This small town sits at the North end of the North Shore and feels so far north being just 38 miles from the Canadian Border. Situated along Lake Superior’s North Shore almost 100 miles to the northeast of Duluth this little harbor town is widely known as a cute town and easily my favorite Minnesota destination. Earning the title of America’s Coolest Small Town from Budget Travel Magazine proves just how magical this part of Minnesota really is.
You will instantly get butterflies as you drive into Grand Marais and head down the little hill feeling completely surrounded by nature. It can get quite crowded during the summer so I highly recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons for a quieter visit. Throughout the year we host many fun festivals acting as a grand celebration of local arts.
I know this place has charmed many visitors and I absolutely love seeing other people’s Grand Marais itineraries highlighting the same places and activities usually recommended. I decided to stop hoarding my own local insight to create this definitive guide on what to do in Grand Marais, MN so after reading through this behemoth you will never need to find another Grand Marais travel guide.
Featuring the best things to do makes this the perfect destination for outdoor lovers as well as families and couples or absolutely anyone who is looking for a real taste of adventure. You will discover the best hiking alongside unforgettable experiences checking out coffee shops and incredible waterfalls plus much more. There are plenty of fun things to do with the whole family making it a truly relaxing weekend getaway focused on slow living with beautiful scenery and fantastic good food.
Best Things to do in Grand Marais Minnesota
Grand Marais, Minnesota offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler. Explore scenic hikes like Artist’s Point, Pincushion Mountain, and Devil’s Kettle, or kayak on Lake Superior and catch the Northern Lights. Shop unique local stores, visit Grand Portage National Monument, and stay at charming spots like Best Western Plus Superior Inn or cozy Cascade Vacation Rentals.
Getting to Grand Marais
When it comes to getting to Grand Marais the journey is incredibly easy and beautiful. The entire drive takes roughly 4 hours from the Twin Cities or just 2 hours north of Duluth.
I highly recommend packing some snacks and really taking your time to explore the route. There are so many great stops along the North Shore that you can easily spend a whole day enjoying the sights as you get up there to Grand Marais.
Grand Marais, MN Need to Know Fast Facts
Before the first white settlement was established in Grand Marais, MN the local Ojibwe population utilized this Double Bay region. It was a thriving summer village for the Ojibwe long before the American Fur Company built their trading outposts right in the harbor area during the 1820s and 30s. Interestingly the French gave our town its name which translates to big marsh because a good portion of our downtown was built over filled wetlands.
As locals we always joke that when a significant rainfall event has totally flooded Coop’s parking lot the land is just trying to revert back to a swamp. Eventually the White settlers who built the rest of the town turned it into a busy commercial shipping area.
Until the 1970s you would find that Grand Marais’s major industries were strictly fishing and logging. We are all weirdly proud that despite this growth we still only have one stoplight in Grand Marais.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Grand Marais, MN?
I have watched tourism in Grand Marais change completely in recent years because the high season now officially kicks off around Memorial Day weekend bringing a massive surge of visitors exploring Minnesota’s North Shore.
Things get extremely popular by late July and stay busy through late August before crowds begin to taper off as families return home for school extracurricular activities and the upcoming State Fair festivities.
From my visits, the time you choose really shapes the atmosphere, and many visitors, even those searching for Best Things to do in Dijon Burgundy, might be surprised by how this place changes on a different scale through the season. In September and October, fall color is gorgeous, the air turns slightly cold, and the downtown feels bustling yet still quiet.
By November, everything wraps into a more sleepy rhythm with limited dining and businesses, as some doors are closed or shut early, so it’s smart to plan ahead and book lodging in advance. During winter, the weather can be bitter, and if you arrive unprepared, the lack of options may catch you off guard, especially when locals run business hours that feel very specific, with signs on windows or even a single window of a shop showing late or reduced hours.
By April, the town slowly brings life back, though a fair amount of places are still hanging onto off-season timing, making it an incredibly beautiful and almost sacred experience. Just don’t come expecting everything to be open, even for a fresh donut, because this beloved destination stretches its charm across the months, which is exactly what draws people in.
Where To Stay in Grand Marais, MN
When visiting Grand Marais in beautiful Minnesota you will quickly find that the best places to stay span all along the scenic North Shore offering a wonderful variety of lodging options to fit any travel style. I personally recommend checking out East Bay Suites right in the heart of Grand Marais or booking the cozy Mokki Downtown Cabins if you want to be close to the local action.
