Looking for the best things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota? Read this article for the best things to do in Grand Marais from hiking and exploring to places to eat!

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’m an outdoor guide committed to exploring the beautiful places the Midwest has to offer. I’ve worked several years as a sea kayaking guide on Lake Superior, and lived for a few years in Grand Marais, MN! It definitely isn’t the easiest place to live as a 20-something, but I did my best to make the most of my time there. I’m so happy to show you around!

Best Things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota:

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What to pack for a Grand Marais Trip:

For an adventurous Grand Marais trip, here’s what you’ll want to pack:

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

Leave No Trace in Grand Marais, MN:

When recreating outdoors on the North Shore of Minnesota, it is important to pack out all trash including toilet paper and orange peels. Keep in mind that different areas have different LNT (Leave No Trace) expectations— on the North Shore you will encounter State Parks, State Forests, National Forests, and Wilderness Areas. Best practices vary from place to place. 

There is not reliable cell service throughout some areas of the North Shore. Winters can be very harsh. Some hiking trails may be overgrown, slippery, or difficult. Plan adventures accordingly.

When recreating on the North Shore of Minnesota, you are recreating on the cultural homeland of the Grand Portage Ojibwe Indigenous Tribe. Keep in mind that all land in the area may have cultural, historical, and archeological significance. For this reason especially, leave everything as it was found. 

click here for a detailed guide to Leave No Trace on the North Shore

1) Sunrise at Artist’s Point

Looking for the most beautiful place to watch a sunrise in Grand Marais? Head to Artist’s Point, just a quick walk right from downtown. Here, you can explore both the rugged point and the breakwater with lighthouse views.

Watching the sun rise over the Lake is beautiful here in any season, but especially in the winter when the point is covered in ice. In the summer, enjoy watching all the boats moored in the harbor!

2) Hike Cascade River State Park

For the best family-friendly hike in Grand Marais, head to Cascade River State Park where you can hike less than a mile and see more than seven waterfalls! There’s plenty of other longer hiking options in Cascade River State Park for hikers looking for a challenge as well, including Lookout Mountain, or hiking north on either side of the Cascade River.

Lucky for most hikers, all of the major waterfalls are viewable in just a short one-mile loop!

3) Drive up the Gunflint Trail

Are you hoping to see moose on your trip to Grand Marais? The best place to see moose in Northern Minnesota is driving up the Gunflint Trail early in the morning. While this increases your chances of a moose sighting, moose are still relatively rare in Northern Minnesota, and you likely won’t see one your first trip up.

Worry not! There are plenty of other things to do up the Gunflint Trail besides look for moose! Overall, a drive up the Gunflint trail is easily one of the best things to do while visiting Grand Marais!

Check out the best hiking trails on the Gunflint Trail!

4) Get World’s Best Donuts

No trip to Grand Marais, Minnesota is complete without a stop at World’s Best Donuts, the adorable little donut shop right downtown. Here, you can grab donuts while walking by Lake Superior and decide if “Worlds Best” lives up to its name (spoiler: most Minnesotans would say it does!).

5) Visit Grand Portage

Looking for an adventure to one of the coolest places in Minnesota? Head up to Grand Portage on the Canadian Border. Here, check out the Grand Portage National Monument and tackle the easy Mt. Rose hike.

One of the prettiest waterfalls on the North Shore is High Falls on the Pigeon River, easily accessible in Grand Portage State Park! This beautiful waterfall is definitely worth the visit! A trip up to Grand Portage is one of the best things to do while visiting Grand Marais!

6) Eat at the Angry Trout

For one of the best places to eat in Grand Marais, head to the Angry Trout. The Angry Trout is right on Grand Marais Harbor and has wonderful pasta, fish, and wild rice salads. In the winter, enjoy a steaming hot chocolate and views of the twinkling Grand Marais Lighthouse over the harbor.

7) Check out Sisu and Loyly Nordic Sauna

Looking for Minnesota’s coolest Nordic-inspired sauna? Sisu and Loyly is tucked away in downtown Grand Marais and easily one of the best things to do in Grand Marais!

I worked here when I was living in Grand Marais when it first open and highly recommend visiting! Katie, the owner is delightful and this wonderful small business does an excellent job at pretty much everything and was a wonderful place to work.

