Looking for the best places to stay on the Minnesota North Shore of Lake Superior? Read this article for a quick guide to the best cabins, hotels, and campsites along the North Shore!

Why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’ve worked as an outdoor guide and writer since 2018! I still run women’s trips on Lake Superior today, and I spent four years living on the North Shore of Minnesota before relocating to the Wisconsin Northwoods, the place I now call home. Today, I make regular trips back to this magical stretch of shoreline, and I’m more than happy to show you around!

Oh hey there! This blog uses affiliate links. That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

Where to Stay on the North Shore, Minnesota

Whether you’re looking for a cabin in the woods, a cozy campsite, or a lakefront hotel room, here are the best stays on the North Shore:

1) Lutsen Sea Villas

Tucked away directly on Lake Superior, the Lutsen Sea Villas are about as good as it gets when it comes to views. Each of these cabin-stye units is lakefront and extra cozy, and the main guest services building has a pool, hot tub and sauna. [My stay here was hosted!]

Lutsen Sea Villas is probably the best value rental unit you can find on the North Shore, and Lutsen itself is a great location both for hiking in the Lusten and Tettegouche Highlands and for visiting the small town of Grand Marais, MN. Personally, I really loved how cozy these rentals were and how nicely they walk the line between the amenities of a hotel (pool, hot tub, sauna and check in in a separate building) and still feeling like a classic cabin in the woods.

READ: Best Hiking Trails on the North Shore

2) East Bay Suites, Grand Marais

For a downtown location with a lake view, check out East Bay Suites in Grand Marais is the perfect spot to stay. Downtown Grand Marais is super walkable and scenic, making it a great spot to basecamp.

3) Grand Superior Lodge, Castle Danger

If you’re looking for a lakefront place to stay on the North Shore near Gooseberry Falls, check out the Grand Superior Lodge. The Grand Superior lodge has a popular and upscale restaurant, and both cabins and more traditional hotel-style rooms available.

Grand Superior Lodge is a really great location for anyone looking to enjoy Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, two of the most popular state parks in Minnesota. The Grand Superior Lodge is also just a hop, skip and jump from downtown Two Harbors.

READ: Best Things to do on the North Shore, MN

4) North Shore Camping Company, Beaver Bay

If you are looking for a glamping experience tucked between Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Tettegouche State Park, check out the North Shore Camping Company. These super cute glamping tents also have balconies, fire pits, outdoor kitchen setups and more

5) Timber & Tide Cabins, Grand Marais, MN

Timber and Tide Cabins are two of the coziest little northern cabins you can find on the North Shore. The “Tide” cabin is spacious and lakefront, but personally I really loved my stay in the smaller “Timber” cabin.

Timber cabin, pictured above left, feels plucked out of the 40s and reminded me so much of my grandparent’s cottage growing up. The decor is simple but thoughtful, and vintage. It was my ideal romantic cabin getaway. Bonus points for the little sauna and fire pit.

6) Ham’s Haus, Lutsen

If you’re looking for an upscale Scandinavian-style design cabin in the woods meets smart house, check out Ham’s Haus up in the Lutsen Highlands. This is the ideal group getaway for a few couples or a girls weekend, and you can enjoy gorgeous views, scenic floor to ceiling windows. [My stay here was hosted!]

This is such a pretty and unique place, just down the road from some of the best hikes on the Superior Hiking Trail. If you’re goal is a clean and beautiful space with smart appliances to spend a few days away, this is the spot for you.

7) Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors

For a cozy place to stay with great food just north of Duluth, check out Larsmont Cottages. This scenic spot is just off the North Shore Scenic Drive, and is romantic for couples and makes for a good spot for anyone with limited time to explore the shore planning on just making a day trip up to some major state parks, and looking to spend more time relaxing, eating out, and enjoying some of the things to do in Duluth.

8) Camping on the North Shore

If you’re looking to stay in a tent instead of a bed, camping is probably the move for you! Keep in mind that a lot of the reservable campsites fill very on the North Shore, so you’ll want to book early. For many campsites, particularly at state parks, you can actually set cancellation notices at campgrounds. Beyond this, check out first-come, first-serve campsites. Some of the most popular places to camp on the North Shore are…

• Burlington Bay Campground, Two Harbors
• Black Beach Campground, Silver Bay
• Grand Marais Municipal Campground, Grand Marais
• Most of the State Parks have campgrounds
• Also check out the National Forest Rustic Campgrounds

Love reading about where to stay on the North Shore? Also explore…

• The Best Things to do on the North Shore
• The Ultimate Guide to Lake Superior
• The Best Hiking Trails on the North Shore

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