Grand Marais, Minnesota is an underrated winter travel destination. From Backcountry skiing to frozen waterfalls, to cozy beginner friendly winter adventures, there’s winter adventures in Grand Marais for everyone.

Why me? Hi there! My name is Maddy and this blog was written by me, the person. I’ve lived two winters in Grand Marais, Minnesota and now four winters on the North Shore! Winters in Grand Marais are so special to me, and I’m so happy to show you around!

Note: This post contains affiliate links! That means if you choose to purchase something based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

One of my favorite winter brands to shop is Stio based in Jackson Hole, WY. On the left and center, I’m wearing my Pinion down pullover, which I’ve had for four years and use regularly for outdoor adventures in all seasons. On the right, my partner Andy is skiing in his Stio insulated knickers. You can use the code MADDYMARQ for 20% off with Stio.

What to pack for a winter trip to Grand Marais, MN:

Winters in Grand Marais can be very cold! Average temperatures are usually around 10-20 F December- March, but it is possible temperatures will dip below zero with windchills near -40F for weeks at a time. For this reason, dress very warm and wear layers.

• a warm parka for walking around town
• baselayers for hiking and XC skiing
• outer layer water resistant pants (I recommend Fjallraven)
• Knit wool sweaters
• Warm mittens (I run a small business where I handknit traditional Norwegian and Icelandic style mittens built for North Shore weather in the winter)
• Microspikes for hiking: you do not need snowshoes for winter hiking near Grand Marais; most winter hikes will be packed snow and ice where snow shoes are useless and cumbersome. Instead, opt for a good pair of winter hiking boots and microspikes.

12 Best Things to do in Grand Marais, MN in the Winter:

Winter in Grand Marais is quiet and cute, with snow-covered rooftops and pretty, icy shores. With less crowds and the cold comes the best time of the year; skiing, frozen waterfalls, cozy evenings and shore ice. From cozy breakfast nooks to steamy sunrises, here are the best things to do in Grand Marais, MN in the Winter:

12) Backcountry Ski Barrier Falls

Just east of Grand Marais, Barrier Falls on the Devil Track River is the perfect outdoorsy expedition! Be sure to only venture out on this river when the ice is thick. Check ice thickness by asking local outfitters for information.

My favorite way to travel frozen rivers is on backcountry hok skis, available for rent at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply. These skis are beginner friendly and act as a cross between a traditional ski and a snowshoe, making them ideal for river travel.

Stone Harbor also offers custom guided backcountry ski tours, designed to take you out on frozen rivers and trails to places most visitors don’t get the chance to see in the winter.

Not staying in Grand Marais? You can also find backcountry ski rentals at Spokengear Cyclery in Two Harbors, Minnesota.

11) Hike the Magnetic Rock Trail

My favorite easy winter hike is tucked away on the Gunflint Trail about forty minutes north of Grand Marais; Magnetic Rock Trail takes you by beaver ponds and through moose country out to a large standing stone at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This hike is full of beautiful views and wildlife, and easily one of the best hiking trails near Grand Marais in the winter.

Check out the Exploring the North Shore eBook and Interactive Map!

10) Catch a Winter Sunset at Artist’s Point

One of the easiest winter activities in Grand Marais is to head out to Artists Point/the lighthouse at sunset! Here, you’re sure to catch beautiful views of the lake and the sun, or even glowing ice. Dress warm and wear shoes with extra traction.

For mornings like this, you’ll want a warm parka. I recommend the Patagonia DAS puffer.

9) Eat Breakfast at Blue Water Cafe

Blue Water Cafe in downtown Grand Marais serves breakfast all day, and is without a doubt the coziest spot for a warm up. Blue Water closes from November 24th- December 30th to let employees rest from the busy summer season and enjoy the holidays, but reopens on December 31st!

Grand Marais is a small town that often gets more tourism than it has the staffing to support. When I lived in Grand Marais, I worked in the service industry as did many of my friends! We were often working long hours, short staffed, and not always met with empathy. Remember to treat service employees kindly, and on peak weekends expect longer wait times, full trailheads, and crowds in town. Luckily, the winter tends to be a slower season with fewer crowds!

8) Winter Camp in the BWCA

My favorite (and least favorite) winter adventure is winter camping. It’s one of those things that I love to say I did, but it’s very cold and not always fun to actually do. Winter camping is the ultimate Type II fun, and definitely worthy of your winter adventure bucket list.

