Thedailymiaminews– Grand Marais is a small town in northern Minnesota with a population of around 1,300 people. It is located on the beaches of Lake Superior and is surrounded by many state and national parks. Despite its small size, Grand Marais has a large variety of attractions. Grand Marais is a busy place even in the coldest months of winter, with sled dog races and holiday village celebrations, while many communities in Minnesota shut down over the winter. Grand Marais guarantees a wonderful holiday, no matter the season, making even the longest trips feel too brief.
Activities That Take Place Outside
Grand Marais is surrounded by a variety of outdoor activities, including state and national parks, places to observe the northern lights, and waterfalls. Because of this, it might be hard to figure out where to begin. There are many places in the vicinity where people who have always wished to see the northern lights can go to see them. The closest location is Gunflint Hills Golf Course, followed by Mink Lake, Northern Light Lake, Elbow Lake Public Access, and Two Island Lake Campground, among other places.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is one of the most interesting parks in the area. It has a 2.5-mile trail down the river that leads to waterfalls and the enigmatic Devil’s Kettle, which is a huge pit that is said to have no bottom. The trek to Grand Portage State Park is also worth it because it is home to the 120-foot High Falls, which are the tallest falls in the state. Travelers can also visit Isle Royale National Park, which is located near Grand Portage State Park. Isle Royale National Park is a large archipelago that consists of one main island and hundreds of smaller islands. While hiking, kayaking, or boating, you can explore the park’s lighthouses, shipwrecks, and old copper mine sites.
Art Scene
The art colony in Grand Marais was founded in 1947, making it the oldest art colony in the state. Travelers can go to the original Grand Marais Art Colony to take workshops in ceramics or printmaking, or they can visit Studio 21, which is the colony’s dedicated gallery and exhibition space. There are many art galleries located throughout the town, in addition to the old art colony. Some of the attractions are the Betsy Bowen Gallery, a printmaking studio, and Frykman Art Studio, which specializes in glass, wood, metal, and stone art.
Another popular pastime in Grand Marais is sculpture hunting, which involves searching for the many sculptures that are located throughout the town. Some of the most well-known sculptures are the Helmer Aakvik sculpture, which honors a local hero who braved a storm on Lake Superior in an attempt to rescue someone; the Full Circle Mural, which depicts a family gathered along the banks of the lake; and the six-foot Pierre Wood Carving, which celebrates the town’s renowned voyager, Pierre.
Places of Historical Significance
Grand Marais is well known for its historic art colony, but there are also a few other historic places in the area that are worth visiting. In addition to selling regional and national art, the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery contains a permanent exhibit of paintings by Anna C. Johnson, a female artist from the early 20th century. The Cook County Historical Museum is an excellent place to learn about the town’s early years. One of the most intriguing displays is the Lightkeeper’s House, which was built in 1896 and was the home of one of the town’s lightkeepers. The house is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Choices for Eating
Grand Marais has a wide variety of dining options that will satisfy hungry guests after a day spent seeing the natural wonders and historic monuments in the area. Blue Water Cafe is a popular local restaurant that serves a variety of brunch items. It is located near the Grand Marais Harbor. Hungry Hippie Tacos is a great choice for a quick and relaxed meal. They provide northern-style tacos and smoked brisket. Visitors can have a great dinner at Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant, which is recognized for its rustic and colorful dining room with high ceilings and wide windows. Do you have a desire for a craft beer? Voyageur Brewing Company, located on the beaches of Lake Superior, has a diverse selection of draft beers, tacos, sliders, and cheese curds on its menu.
Festivals and Events
Every month of the year, Grand Marais and the surrounding area hold a number of events. In January, the county hosts its annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, which is the most prestigious dog sledding race in the continental United States. The marathon includes checkpoints that pass through Grand Marais. The Hygge Festival, which is held every year in February, continues the winter spirit. It is an event that celebrates the warmth of the community and the simple pleasures of life with cozy activities such as a hockey tournament, a winter art show, wine and cider nights, live music, and film screenings.
Grand Marais hosts outdoor events like the Le Grand du Nord Gravel Cycling Classic, which takes place on the Grand Marais and Gunflint Trail, a Fourth of July fireworks festival, and the North Shore Water Festival, which celebrates the town’s love for canoeing, kayaking, and paddling. These events take place as the temperature rises and the sun comes out. The Moose Madness Family Festival brings excitement to the area in October with activities and scavenger hunts that are centered around moose. As the year comes to a close, take advantage of the holiday events, including the Grand Marais Tree Lighting, parade, and fireworks, as well as the Holiday Harbor Village, which has a sled dog meet and greet, frozen fish toss, and Christmas shopping, among other things. To get a complete overview of the annual festivals in Grand Marais, be sure to visit the town’s comprehensive event calendar on the internet.
Concluding Remarks
While we have already seen some of the things that Grand Marais has to offer, there are many more that you may discover when you visit this beautiful town by the lake. The town provides something for everyone, whether you are interested in gazing at the northern lights, seeing the state’s oldest art colony, or seeking for waterfalls. So don’t worry about anything; your next holiday spot has already been decided. The town of Grand Marais is waiting.