Cascade Vacation Rentals Blog | A Guide to all things North Shore

24 03, 2026

North Shore Easter
North Shore Easter

North Shore Easter

Jaye2026-03-26T14:02:50+00:00Events & Holidays|

Spring is slowly waking up along Lake Superior’s North Shore, and Easter weekend is the perfect excuse to get outside, gather with family, and enjoy a mix of cozy Northwoods traditions and festive fun. Whether you're chasing eggs on the slopes or settling in for a scenic brunch, here are a few can’t-miss North Shore Easter events happening this year. Easter Family Festival at Lutsen Mountains If you're looking for a true North Shore Easter experience, the Easter Family Festival at Lutsen Mountains, April 3-5, 2026, delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of winter adventure and spring celebration. Families can kick [...]

9 03, 2026

Poplar River Falls
Poplar River Falls

Poplar River Falls

Martha Finley2026-03-09T18:31:04+00:00Lutsen, Waterfalls|

Tucked inland in the hills above Lake Superior in Lutsen, Minnesota, Poplar River Falls is one of the North Shore’s lesser-known waterfalls. The Poplar River begins inland in northeastern Minnesota and flows roughly 21 miles before emptying into Lake Superior. Near the ski hills of Lutsen, where the river narrows, is where the most dramatic cascades occur. During peak flow, water rushes through the canyon with incredible force, creating the powerful roar that makes North Shore waterfalls so memorable. Because this stretch of the river sits farther inland than many North Shore waterfalls, and is not located along a [...]

26 11, 2025

2025 North Shore Holiday Guide
2025 North Shore Holiday Guide

2025 North Shore Holiday Guide

Jaye2025-11-26T17:30:19+00:00Events & Holidays, News & Updates|

The 2025 Winter and Holiday Season is upon us! For those planning to visit Lake Superior's North Shore this December, there will be plenty of things for you to see and do while you are here that will help bring in some seasonal cheer. From a world renowned light display to holiday markets to unique events, December on the North Shore is filled with winter wonder. 2025 Holiday Events in Cook County Studio 21 Holiday Market | December 6 | 9am-2pm The Grand Marais Art Colony kicks off the 2025 [...]

11 09, 2025

North House Folk School’s Unplugged
North House Folk School’s Unplugged

North House Folk School’s Unplugged

Jaye2025-09-15T13:35:19+00:00Events & Holidays, Grand Marais|

As summer quietly slips into fall, there’s no better place to welcome crisp air, falling leaves, and the joy of music, craft, and community than Grand Marais, Minnesota. Each year right as the area welcomes peak fall colors North House Folk School's Unplugged, a much anticipated music festival, fills the Grand Marais Harbor with music, laughter, and community togetherness right in the Grand Marais Harbor. A Weekend of Music and Events on the Harbor Usually landing on the 4th weekend of September, North House Folk School's Unplugged spans two days of events, free and ticketed, blending artistic traditions, family [...]

6 08, 2025

Charlie’s Alpine Bistro
Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Charlie’s Alpine Bistro

Jaye2025-08-12T15:31:00+00:00Local Businesses, Lutsen, News & Updates|

Charlie's Alpine Bistro: A New Chapter in Lutsen Mountains Dining Charlie's Alpine Bistro officially opened in July 2025, bringing a fresh and refined dining experience to Lutsen Mountains in Lutsen, Minnesota. Located just across from the iconic Scandinavian Chalet, this new restaurant offers table service for both breakfast and dinner. Filling a much-missed niche after the tragic loss of its Papa Charlie's Restaurant and Event Center. In June 2023, as the annual Lutsen 99er mountain bike race was gearing up, a devastating fire broke out at Papa Charlie's Restaurant and Event Center. Smoke could be seen billowing from the [...]

13 06, 2025

Grand Marais Barbell
Grand Marais Barbell

Grand Marais Barbell

Velena Addams2025-06-18T15:54:12+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses, News & Updates|

Where Grit Meets Quiet: Inside Grand Marais Barbell When you walk into Grand Marais Barbell for the first time, don’t be surprised if your jaw drops. Quietly tucked into the scenic rhythm of Cedar Grove Business Park, the gym opens into a wide, high-ceilinged space and a grounded energy that makes you want to move. Grand Marais Barbell is a powerhouse, humbly built, but impossible to ignore. Whether you’re in Cook County for a weekend retreat or a month-long stay, for people who live by their workout routine, skipping leg day just isn't an option. And here, it doesn’t [...]

11 06, 2025

Seagull Chicks
Seagull Chicks

Seagull Chicks

Jaye2025-06-11T19:24:28+00:00Animals|

As early summer arrives, so does a familiar sight along coastal areas and lakeshores: seagulls nesting and caring for their newborn seagull chicks. These graceful birds, often misunderstood and sometimes seen as pests, play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. Understanding their behavior and knowing how to respectfully interact with them during this sensitive time is essential for their well-being... and yours. June is Nesting Season! Seagulls typically nest in colonies on coastal cliffs, rooftops, or even on isolated beaches. In Grand Marais many nests can be spotted on the rooftops of various building in the downtown area. In [...]

4 06, 2025

WE Little Wok
WE Little Wok

WE Little Wok

Jaye2025-06-04T16:00:33+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Nestled in the heart of Grand Marais, Minnesota, WE Little Wok is the latest addition to the town's vibrant food scene.This charming Chinese food truck offers a delightful array of Asian-inspired dishes. The new offering is bringing a fresh and flavorful twist to the local culinary landscape. Discover WE Little Wok: Grand Marais' Newest Culinary Gem WE Little Wok became the only Chinese dining option in Grand Marais, Minnesota when it opened in May 2025. You'll find the truck at 910 E 5th Street, parked near a private residence. The food truck's menu boasts a variety of mouthwatering options. [...]

21 05, 2025

Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival
Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival

Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival

Jaye2025-06-03T14:56:25+00:00Events & Holidays, Everything Else|

Each June the North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Minnesota, hosts the Summer Solstice and Wooden Boat Festival. The weekend long festival is a vibrant celebration of traditional craft, the summer solstice, community, and the natural beauty of Lake Superior’s North Shore. Held each year on the weekend closest to the Summer Solstice on June 21. The annual event invites visitors to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, maritime heritage, and the welcoming spirit of summer on the North Shore. The Wooden Boat Show Set against the stunning backdrop of Grand Marais harbor, the festival is hosted by the [...]

21 05, 2025

Cook County Pride
Cook County Pride

Cook County Pride

Jaye2025-05-21T20:37:37+00:00Events & Holidays|

Every June, the charming harbor town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, transforms into a vibrant celebration of love, identity, and community during the Cook County Pride Festival. This family-friendly festival offers a unique blend of natural beauty and inclusive festivities. All set against the stunning backdrop of the Grand Marais Harbor! 2025 Pride Festival The 2025 Cook County Pride, themed "Love Is Our Resistance", is scheduled for Saturday, June 14. This years' festival promises to be a day filled with engaging activities for all ages. The festivities kick off at 9 a.m. with free yoga in Harbor Park, providing a [...]