If you prefer rustic vibes you can always choose the State Forest Campgrounds as your absolute cheapest option or do what I did last summer when I camped at the lovely Grand Marais Campground & Marina right by the water.
There are plenty of options slightly out of town too like Gunflint Lodge which sits about 30 or so minutes up the famous Gunflint Trail near the gorgeous BWCA wilderness.
Down the coast near Two Harbors you might love a lakeside cottage rental at Larsmont Cottages or perhaps the beautiful rooms at Superior Shores right inside Two Harbors itself.
Another fantastic choice is Cove Point Lodge located in Beaver Bay because it provides a really good location for those who plan on hiking Split Rock and exploring Tettegouche state parks. Finally if you do not mind a little drive you could easily book a familiar Best Western or treat yourself to upscale comforts at Bluefin Bay Suites and the incredible Eagle Ridge Resort at Lutsen Mountain.
Best Western Plus Superior Inn
Located on the eastern edge of downtown, the three-story hotel known as the Best Western Plus Superior Inn easily claims the title of Grand Marais’s nicest hotel.
If you are lucky enough to score a lakeside room, you will wake up to great views overlooking the East Bay and the famous Artist Point. I always appreciate their generous Amenities, which include a massive whirlpool, accommodating pet-friendly rooms, a complimentary free breakfast, and a convenient bar/bistro to relax in after a long day of exploring.
Nelson’s Travelers Rest
Sitting quietly on the western edge of Grand Marais, Nelson’s Travelers Rest is an adorable small family resort that I frequently recommend to friends. They maintain exceptionally clean accommodations featuring cozy little cabins alongside two motel units just a half mile from the main harbor.
Cottages on the Croftville Loop
Nothing quite captures the true charm of a classic summer visit like renting a teeny lakeside cottage right by the water at the Cottages on the Croftville Loop. Located roughly two miles east of downtown Grand Marais, this scenic 1.5 mile lakeshore road known as Croftville Road is home to several small resorts.
Two fantastic options I love pointing visitors toward are Anderson’s North Shore Resort and the beautifully maintained Croftville Road Cottages, both offering incredible access to the rocky shoreline.
Cascade Vacation Rentals
If your group is looking for something larger than a standard cabin or a quaint cottage, I highly suggest checking out the options available through Cascade Vacation Rentals. They manage a wide variety of stunning rental properties scattered all over the county to accommodate any itinerary.
I have personally booked several gorgeous homes situated perfectly within Grand Marais’s hillside residential area, providing breathtaking panoramic overlooks of the entire harbor basin.
Where to buy groceries and liquor in Grand Marais
Cook County Whole Foods Co-op
When looking for groceries, Cook County Whole Foods Co-op operates as Grand Marais’s busiest grocery store. You will discover a wide selection of organic produce and bulk goods, including bulk items like their famous homemade granola.
It is perfect for grabbing picnic lunches or easy dinners directly from the grab and go deli, and if you peek in the deli case, you might spot the hearty muffeletta sandwich which is actually named after my cat. This is the only grocery store in town that is consistently open on Sundays.
Johnson’s Foods
Another fantastic option is Johnson’s Foods, a small grocery store boasting a delightful Scandinavian flair. Regarded as a true Grand Marais institution, it has been owned and operated by the local Johnson family for the better part of a century. The aisles can get quite cramped during the height of summer, but it is always worth a visit to browse their excellent meat shop for homemade bratwurst and a great selection of specialty groceries.
Gene’s IGA
If you are seeking the largest selection of standard household provisions, Gene’s IGA offers exactly that, though it resembles a traditional cookie cutter suburban shopping experience rather than a quaint local market.
Candy and Fudge Fix
For a sugary treat, visit the new Gunflint Mercantile location to grab some Candy and get your Fudge Fix. Even if you are not the biggest fan of fudge, the moment you get down to the fudge varieties at the fudge counter and browse the candy shelf sitting just steps of each other, you will realize it is a complete sweet tooth’s dream.
When you can’t decide on a single flavor of fudge, you can always buy a fudge stick which perfectly stacks 5 different flavor cubes of gourmet fudge. They also carry the cutest up north gifts where I recently snagged some cute paper plates and a delicious wild rice mix to make so many goodies in my own kitchen, so I would be completely shocked if you didn’t walk out of there purchasing something.
