Since our initial post, the Gunflint Mercantile has closed. Owner Chelsea has started a new venture called The Chocolate Dog, which will operate entirely online. Visit The Chocolate Dog Facebook Page to see updates. This post is for archival purposes only. And because my kids are super cute in the video. The store was purchased by Abby Tofte who already owned the other half of the building for her store, The Big Lake. Abby will be expanding the Lady Superior Bottle Shop into the space starting in the summer 2024.
Our North Shore Sweet Tooth series continues this week with the Gunflint Mercantile.
About a block from the Grand Marais Harbor, tucked into a little brick building, you will find this little shop. It will bring back memories of a time when penny candy and homemade confections could be found in candy stores dotted across America.
The Gunflint Mercantile and Candy Company is a shop that will satisfy your sweet tooth, as well as your desire for nostalgia.
Sure, the shelves are lined with packaged candy that can be found anywhere, at a price as low as 10 cents a pop, so not exactly penny candy. But the handmade fudge, truffles, and soup and cake mixes will take you back to a better time. When care was taken with each homemade morsel. Yes, The Gunflint Mercantile still makes these things, by hand, in the back of the shop.
Chelsea, the owner of The Gunflint Mercantile, purchased the shop in 2011 and reopened it without changing much from the original turn-of-the-century concept. However, she has continued to grow the homemade goods selection, often coming up with new ideas for fudge and truffles. This year, Chelsea got the idea to get some of the leftover donut holes from World’s Best Donuts. She then turns them into and Donut Truffles. The idea was a success- creating a delicious truffle inspired by another popular local business. This new truffle will be available this summer at both The Gunflint Mercantile and World’s Best Donuts.
Known as “The Candy Store” by locals, The Gunflint Mercantile is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. A place where you can find candies you enjoyed as a child, introduce your own children or grandchildren to the candy store concept you once enjoyed, and try some delicious, homemade, North Shore fudge and truffles. Be sure to pick up a soup mix to enjoy when the weather gets cold again!
Can’t make the trip up to the North Shore, but still want some delicious fudge, truffles, and more? You can get some tasty Gunflint Mercantile treats delivered right to your door by ordering on their website.
You can visit the Gunflint Mercantile at 12 First Avenue West in Grand Marais. Also be sure to like Facebook page for updates, hours of operation, and more.