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City in Minnesota, United States
Photo: Jonathunder, GFDL 1.2 via Wikimedia Commons
Grand Marais is a harbor village along Lake Superior's shoreline in Minnesota.
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The first full weekend in August (31 Jul-2 Aug 2008) is a fun event to be in town for. Fireworks on Saturday night of the festival.
Out on the natural outcropping of stone that creates the harbor. Great place for kids and dogs to run around in the lapping waves. Artists' Point is a cool thing to see too.
Take a hike on the Superior Hiking Trail. You can actually hike this trail all the way from Two Harbors to the Canadian border if you like. Otherwise, pick a portion of it and enjoy the beauty of Lake Superior.
Take a scenic, guided trail ride through the Superior National Forest on a horse.
Full fitness center with cardio equipment, free weights and strength machines. Private showers. Day passes can be purchased at the Holiday Station during un-staffed hours.
A cute waterfront restaurant that serves great food and supports local artists as well as local craftsmen. Anything seen in the restaurant was made in the area and is available for purchase. The building itself features indoor and outdoor eating in an old commercial fishing house turned restaurant. Open seasonally from May to mid-October.
Offers many vegan and organic choices, a fine wine list and a plethora of micro-brews. On weekends live music is often playing, reggae, jazz or blues. Great atmosphere for dinner and a couple drinks.
Renowned for great pizza, they also offer salads, sandwiches, etc. Many Minnesotans have often seen the yellow S&O's bumper stickers around the area so feel free to pick one up from your visit as well. Great for groups, S&O's is the type of place where you order at the counter and they bring it out piping hot from the oven to your table.
Get 'em before they run out.
While this place is more of a tourist trap, offering bobble-head moose, Grand Marais sweatshirts, and shot glasses - among other things - Beth's Fudge & Gift is a must-see for the fudge one can get in the back of the shop. If you buy 1 lb of fudge, you get a 1/4 lb free. Fudges include mint, rocky road, and peanut butter and the best chocolate amaretto you have ever tasted!
This is casual northwoods dining at its best. Serves burgers, sandwiches, soups, and locally caught fish.
known for great frozen custard, featuring their custom blended sydnami cocretes, Sydneys also serves Chicago Dogs, Gyros, and an eclectic choice of pita wraps, situated on lake superior with its own beach it has outdoor seating with a dining deck on the roof that offers a great vantage point of the harbor and east bay. One of a kind a must stop.
Natural Foods Grocery Store with a grab n go deli carrying soups, sandwiches, salads, spreads and hot coffee. They carry healthy juices, trail foods, organic produce, cheese, meats, bulk foods and grocery items.
After you've eaten your way through a Sven & Ole's pizza, head up to the Pickled Herring Club for a drink. Very, very small, but cozy atmosphere.
These are simple cabins, perched on the top of cliff overlooking Hwy 61 and Lake Superior. Though nothing fancy, these cabins have a beautiful view from the decks, especially on a moonlit night.
Well designed, fully furnished beachfront suites with private decks or patios, fireplace, soaking tubs, flat screen LCD televisions etc.
Grand Marais Hotel Co. operates six properties, from economy motel rooms to luxury condos on the Harbor. Indoor pool and wireless internet are available. Open year round.
If you have an RV, this is the only place in town to go. 300 sites. Options for water and electric hookups. Bathhouses, public phones, boat launch.
Good harbor views and easy walks to town, free Wi-Fi and an on-site restaurant, Pets with permission. Free hiking shuttle to nearby trailheads.
Hostel located on a farm outside of town. Private rooms available along with single bunks in the communal dorm. Property features a deck with a view of Lake Superior a couple miles downhill. Free WiFi.
These are quaint cottages without lake views. The owners are friendly and a gallery with local art is located on-site. Pets were accepted at last visit.
Views of the lake, WiFi, gourmet breakfast, inroom bathrooms, and discounts on classes at North House, Art Colony, and AARP.
These are pleasant cabins, many with fireplaces. Other lodging options at this resort are motel-style rooms. Not all cabins have a lake view, but the property does go down directly to the shore line. Pets not allowed.
The author and artist of many books (such as Antler, Bear, Canoe) calls Grand Marais her home and picking up one of her wood-block prints would be a great souvenir.
A classic style trading post exterior houses pretty much anything you could need. Camping gear, maps, clothing, gifts, books, toys, footwear, etc. A Grand Marais tradition since 1971.
Features Minnesota artists as well as northwoods themed artwork from Canada and Alaska.
Look for a small house on a dead-end street, brightly painted and usually waving a flag. Enter the small book store for a variety of books on local topics. Local authors are also found there and you can often get an autographed copy of a book.
Catering to your needs in outdoor clothing, camping supplies, souvenirs, gifts and life's everyday necessities!
Made-from-scratch Fudge, Turtles and Truffles and each and every soup and cookie mix is put together by hand in our kitchen. Jams & Syrups made locally. 100% Arabica Fair Trade Coffee is roasted in Minnesota and all rice, pasta, and beans come from Bemidji. Stop by for a free sample!
The only way in, and the only way out (at least by car), is Minnesota Highway 61, which parallels Lake Superior. There are other roads that leave town, but they just head into the woods and eventually stop.
Read in the guideThere appears to be little public transport in Grand Marais, however the average person should be able to walk the entire town with no problem.
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Thunder Bay · Regional · YQT
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