Where’s the Grand Marais liquor store?
To stock up on your favorite Minnesota craft beers, head to the Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store which is currently operating out of a temporary location inside the old Beaver House on Broadway near City Hall while their main building is being rebuilt.
It remains the only liquor store offering a large selection of traditional spirits alongside N/A and THC beverages. You will spot this handy little business right on the corner by the stoplight, but if you wander just a block down to First Avenue W, you will also find the Lady Superior Bottle Shop.
Alternatively, you can always try swinging in to the old Gunflint Mercantile space over on Wisconsin St on your way out of town.
What To Do in Grand Marais, MN
Take a class
So many people I have met over the years completely fall in love with Grand Marais because they originally came up to take a class at either the historic Grand Marais Art Colony or the highly acclaimed North House Folk School to learn traditional northern crafts.
Bike or hike on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail
It is so easy to hop on the paved bike trail starting right in downtown Grand Marais and follow the beautiful path for five miles directly to the Cut Face Creek Rest Side Area which provides the perfect backdrop for a sunny picnic and some excellent agate hunting along the shoreline.
Skip rocks in the harbor
You simply cannot visit Grand Marais without taking a moment to toss a few rocks right into Lake Superior, but as a local pro tip, if you want to get your rock to skip perfectly, you must select a smooth, flat rock roughly the length of your palm and send it flying across the water’s surface with a firm flick of your wrist.
Kayak on Lake Superior
While Lake Superior undoubtedly looks great from the safety of land, you truly need to see it from the water, and the amazing staff at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply can easily hook you up with an unforgettable guided kayak tour.
Catch the Northern Lights
Our cozy Grand Marais, Minnesota is widely known as one of the best places in the entire Midwest to see Northern Lights, provided you have a clear night with plenty of darkness and a totally unobstructed north-facing spot. The aurora dancing above Northern Minnesota is typically most active around the equinoxes, making late March the absolute best time to see aurora lights in Northern Minnesota, though keep in mind the aurora is not like clock work and is definitely not out every night or even most nights.
Take a ride on the Hjordis
If you prefer not to self-propell your own vessel across Lake Superior, you can always relax and book a tour on the beautiful traditional schooner Hjordis, sailing right out of the North House Folk School.
Book a day trip to Remote BWCA Waterfalls
I highly recommend you Book a guided day trip into the beautifully remote and quiet place just north of Grand Marais using only a canoe and a can-do attitude. Taking a canoe day trip to discover remote waterfalls and stunning overlooks hidden deep within the BWCA allows you to learn all about the Boundary Waters from an experienced Border Lakes Tour Company Guide, and I can promise that Exploring the BWCA’s waterfalls and sweeping overlooks is easily one of the best things you can do in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
Visit Tettegouche State Park
One of the absolute best stops on your scenic way to Grand Marais is Tettegouche State Park near Silver Bay, Minnesota, which boasts several beautiful hiking trails. The most beautiful route is hands-down the Shovel Point Trail, which is incredibly accessible starting from the main Tettegouche Visitors Center located right off Highway 61.
Visit a Cook County Historical Society site
The Cook County Historical Society does phenomenal work preserving and interpreting our unique area history, starting with a visit to their general history museum housed in the old Lighthouse Keeper’s House all the way out on The Point. Other fantastic local sites managed by them include the Bally Blacksmith Shop, the Johnson Heritage Post Art Gallery, the Fish House, the historic tugboat Nee Gee, the gorgeous St. Francis Xavier Church, and the primary Cook County Museum.
Since their operating hours frequently change by season, be sure to check ahead before you step inside to explore the fully restored old lightkeeper’s house which was originally built in 1896 and now holds different exhibits dedicated to showcasing the area’s history for anyone interested in learning about the area and the legendary Gunflint Ranger Station.
Play mini golf at Putt N’ Pets
To Play mini golf and enjoy a wildly entertaining putt-putt experience, especially if you love the game, head over to Putt N’ Pets located just 1.5 miles west of downtown Grand Marais.
This quirky mini golf course on the south side of Highway 61 offers a full round of 18 holes at Put n Pets Mini Golf with actual live goats onsite making the whole adventure incredibly interesting. I am usually horrible at mini-golf but my partner loves it, so we always make it a point to stop at the edge of town to enjoy the course and its cleverly fun layout full of a whimsical theme.