8) Book a day trip to Remote BWCA Waterfalls

Looking to visit some of the most remote and beautiful place in Grand Marais? You’ll need a canoe and a can-do attitude! Book a canoe day trip to some of the remote waterfalls and overlooks in the BWCA and learn all about the Boundary Waters from your Border Lakes Tour Company Guide.

Exploring the BWCA’s waterfalls and overlooks is easily one of the best things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota!

9) Get Breakfast at Cascade Lodge

For the coziest breakfast spot in Grand Marais, head to Cascade Lodge! Here, you’ll find delicious breakfast food, and a quick walk to Cascade River State Park.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Grand Marais, I also recommend Cascade Lodge!

10) Visit Drury Lane Bookstore

For Minnesota’s cutest bookstore, swing by Drury Lane!

11) Bike to Fall River Falls

Looking for a unique adventure in Grand Marais? Take your bike on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail and bike south to Fall River Waterfall on Lake Superior. This makes for the perfect picnic spot and is one of the best things to do in Grand Marais!

12) Mountain Bike on Pincushion Mountain

Did you know Grand Marais’ Pincushion Mountain has some of the best hiking, cross country skiing, and mountain biking in the State? For biker’s hit the miles of advanced mountain biking trails! Hikers can tackle the four mile round trip hike to Pincushion Mountain Overlook.

In the winter, ski the beautiful Pincushion Mountain Trails and watch the twinkly lights of Grand Marais below as the sun sets over town. For outdoor enthusiasts, Pincushion Mountain is easily one of the best things to do in Grand Marais!

13) Hike the Superior Hiking Trail

Looking for the best hiking near Grand Marais? Check out the day hikes along the 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail. The Superior Hiking Trail is a scenic thru- hike running from south of Duluth to the Canadian Border! Some of the best day hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail is near Grand Marais.

Planning a Grand Marais trip for hiking and views? Check out the 19 Best Hiking Trails on the North Shore!

14) Visit Tettegouche State Park

Looking for one of the best stops on the way to Grand Marais? Check out Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay, Minnesota! Tettegouche State Park has several beautiful hiking trails, but one of the most beautiful is Shovel Point Trail, accessible from the Tettegouche Visitors Center right off Highway 61.

15) Eat at My Sister’s Place

Looking for one of the coziest spots to grab a burger in Grand Marais? Visit My Sister’s Place restaurant for great burgers, pizza, and a cozy northwoods feel. My Sister’s Place is easily the best restaurant in Grand Marais for families with one of the most kid-friendly menus.

16) Catch the Northern Lights

Did you know Grand Marais, Minnesota is one of the best places in the Midwest to see the Northern Lights? In order to see the Northern Lights in Grand Marais, you’ll need a clear night with plenty of darkness and to find a north-facing spot. The aurora in Northern Minnesota is most active near the equinoxes, and late March is usually the best time to see the aurora in Northern Minnesota. Keep in mind that the aurora is not like clock work, and is not out every night or even most nights!

For up to date information on the Northern Lights, download the Aurora app.

Where to stay in Grand Marais, Minnesota:

When visiting Grand Marais, Minnesota, State Forest Campgrounds tend to be the cheapest option. 

Throughout the summer and fall, State Park Campground (different from state forest!!) reservations are likely to fill several weeks in advance, and many hotels and Airbnbs book up months in advance. Consider staying at Hungry Hippie Hostel, Hungry Jack Lodge, Clearwater Lodge, or any of the small locally owned lodges, motels, and hotels rather than Airbnbs in town, many of which (not all!) are not locally owned, and are investment properties.

If you prefer Airbnbs, do your research and choose locally-run Airbnbs, or Airbnbs that are clearly not bought up and flipped residential homes such as cabins, lofts, glamping tents, or tree houses. Grand Marais has a MAJOR housing shortage, which contributes a lot to short-staffing everywhere from restaurants to the hospital.

Recreate with care, and please treat local employees with patience! Many people work several jobs, and it’s very likely your server at a local restaurant also works as a teacher at the school.

click here for an even more detailed guide to visiting Grand Marais, Minnesota

Where can I learn more about exploring the Midwest?

Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Love reading about the best things to do in Grand Marais, MN? Keep exploring the Upper Midwest:

• Check out the 15 most beautiful Great Lakes Destinations
• Read about the best winter adventures near Grand Marais
• Read about the best winter destinations in the Midwest!

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