Rides – Senior Center Parking Lot
11 AM–7 PM Lions Fishburger Stand – Harbor Park
11 AM–Until Found DQ Medallion Hunt – Dairy Queen
11 AM–12:30 PM Live Music: Briand Morrison & Rox Berglund – Harbor Park
11 AM–7 PM Axe Throwing – W. Wisconsin St.
Noon Bingo Tent Opens – Hwy 61 & 1st Ave W
1–2:30 PM Live Music: Bug Dope – Harbor Park
3–5 PM Live Music: Moonshot – Harbor Park
5–8 PM Live Music: Bump Blomberg – Gun Flint Tavern
5 PM DQ Cornhole Tournament – Dairy Queen
5:30–6:30 PM Stories That Matter – Johnson Heritage Post
7–9 PM Grand Marais Playhouse: *The Spitfire Grill* – Arrowhead Center
7–9 PM Open Stage Music – Harbor Park

Friday: August 1, 2025

9 AM Crazy Daze Sales
9–10 AM Oula Dance Class – Harbor Park
10 AM–2 PM Craft & Bake Sale – The Hub
10 AM–3 PM Cook County Market – E. Wisconsin St.
10 AM–4 PM Basketry Demo – North House Folk School
10 AM–5 PM Vendor & Craft Show – 1st Ave W
10 AM–5 PM Kiddie Rides – Senior Center
10 AM–5 PM Games & Inflatables – Gun Flint Tavern
11 AM Fishburger Stand Opens – Harbor Park
11 AM–Until Found DQ Medallion Hunt
11 AM–12:30 PM Live Music: The Portage Band – Harbor Park
11 AM–7 PM Axe Throwing – W. Wisconsin St.
11:30 AM World’s Best Donut Bingo – Donut Shop
Noon Bingo Tent Opens
12:30 PM Minnow Races – Lions Info Booth
1–2:30 PM Live Music: Drew Heinonen & Tina Hegg-Raway
3 PM DQ Blizzard Race – Dairy Queen
6–6:30 PM Loon Calling Championship – Harbor Park
6–9 PM Live Music: Barefoot Bluegrass – Up Yonder Bar
7–9 PM Playhouse: *The Foolish Fishgirls and the Pearl*
7–9:30 PM DJ Dance Party – Harbor Park
8–11 PM Live Music: Slo Gin – Gun Flint Tavern

Saturday: August 2, 2025

8–8:45 AM Trail Run Packet Pickup – Pincushion Chalet
9 AM Kid Races
9:30 AM 5 Mile & 5K Run/Walk
9–10 AM Oula Dance Class – Harbor Park
9 AM Hoopin’ in the Harbor – Wisconsin St.
10 AM–3 PM Cook County Market
10 AM–4 PM Basketry Demo – North House
10 AM–5 PM Vendor & Craft Show
10 AM–5 PM Kiddie Rides – The Hub
10 AM–5 PM Games & Inflatables – Gun Flint Tavern
10 AM–Noon Pottery Pickup – The Hub
11 AM Fishburger Stand Opens
11 AM–1 PM Kids Corner Art Circle – Hwy 61
11 AM–Until Found DQ Medallion Hunt
11 AM–12:30 PM Live Music: Billy Manzik – Harbor Park
11 AM–7 PM Axe Throwing
Noon Bingo Tent Opens
Noon–Close Yard Party – Up Yonder Bar
12:30 PM Minnow Races
12:30–1:30 PM Alumni Baseball Warm-Up – CCHS
1:30 PM Rock Skipping Contest – Harbor Park
1–2:30 PM Live Music: Michael Monroe
2–5 PM Live Music: Pat Eliason – Gun Flint Tavern
3 PM Alumni Baseball Game – CCHS
1–4 PM Blacksmith Demo – Bally’s Shop
2 PM School Tour – ISD 166
3–5 PM Live Music: Brothers In Arms – Harbor Park
2:30 PM Citizen of the Year Award – Harbor Park
2:30–5 PM Kids Tractor Pull – Wisconsin St.
3–5 PM Live Music: The Splints – Harbor Park
5 PM Rock Painting Contest Winners – Harbor Park
6–9 PM Live Music: Barefoot Bluegrass – Up Yonder Bar
5:30–6 PM Loon Calling Finals – Harbor Park
6 PM Cutest Puppy Contest – Harbor Park
6 PM Author Talk: Benjamin Percy – Drury Lane Books
7–9 PM Playhouse: *The Spitfire Grill*
7–9 PM Dance Party: The Evening Stars – Harbor Park
8–11 PM Live Music: Slo Gin – Gun Flint Tavern
9:45 PM Fireworks Over the Harbor