My absolute favorite part is feeding the goats from a little lookout point where the goats gather; you can buy feed and watch the goats enthusiastically pull their food bowl up and down on a clever pulley system. Almost every time we go, they have precious baby goats which are the cutest, along with wandering chickens, loud roosters, and more, making it the perfect place to take kiddos or just have a fun just the two of us date.
Sauna at Sisu and Loyly & Get a massage
A sauna session at Sisu and Loyly offers beautiful sauna facilities right on Grand Marais’s East Bay. It is a brilliantly scenic spot to completely immerse yourself in the true Finnish tradition of the Sauna. Known as Minnesota’s coolest Nordic-inspired sauna, it sits right in downtown Grand Marais.
Having actually worked here while living in Grand Marais when they first open, I highly recommend visiting because Katie, the owner, is absolutely delightful. She runs a wonderful small business and does an excellent job managing pretty much everything, making it a truly wonderful place to work.
If you want to Get a massage in Grand Marais, we lack a full-blown spa which is a great business idea for someone, but locals can hook you up at LutZen Reflections Massage Studio located right on the East Bay, or you can try Essential Touch Massage Therapy and Ancient Traditions Healing.
A Quick Guide to Grand Marais’s Best Shops
Lake Superior Trading Post
The Lake Superior Trading Post is a massive two-level store offering an impressive selection of homewares, clothing, and reliable outdoor gear. It is one of my absolute favorite stops to just pretend I am a rugged outdoorsman who might actually need all the gear while I peruse through the fun North Face and Patagonia apparel.
I always make sure to head upstairs to explore the home and decor section which is incredibly fun to browse. They are always doing book signings featuring talented local authors, so remember to check out their main bulletin board for upcoming events because my partner and I have purchased quite a few interesting reads from their extensive book collection.
Sivertson’s Gallery
Over at Sivertson’s Gallery, you will often find hot tea is readily available the moment you enter the shop, ensuring a very pleasant shopping experience. The roomy gallery showcases a wide variety of stunning local art designed to fit all price points.
Joynes Ben Franklin
Serving as our beloved local department store, Joynes Ben Franklin literally carries everything you could possibly imagine. From basic housewares, fun souvenirs, and essential craft supplies to a whole wall of toys, they also boast a large selection of practical clothing and footwear. As we always say around here, if they don’t have it, you simply don’t need it.
Drury Lane Books
Operating out of a small historic house right on Grand Marais’s East Bay, Drury Lane Books is a magical little bookshop. They carry a little of everything with a special emphasis on regional titles and unique indie reads. If they don’t have it sitting directly on their shelves, they are more than happy to special order and ship it right to your house.
Dappled Fern Fibers
Located in the heart of Grand Marais, Dappled Fern Fibers is a wonderful yarn shop that I cannot recommend enough. Here we go again, but even if not a knitter, it is absolutely worth swinging in just for the incredibly friendly service. They feature a small but inspired offering of non-knitting gifts as well, including delicious local teas and beautiful handmade pottery.
The Sweetwater Co.
For a long time now in Grand Marais, The Sweetwater Co. has operated as our premier dedicated clothing store focusing specifically on stylish women’s clothing. This adorable small boutique also carries a carefully chosen small selection of chic housewares, making it completely worth a visit just to check out their aesthetically pleasing displays and the super cute changing room area.
Hikes In or Near Grand Marais, MN
If you are looking for incredible outdoor recreation opportunities like canoeing the legendary Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness or hiking through the massive Superior National Forest, Grand Marais, MN is unmatched.
You can actually hike right inside the Grand Marais’s city limits to access amazing hikes, meaning you don’t even need to drive to a distant trailhead to enjoy a couple of these Grand Marais hikes.
Grand Marais Lighthouse/Artist’s Point Hike
The Grand Marais Lighthouse and Artist’s Point Hike is definitely the most traversed hike in Grand Marais. I always tell visitors to hike out to the lighthouse and Artist’s Point for a memorable visit. It is an easy one-mile hike starting from the large municipal parking lot near the old Coast Guard Station along a poured cement walkway, and if you visit in the evening, you will often spy photographers capturing gorgeous sunset shots.
Heading East off the cement path, you enter a wooded, craggy rock outcropping that remains my favorite place to scramble over rocks and watch Lake Superior waves roll in. It is equally stunning for sunrises, but use caution when you walk here at any time of year, especially high winds or during winter when it gets too icy to safely traverse.