Rent a hot tent from Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais, and begin your perfect winter adventure!

7) Ski the Pincushion Mountain Lit Loop

Pincushion Mountain is just a short five minute drive from downtown Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, but it’s one of the best places to cross country ski in Northern Minnesota. The sun sets early in the winter, but no worries! Hit up the Pincushion Mountain lit loop and ski under twinkling lights!

Visiting on a full moon? The Pincushion Mountain snowshoe/hiking trail leads to the perfect spot to watch the moonrise at four miles round trip with relatively little elevation change.

Quick note about snowshoes! Many people love to come and snowshoe on the North Shore, but you do not actually need snowshoes to have an enjoyable hike. Invest in a good pair of winter hiking boots (I recommend Oboz) and choose well-travelled trails. The only time you will truly need snowshoes on the North Shore is breaking trail. Ie, if you’re the first person on a hiking trail after a snowstorm, or your snowshoeing off trail.

6) Look for River Otter at Judge CR Magney State Park

Judge CR Magney State Park is best known for dramatic waterfalls like the Devils Kettle, but did you know it’s also a great spot to see busy river otter in the winter? Keep your eyes peeled for their tracks in the snow, and enjoy this winter wonderland of frozen waterfalls!

5) Hike in Cascade River State Park

Cascade River State Park is a family friendly hike, where you can see as many as seven waterfalls in less than one mile! Cascade is especially pretty in the snow, but watch out! Trails in this waterfall glen can be incredibly slippery in the winter.

If you’re looking for an adventure in Grand Marais straight out of a frozen fairytale, head to Cascade River State Park!

Looking for more of the best things to do on the North Shore? Check out 30 Things to do on the North Shore, MN

4) Snowshoe Frozen Lakes of the Superior National Forest

Looking for a magical winter adventure that will take you somewhere new every single time? Strap on some snowshoes and head out on the frozen lakes! Snowshoeing the frozen lakes of the Superior National Forest or Boundary Waters Canoe Area is an excellent way to chart your own course and discover something completely unique, every time.

When snowshoeing in the wilderness, remember that winter is a different ball game than summer. Make sure you have the right gear for the cold, a full emergency kit, extra food and water, and three ways to call for help if needed. Remember, not only is it likely your cell phone will not work in the wilderness, but your phone will die much more quickly in the winter due to freezing temperatures even if you have service. Consider investing in a Garmin InReach.

3) Grab Dinner & a Drink at Voyageurs Brewery

After a long day playing in the snow and on the ice, there’s no better place to spend the evening than Voyageurs Brewing right in downtown Grand Marais! My favorite seasonal beer is the Sled Hound IPA, a Session IPA.

2) Visit a Nordic Sauna on Lake Superior

Visit Sisu & Loyly Nordic Sauna on Lake Superior for a break from the cold to bask in the heat. This unique sauna is situated right on Lake Superior with a beautiful view of Artists Point. There’s nothing that beats hot and cold cycles and an outdoor fire in a swimsuit right on the Lake! This is a unique, bucket-list North Shore experience, and a fun new business in Grand Marais!

The sauna itself is an old fishing shack converted into a sauna in 2021. You just can’t beat that view!

1) Chase the Northern Lights

Northern Minnesota is commonly listed as one of the best places to spot the Northern Lights. This is true, but you have to get pretty lucky; the lights are only out for a couple hours usually a few times in the fall and spring. In general, there is only one or two really impressive solar storms a year.

If you’re looking to spot the Northern Lights in Minnesota, the first thing to do is download the app My Aurora Forecast. In general, we need a KP index of at least 5 for there to be a good and visible show up near Grand Marais, and a KP index of 7 or above will see an incredible light show.

To view the lights, find a north facing landing on a lake or overlook far away from light pollution. Keep in mind that the Northern Lights are rare, and unpredictable, and don’t plan on seeing them your first trip up. For reference, I live up here and while I’ve seen the Northern Lights twice, I’ve never caught a show that was incredible to the naked eye, and I’ve never caught a good photo.

Love reading about the best things to do in Grand Marais in the Winter? Keep adventuring!

• 30 Things to do in the Apostle Islands
• The ultimate guide to visiting the Pictured Rocks
• Read about the best hiking on the North Shore

for more hiking, winter hidden gems, waterfalls, coffee stops, free campsites, and so much more, check out the Exploring the North Shore eBook & interactive map!