Is Grand Marais Still Worth Visiting? 5 Reasons This North Shore Gem is a Must-See!
If you are planning a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior, you’ve likely asked yourself: Is Grand Marais still worth visiting? Located in Northern Minnesota about two hours north of Duluth, tucked between the Sawtooth Mountains and the vast expanse of Lake Superior, this charming harbor town is frequently awarded “Best of” titles from numerous travel publications. Like being awarded the title of “2026 Best Small Lake Town” by Travel & Leisure Magazine. A great honor, to be sure, but now that the word is out, is Grand Marais still worth visiting?
The short answer is a resounding yes! Whether you are planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a friends getaway, Grand Marais offers a unique blend of wilderness access and sophisticated artsy culture. While there are many reasons to visit the broader area around Grand Marais, here are five compelling reasons why the city of Grand Marais should be at the top of your travel bucket list.
1. A Foodie and Shopper’s Paradise
Unlike many tourist destinations filled with “big box” stores, Grand Marais prides itself on a large selection of locally owned and operated restaurants and specialty shops. From world-famous donuts at World’s Best Donuts and fresh Lake Superior herring at Angry Trout Cafe and Fisherman’s Daughter at Dockside. From artisan boutiques selling locally made art at Sivertson Gallery and outdoor gear and clothing at Joyne’s Ben Franklin and Lake Superior Trading Post. The entire downtown area is bright, colorful, and a delight to explore.
Every purchase supports a local dreamer, making your shopping experience feel personal and authentic. It’s very possibly that the person ringing up your purchase or serving your meal is the actual owner of the business. Getting to know them is like getting to know the community itself. Because, really, it’s the people who make this picturesque town so unique and wonderful. Check to see if Abby is restocking shelves at The Big Lake or if Sara is making lattes at Java Moose or out recording her famous weather reports in the morning.
2. Iconic Natural Beauty: Artists’ Point and the Grand Marais Harbor
One of the reasons why many ask is Grand Marais still worth visiting is because they’ve experienced mass commercialization of other popular tourist destinations once they become popular. The ma and pa stores are replaced by chains. The parks are paved over for more parking. Even nature areas seem to find a way to become less than authentic. This isn’t the case in Grand Marais, at all!
The Grand Marais Harbor remains to be one of the most photographed spots in Minnesota. With the exception of a new boat landing near the recreation park, the Harbor and small improvements on the breakwater, the Grand Marais Harbor has remained virtually unchanged in the past decade. You can still (carefully) walk the concrete breakwater out to the lighthouse or explore narrow dirt trails around Artists’ Point. The stunted cedars and jagged rocks are still there to meet the crashing waves of Lake Superior.
It is a place of immense natural beauty that continues to inspire photographers, painters, and nature lovers year-round.
4. A Hub for the Arts and Folk Education
Grand Marais is often called an “artist’s oasis,” and for good reason. It is home to the Grand Marais Art Colony, a non-profit, member-supported art center on Lake Superior that fosters artistic growth through year-round classes, workshops, artist residencies, and studio access. The Art Colony also hosts several events throughout the year. These include Art Along the Lake, a special tour of the many local art galleries and art studios that call Grand Marais Home. And, of course, the Grand Marais Arts Festival held in downtown Grand Marais every July.
Grand Marais is also home to the North House Folk School. At the Folk School, you can take classes and workshops in traditional northern crafts. From timber framing to basket weaving to building your own canoe. North House Folk Schools offers that and more! North House Folk School also hosts several events throughout the year. These include the must-see Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival in June and the Unplugged Music Festival in September.
The town’s commitment to creativity ensures there is always something beautiful to see, whether it’s a gallery opening or a student working on a wooden boat by the shore.
5. Laid-Back Vibes and Live Music
There is a specific “shoreside vibe” in Grand Marais that you won’t find anywhere else. The pace is slower, the air is fresher, and the community is vibrant. Throughout the year, the local tourism organization, Visit Cook County, hosts a broad array of events and festivals. Fisherman’s Picnic in August and Moose Madness in October are the most attended festivals, but many others are hosted during quieter times of the year. Like the Hygge Festival held in February and the Dark Sky Festival held in December. Rarely is there a month that goes by that Grand Marais isn’t hosting some sort of unique, fun event or festival.
On a summer evening, as you take a stroll along the shoreline, you can almost always hear live music echoing from the live music at the Harbor Park Stage or one of the local pubs. The rooftop bar at Gunflint Tavern is a popular spot in the summer months. The semi-open bar space means even those down in the harbor can enjoy the live music from local and visiting bands and musicians. It’s the ultimate destination to “unplug” and reconnect with what matters.
2. A Craft Brewing Company and Even a Playhouse?
Did you know that Grand Marais has it’s own craft brewery? No visit to the North Shore is complete without a stop at Voyageur Brewing Company. This local craft brewery captures the spirit of the Boundary Waters in every pint.
With a rooftop deck overlooking the town and a cozy taproom serving up brews like the “Devil’s Kettle” IPA alongside a full menu of perfect brew accompaniments. The rooftop deck overlooks the Harbor and is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the great Northwoods. It’s also a central hub for locals to gather to watch a game or gather together for Mug Club nights (they’re on Thursdays). Come for live music and a cold brew and stay for the atmosphere and ambiance.
For lovers of the theater, the Grand Marais Playhouse has been bringing live theater to this small harbor town since 1971. The Playhouse produces 4-5 plays each year, with at least one being a musical production. The Playhouse also hosts summer camps for inspiring young actors to get their first experiences on the stage. It’s a spacious and unique venue and program for a town of only 1,500 people.
So, Is Grand Marais Still Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Grand Marais is truly a unique small town that has retained it’s quirky, artistic flair, even after becoming “world renowned”. The town has also fought to retain its natural beauty through careful city planning and preservation. City-sponsored sculptures and art installations dot the downtown harbor and recreation area. Even the benches and trash cans throughout the town have been built or painted by a local artist to create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. So come for the natural beauty, stay for the vibe.
Where to Stay: Cascade Vacation Rentals
To truly experience the magic of the area, you need the right home base. Cascade Vacation Rentals offers an incredible selection of vacation rentals in and around Grand Marais.
For those who want to be in the heart of the action, the Cobblestone Cove units offer upscale stays right on the Harbor, just steps away from the best restaurants and shops. Or experience the vibe further in town with a quaint vintage bungalow like Blue Lake Bungalow or spacious loft apartment like Lucie’s Loft. If you prefer a more secluded romantic getaway, you can find cozy cabins tucked into the woods along the Devil Track Lake or perched on the shoreline just outside town on Croftville Road. For a large family vacation or a friends getaway, Cascade provides spacious homes with full kitchens and spacious living rooms that allow everyone to gather comfortably.
From the rugged beauty of the shoreline to the warm hospitality of the locals, Grand Marais is more than just a destination. Grand Marais is an experience. Book your stay today and discover why so many travelers return to this harbor town year after year.