Wander through the woods if you have already ventured out and found the main path way too easy. By venturing the opposite way to walk through the woods, you will encounter very rugged terrain that is entirely worth the challenge if you are up for it. It feels like a little island that juts out into the lake, letting you pretend out on the lake completely without dipping a toe in the chilly water. You can discover tide pools while breathing in the fresh pine air and admiring beautiful shoreline views.
After your hike, try cruising up to the Trail Center which looks like a big log cabin with an old gas pump standing right outside. You should absolutely swing in there for provisions or whatever you may need that was accidentally forgotten for your trip. It features a fantastic little restaurant in the back, fully decked out in classic Up North decor with a ton of bumper stickers.
Just pull up a sticker-covered wooden chair to the bar and try a malt. I am typically not a fan of malts, but some friendly women sitting next to me totally convinced me to get one and I am so happy I did. Get the chocolate peanut butter malt, but don’t plan on sharing!
Sweetheart’s Bluff
The often-overlooked Sweetheart’s Bluff is a total sweetheart of a hiking trail that truly deserves love just as much as the popular lighthouse hike.
The Sweetheart’s Bluff Trail quietly hides on the far western edge of the Grand Marais RV Park and Municipal Campground, also known as the Rec Park. It goes largely unnoticed because to access this short, moderately challenging trail, you must park near the Rec Park baseball field, walk through a large metal gate at the far edge of the campground, cross a grass field, and find the bottom of a sledding hill.
The actual Sweetheart’s Bluff trailhead sits right at the edge of the forest where the path begins. There is a short gravel loop that easily accesses a quiet Lake Superior beach and a nice picnic pavilion, but if you veer off the wide gravel path onto the narrower wilderness path, you face a steep uphill climb. You are rewarded at a small clearing with a great view of the Grand Marais harbor.
For an even better view, continue to another clearing slightly deeper in the woods featuring exposed basalt rock that still bears scars from ancient receding glaciers. .
Pincushion Mountain
For the best hiking, cross country skiing, and mountain biking in the State, you absolutely must swing into the Pincushion Mountain Recreation Area located just two miles up the Gunflint Trail. You can get a great overview of Grand Marais right from the main parking area and settle for one overlook, but I highly recommend you hop on a section of the 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail that cleverly runs through Pincushion Mountain’s network of cross-country ski and mountain bike trails.
It is a very easy 1.9 mile hike to reach another second scenic spot, and if you happen to be a sunrise lover, this east-facing overlook makes for a perfect early morning hike when done as a simple out and back hike.
You could also form a nice loop using the Pincushion Trail system, but don’t do that in the winter when it becomes a specifically groomed ski trail where you can ski the beautiful Pincushion Mountain Trails and watch the twinkly lights as the sun sets over town.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Pincushion Mountain is easily one of the best things to explore near Grand Marais, offering wonderful day hikes for hikers ready to tackle the full four mile round trip hike to the Pincushion Mountain Overlook, while bikers get to enjoy miles of advanced mountain biking trails.
Drive up the Gunflint Trail
To fully round out your day and your overall trip to Grand Marais, you should Drive up the Gunflint Trail, which is a magnificent 57-mile two-lane paved highway officially known as Cook County Highway 12 that winds northwest deep into the pristine Minnesota wilderness.
This beautiful road acts as a vital corridor between two sections of the famous Boundary Waters before it finally terminates at the Trail’s End Campground located approximately four miles south of the U.S./Canada border. It is an absolutely great day trip destination boasting more than two dozen hiking trails and countless lakes where you can hike and canoe, while the winter brings extensive cross-country ski trail options.
A lot of visitors Drive this route specifically hoping to see moose because it is widely considered the best place to see moose in all of Northern Minnesota, and driving up early in the morning significantly increases your chances of a real moose sighting.
However, since moose are relatively rare, it is highly likely you won’t see one on your very first trip, but there are plenty of other things to do besides just look for moose, making this scenic drive easily one of the best things to experience when visiting Grand Marais.
While heading north up the Gunflint, you might only see a Moose that is a fake moose at a specific location, but you must stop at Poplar Haus, an incredible year-round cabin rental property perched right on Poplar Lake. It is one of my favorite stops when visiting because they have a fantastic liquor store for libations.