Sunday: August 3, 2025

9:30 AM Waterfront Worship – Harbor Park
10 AM–4 PM Basketry Demo – North House
11 AM–Until Found DQ Medallion Hunt
11 AM Fishburger Stand Opens
11 AM–5 PM Vendor & Craft Show
Noon Bingo Tent Opens
11 AM–1 PM Live Music: Watershed Group & Adam Kirsch – Harbor Park
1 PM Parade – Downtown Grand Marais
2–2:30 PM AAD Shrine Drum & Bugle Corps – Harbor Park
2–5 PM Kiddie Rides – Senior Center
3–5 PM Live Music: Kari Golden & Pure Honey – Harbor Park
3–5 PM Playhouse: *The Foolish Fishgirls and the Pearl*
3:30 PM Lion’s Fish Toss – Wisconsin St.
5:15 PM Grand Prize Drawing – Lions Info Booth
6–7 PM Prize Winners Posted – Lions Info Booth

Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic Gallery

Images courtesy of Grand Marais Lion’s Club

About the Grand Marais Lion’s Club
The history of the Grand Marais Lion’s Club is a long and proud one. For over 100 years, we’ve served with uncommon kindness, putting the needs of our neighbors, our communities and our world first. We look back at our storied past with pride, but we know it’s only the beginning. Every day, we’re building on our legacy with the goal of making an even greater impact in the future with such events as our annual Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic.

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic in August in Downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Tags: Grand Marais Fisherman’s Picnic, Fisherman’s Picnic, Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events

HOTELS IN GRAND MARAIS MINNESOTA

About Superior Inn and Suites
At the Best Western Plus Superior Inn you’re sure to find that little something extra. With our modern amenities and thoughtful design, the Best Western Plus Superior Inn will stand out among other hotels in Grand Marais,MN. For the business traveler, a spacious work desk and free internet access are included in all our guest rooms to ensure you don’t miss a beat while you’re away from the office.

For extended stays, each room provides a convenient in-room mini fridge that is ideal for drinks and snacks. We also have an in-house fitness room, so you can keep up your workout routine while you’re on the road. As always, the Best Western Plus Superior Inn will provide you with the superior customer service that you are used to at any Best Western hotel. Hotel Details

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Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, September 28: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Every Tuesday evening the Superior Cycling Association will be hosting a group bike ride at various locations around Cook County. All rides begin at 5:30 PM. Rides will be held every Tuesday in July, August, and September.

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

About the Superior Cycling Association
In 2010, the Superior Cycling Association was founded to grow mountain and road biking opportunities in Cook County. Through partnerships with Visit Cook County, the National Forest Service, the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA), Lifetime Fitness, and local businesses, SCA has developed many miles of singletrack, hosted bike races and clinics, and strived to make cycling on the North Shore more accessible, safe, and fun for all ages and abilities. Please help us continue this effort by becoming a member, volunteering, or sponsoring a trail.

Mark your calendar today so you don’t miss the next Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides each Tuesday in July, August, and September at various locations in the mountains near Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

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Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, September 21: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

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Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, September 14: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

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Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, September 7: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

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Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, August 31: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

The post Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides appeared first on Superior Inn Grand Marais.

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, August 24: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

The post Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides appeared first on Superior Inn Grand Marais.

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

David Hart — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 05:30:00 +0000

Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides

Tuesday, August 17: Details for this week not posted yet. For more information contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

All July rides are singletrack mountain bike trails and require a mountain bike and intermediate skills.

Bring water, spare tube, pump, tools, etc. these are wilderness rides and a long hike back to your vehicle, be prepared.

BYOB and snacks for after the ride.

For more information: contact Tim Kennedy at 218-370-0955 or tkennedy@boreal.org

Tags: Superior Cycling Association, Summer Tuesday Rides,Grand Marais Annual Events, Grand Marais MN Annual Events, Summer Weekly Rides

The post Superior Cycling Association Summer Tuesday Rides appeared first on Superior Inn Grand Marais.