Grand Marais MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grand Marais, Minnesota.
1. Artists' Point
SCENIC HARBOR VIEWS
Artists' Point offers one of the most beautiful places to watch a sunrise in Grand Marais, just a quick walk from downtown. Visitors can explore both the rugged point and the breakwater with lighthouse views, making it spectacular in any season. The point is especially magical in winter when covered in ice, while summer offers views of boats moored in the harbor.
2. Grand Portage State Forest
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Grand Portage State Forest stands as one of the top attractions in the Grand Marais region, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in Minnesota's natural beauty. The forest provides numerous recreational opportunities including hiking, wildlife viewing, and connecting with the area's rich natural heritage. Visitors can explore vast woodland areas while enjoying the peaceful ambiance of this protected forest.
3. Judge C.R. Magney State Park
HOME TO DEVIL'S KETTLE
Judge C.R. Magney State Park ranks among the most popular attractions near Grand Marais, drawing visitors to its unique natural features. The park is famous for the mysterious Devil's Kettle waterfall, where half of the Brule River disappears into a pothole whose exit remains unknown. Hiking trails wind through the park's forested landscape, offering spectacular views of the river gorge and multiple waterfalls.
4. Sivertson Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Sivertson Gallery showcases the artistic spirit that defines Grand Marais as a creative hub on the North Shore. The gallery features works by local and regional artists, with a focus on pieces inspired by Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness. Visitors can browse and purchase unique paintings, photographs, pottery, jewelry, and other handcrafted items that capture the essence of this northern Minnesota community.
5. Poplar Lake
TRANQUIL WILDERNESS WATERS
Poplar Lake provides a serene escape just outside Grand Marais, perfect for those seeking water-based recreation in a pristine setting. The lake offers excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by northern forest, the lake serves as both a destination itself and a gateway to the deeper wilderness of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
6. Grand Marais Lighthouse
HISTORIC HARBOR BEACON
The Grand Marais Lighthouse stands as an iconic landmark at the entrance to the town's harbor on Lake Superior. This historic beacon has guided vessels safely into the harbor since its construction and continues to be both a functional navigation aid and popular photography subject. Visitors can walk along the harbor breakwater to get close-up views of this charming lighthouse against the backdrop of the vast lake.
7. Cascade River State Park
MAGNIFICENT WATERFALL SERIES
Cascade River State Park offers the best family-friendly hiking experience near Grand Marais, where visitors can see more than seven waterfalls in less than a mile of walking. The park features a series of cascades as the river descends rapidly toward Lake Superior, creating a spectacular gorge lined with volcanic black rock. For those seeking more adventure, longer trails lead to Lookout Mountain and along either side of the river, providing additional perspectives of this dramatic landscape.
8. Gunflint Trail
WILDERNESS CORRIDOR ADVENTURE
The Gunflint Trail serves as Grand Marais' gateway to the deep wilderness, offering a scenic drive with the chance to spot wildlife including the elusive moose. This historic corridor stretches 57 miles from town into the heart of Minnesota's Boundary Waters region, passing numerous lakes, forests, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Early morning drives provide the best opportunity for wildlife viewing, though the natural beauty makes the journey worthwhile at any time of day.
9. World's Best Donuts
BELOVED LOCAL BAKERY
World's Best Donuts lives up to its ambitious name as a must-visit culinary destination in downtown Grand Marais. This family-owned bakery has been delighting visitors and locals alike with freshly made donuts, pastries, and coffee for generations. Visitors often form lines around the block during peak season to sample their famous creations, making it an essential stop for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring the North Shore.
10. Pincushion Mountain Trail System
YEAR-ROUND RECREATION TRAILS
The Pincushion Mountain Trail System offers outdoor enthusiasts year-round recreation opportunities just minutes from downtown Grand Marais. In winter, the meticulously groomed trails become a premier destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with spectacular overlooks of Lake Superior. Summer transforms the area into an excellent network for mountain biking and hiking, with trails designed for various skill levels winding through the northern forest.
11. Gunflint Mercantile
HOMEMADE SWEETS SHOP
Gunflint Mercantile entices visitors with the aroma of homemade fudge, candies, and other sweet treats in the heart of Grand Marais. This charming shop specializes in handcrafted confections made with traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. Beyond satisfying sugar cravings, the mercantile offers a selection of local specialty foods, gifts, and North Shore souvenirs that capture the spirit of this Lake Superior community.
12. Lake Superior Trading Post
NORTH SHORE GENERAL STORE
The Lake Superior Trading Post serves as a beloved one-stop shop in downtown Grand Marais, combining the charm of an old-fashioned general store with carefully curated modern merchandise. Visitors can browse an eclectic mix of outdoor gear, clothing, books, home goods, and locally made art and crafts spread throughout the historic building. For decades, this iconic establishment has been both a practical resource for travelers and a delightful place to discover unique souvenirs of the North Shore.
13. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center
GUNFLINT TRAIL HISTORY
The Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center preserves and shares the rich cultural and natural history of the Gunflint Trail corridor north of Grand Marais. Housed in a restored 1930s resort lodge, the museum features engaging exhibits on indigenous peoples, voyageurs, mining, logging, and resort history that shaped this remote region. Surrounding the museum, a network of interpretive nature trails invites visitors to explore the boreal forest ecosystem and rocky outcroppings with views of Saganaga Lake.
14. High Falls
MINNESOTA'S TALLEST WATERFALL
High Falls stands as Minnesota's tallest waterfall at an impressive 120 feet, located within Grand Portage State Park near Grand Marais. The thundering cascade marks a dramatic point where the Pigeon River forms the border between Minnesota and Ontario, Canada, surrounded by rugged forest terrain. Visitors can access this spectacular natural wonder via a well-maintained trail and viewing platform that offers perfect photo opportunities of the powerful waterfall.
15. Honeymoon Bluff Trail
ROMANTIC SUNSET VIEWPOINT
Honeymoon Bluff Trail leads to one of the most breathtaking sunset viewpoints in the Grand Marais area, overlooking Hungry Jack Lake from a dramatic cliff face. This short but steep trail rewards hikers with panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding Boundary Waters wilderness, making it especially popular for evening visits. The site earned its romantic name from its reputation as a perfect spot for couples to enjoy the golden hour light as it illuminates the northern forest and reflects off the pristine waters below.