You can head over to the Trail Center to grab a burger and a beer. If you visit over Memorial Day for their annual brats and brews grill out, I can guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Visit the Grand Portage National Monument and High Falls
For an unforgettable adventure, head about 35 miles east of Grand Marais to experience the Grand Portage National Monument and the powerful High Falls. The lovely drive up to Grand Portage highlights the beautiful terrain along Minnesota’s North Shore and serves as an ideal day trip right up to the US/Canada border at Grand Portage State Park.
The absolute main draw of the state park is the thundering 120’ waterfall, which proudly claims the title of the highest waterfall in all of Minnesota; centuries ago, the French Canadian Voyageurs actually established the historic 9-mile long Grand Portage trail specifically to avoid these falls as they safely moved into the Canadian interior carrying their valuable trading goods.
After admiring the water, make sure you swing by the National Monument right in the nearby village of Grand Portage to explore the fascinating replica Voyageur-era stockade and learn more about the Fur Trade’s influence throughout northeastern Minnesota. The National Park Service currently works closely with the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa to deliver a beautifully unique and informative interpretative experience that easily ranks among the coolest places in Minnesota.
While you head up toward the Canadian Border, you should definitely check out and tackle the easy Mt. Rose hike for a sweeping view. Seeing one of the prettiest waterfalls on the entire North Shore plunging down the Pigeon River provides an easily accessible and exceptionally beautiful waterfall experience, proving that the worth of a visit and the trip up here is undeniably one of the best things you can do while visiting Grand Marais.
Lutsen Mountains
If you want to spend a day carving up the slopes, you absolutely must visit Lutsen Mountains located in the tiny town of Lutsen, just 20 minutes southwest of Grand Marais. It proudly stands as the largest ski resort in the Midwest, allowing you to enjoy over 100 ski runs during the snowy winter.
When summer rolls around, it becomes an especially lovely destination for an autumn day trip or sunny escape where you can fly down the thrilling Alpine Slide and take a scenic ride on the Lutsen Mountains’ aerial gondola. Whether you visit in winter or summer, you can always enjoy a meal paired with great Lake Superior views at the beautiful Summit Chalet.
Hike to Devil’s Kettle at Judge CR Magney State Park and Afternoon Tea at Naniboujou Lodge
A short 15-minute drive up scenic Highway 61 from Grand Marais brings you to Judge CR Magney State Park, a fantastic state park that holds one of the biggest mysteries on the North Shore.
The fascinating Devil’s Kettle waterfall is a truly unique waterfall featuring a strange cauldron-like basin where half the rushing water appears to disappear into the earth. Although scientists eventually determined that the Brule River’s water simply flows right through a hidden underground rock formation and immediately reenters the main river, it is still a spectacular sight.
To reach it, you will take a fairly easy two-mile round-trip hike, though be warned that the hike includes an impressive 192-step flight of stairs.
I recommend you take at least an hour to complete the hike and stop for photos, and then refresh yourself at Naniboujou Lodge, conveniently located right across the highway from the state park. This beautifully preserved 1920s Lake Superior lodge features a highly distinctive design in its large dining room.
Where To Eat in Grand Marais
Best Breakfast
South of the Border Café
The South of the Border Café is a true local favorite that serves up classic, typical diner fare with a special emphasis on heavy breakfast food and the absolute best American fries in the area.
World’s Best Donuts
When you want donuts for breakfast, you simply cannot miss World’s Best Donuts, an iconic Grand Marais donut shop that stays open all summer long and occasionally extends its hours for busy winter weekends.
I highly recommend making your trip to Grand Marais, Minnesota feel completely complete with a stop at this adorable, little donut shop right downtown so you can grab donuts before walking down to Lake Superior to decide if Worlds Best truly lives up to its name. As a spoiler, most Minnesotans will proudly say it certainly does, and when you spot the little red shop while walking through town with its distinguished red and white sign, you will immediately notice lines of people eagerly flocking to get their donuts.
Their cake donuts are genuinely the world’s best, but you must get to the counter early before they sell out for the day. You have to try their specialties like the famous skizzle, which is a sweet yeast dough that is stretched out and perfectly deep fried, or Chet’s best which is a fluffy raise donut topped with a vanilla and chocolate frosting combo, while the strawberry cream cheese swirl always sells the fastest right alongside the classic raised glazed, the chocolate dipped cake, and the toasted coconut varieties.
Blue Water Café
Another favorite for locals and visitors is the Blue Water Café, and even though I have never actually eaten here, friends insist it is the perfect backup when World’s Best Donuts doesn’t suffice. You can just walk down the street for a massive breakfast to fill your tummy with fresh cinnamon rolls, giant omelets, and fluffy pancakes that will easily put you in a food coma just like the above photo shows because it is so good. With everything delicious and very reasonably priced, they also serve lunch and dinner offering a plethora of options, and if you snag upstairs lodging as a place to stay in town, you are only 16 steps down from the crispiest bacon you will ever dream of.
Shook Smoothies
Be sure to check out Shook Smoothies, an awesome little food stand located on the highway side near the Harbor Inn. They blend better smoothie bowls than I have had in Hawaii, and I love that you can order online making it super easy to grab a healthy breakfast on the go.
Best Coffee
Moose
Java Moose is an absolute Grand Marais must and easily the best known coffee shop on the North Shore. I am personally very partial to the Nordic Miel Latte and the warm Harbor Fog Tea, and you should definitely check out their impressive selection of local merchandise while you wait.
Fika Coffee
If you need a cup of coffee to quickly caffeinate before enjoying a Crosby Bakery scone or a fresh pastry, Fika Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop located just south in downtown Lutsen. You can also find their locally roasted coffee stocked in almost any Grand Marais grocery store, which is absolutely perfect if you are staying in a vacation rental and want to brew it yourself.
Best Drinks
Gun Flint Tavern
The Gun Flint Tavern is absolutely the best place to go for amazing mixed drinks, and you can visit all year-round to just relax with a classic Negroni or a refreshing Mojito down in the Raven Pub. However, during the warm summer months, you should definitely head upstairs to the Raven’s Nest which is a phenomenal rooftop bar completely overlooking the main harbor.
Voyageur Brewing Company
As our beloved local watering hole, Voyageur Brewing Company provides a wonderfully comfortable space to catch the game and relax on either their lower patio or the scenic rooftop. They pour incredible beers featuring clever Boundary Waters themed names alongside a great array of tasty appetizers like warm pretzels and famous Reuben egg rolls.
Since it is the only brewery in town, it is always hopping. My partner loves sipping the Devil’s Kettle IPA, while I usually come for absolutely anything seasonal to enjoy out on the newly built patio that perfectly overlooks Superior.
Best Lunch
Hungry Hippie Tacos
For a fast and flavorful meal, Hungry Hippie Tacos is an amazing counter-service restaurant widely known for their incredible frybread tacos and a surprisingly large selection of craft beers. You absolutely don’t miss trying the smoked meats like pork or brisket which they expertly smoke themselves and top with zesty chipotle sour cream.
After selling the original Hungry Hippie Hostel post, the wonderful owners, Kate and Jeremy, took over this specific taco restaurant in town and beautifully revamped it with their own flair. Their iconic frybread taco is always made fresh to order, making it a definitive must try, especially the savory pork taco served alongside crispy tots, warm queso, a giant oozy gooey quesadilla, or loaded nachos.
The Fisherman’s Daughter
Another fast favorite is it, an excellent counter service restaurant located as part of the scenic North House Folk School campus. Acting as a fantastic grab and go deli, they offer a small but delicious menu featuring classic fish and chips alongside fresh fish tacos. You can choose to dine in or simply browse the fresh market to purchase unique items to take home, including cute merch, fresh fish by the pound, or a beautiful charcuterie board.
It is an incredibly cozy and perfect stop to truly try fish sourced straight from Lake Superior. They also feature the Fly Box where you can buy fishing gear to stock up for your own guided trip and various fishing adventures, or you can even get a quick crash course taking only 30 minutes to learn fly fishing before you head out on your own.
The Crooked Spoon Food Truck
Sadly, the tragic April 2020 fire completely leveled the beloved Crooked Spoon Café along with two adjacent gift shops, which truly left a hole in Grand Marais’s downtown. However, you can still enjoy Crooked Spoon fare because on more weekends than not, you will find the Crooked Spoon Food Truck happily food truck parked right in the old café lot, though you should follow them on Facebook to check their specific schedule and exact location.
Before the fire, the original Crooked Spoon Cafe proved that even in a small town where visitors might have doubts about fine dining options, you could get a fantastic dinner, immediately making me put doubts aside about Grand Marais culinary limits.
I loved snagging a table during the summer when the upstairs open seating provided sweeping lake views, creating the perfect atmosphere for watching sunset and hanging out with a glass of wine or a cold beer while sharing small plates as we would patiently wait for table access at the restaurant.
You honestly can’t go wrong ordering anything on menu since it changes seasonally, but my top recommendation was always the seared scallops or the crispy pork belly because the plates exquisite presentation left me completely full and always excited to come back on my next visit. Ever since it burned down, there has been no official word regarding whether they will rebuild or not.
The Bad Seed Food Truck
Finally, the Bad Seed Food Truck is another great food truck option rolling around the area; just be sure to check out their Instagram to see the unique menu du jour and find out exactly where they are parked.
Best Dinner
Angry Trout Café
Operating as an open year-round and beloved harbor-side restaurant, the Angry Trout Café offers the finest ingredient-forward dining on the North Shore. It is the only restaurant in Grand Marais that is truly on the water, meaning you can watch sailboats gracefully come and go from the Grand Marais Harbor right next to you.
On a nice day, you should definitely sit out on the dock patio and indulge in what many consider the best fish and chips in town. They serve excellent freshwater fish and have the best selections for anyone seeking vegan-friendly options.
It is honestly one of the best places to eat when you head right to the water to enjoy our meals, featuring wonderful pasta, fresh fish, and hearty wild rice salads, and even in the winter, you can sit inside and enjoy a mug of steaming hot chocolate.
Raven Rock Grill
For a change of scenery, take a quick 10-minute drive up the Gunflint Trail to find the Raven Rock Grill located at Skyport Lodge overlooking Devil Track Lake, where you can enjoy typical pub fare in an absolutely beautiful setting.
Cascade Restaurant
Just a 10-minute drive outside Grand Marais sitting right on Highway 61 on your way to Lutsen, the Cascade Restaurant features an impressive stone fireplace and a wide variety of sandwiches, pizzas, grain bowls, and more.
As a bonus, you can take a quick hike in Cascade River State Park right after dinner. To Hike the best family-friendly hike which is less than a mile, you will instantly see more than seven waterfalls tumbling down. There are plenty of other longer hiking options for advanced hikers looking for a challenge, like climbing Lookout Mountain or hiking north along either side of the Cascade River where major waterfalls are easily viewable on a short one-mile loop.
If you visit for Breakfast, the attached Cascade Lodge is the coziest breakfast spot around; just head in for delicious breakfast food before taking a quick walk in the woods, making it a great place to stay that I highly recommend.
Best Treats
Sydney’s Frozen Custard
If you love Culver’s frozen custard, you are in for a massive treat at Sydney’s Frozen Custard because it is famous for their massive serving sizes of rich custard. If you order classic vanilla or rich chocolate, every single scoop feels like a special treat, especially when you find the hidden chocolate at the bottom of your waffle cone.
Crosby Bakery
From their convenient downtown location in Grand Marais, Crosby Bakery serves up incredible homemade cakes, flaky pastries, buttery croissants, fresh breads, and so much more.
Superior Creamery
As a brilliant newcomer to the Grand Marais scene, Superior Creamery crafts amazing small-batch ice cream and delicious fudge entirely in house. Because their unique menu changes regularly, if a specific flavor strikes your fancy, it is a now or never situation to try it, especially their incredible Salted Honey Bee.
Faq
What is Grand Marais known for?
A funny mix-up often happens with the Grand Marais name! While our Minnesota town has amazing sights, the famous Pickle Barrel House Museum featuring a literal 16-foot-tall barrel built as a summer home for well-known illustrator William Donahey is actually located in Michigan. However, taking a local walking tour right here in MN reveals unique landmarks, two public gardens, four museums, and numerous gift shops.
Is Grand Marais, MN worth visiting?
Absolutely. Situated between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, you will discover immense inspiration around every corner. I have found that visitors and locals alike form a warm community of friendly, creative, and talented people.
What is the number one tourist attraction in Minnesota?
Though the North Shore is spectacular, the single biggest tourist attraction in the state of Minnesota remains the Mall of America down south.
What to do around Grand Marais, MN?
You should Drive the Gunflint Trail, Hike at Cascade River State Park, and Visit Grand Portage. Right in Grand Marais, Get treats at World’s Best Donuts and watch the Sunrise at Artist’s Point. Always practice Leave No Trace. Please note that using my links may earn a small kickback at no additional cost for any purchase recommendation.
