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

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 [...]

13 05, 2025

Fire Safety
Fire Safety

Fire Safety

Jaye2025-06-03T14:59:04+00:00Nature|

Summer on Minnesota’s North Shore is nothing short of magical—sparkling waters, rugged cliffs, and lush forests beckon adventurers from near and far. But with all that beauty comes a responsibility: practicing fire safety. As warm, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, it’s essential that visitors do their part to protect this incredible landscape. Stay Safe This Summer: Fire Safety Tips for Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior Here are just some ways you can stay safe and support fire prevention on the North Shore. From campfire safety to resources to follow if fire danger comes near. The best [...]

13 05, 2025

2025 Road Construction Projects
2025 Road Construction Projects

2025 Road Construction Projects

Jaye2025-05-13T15:37:40+00:00News & Updates|

Everyone knows it wouldn't be summertime in Minnesota without some road construction! But don't let the woes of potential driving delays keep you from enjoying your North Shore vacation! Here is the list of 2025 road construction projects that may affect your trip so you know best how to avoid road construction all together, or know when you're going to have to slow down and give yourself a little more time to get around. St. Louis County - Duluth Most notable of the 2025 road construction projects for guests driving north to the North Shore will be the ongoing "Can [...]

1 04, 2025

Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store
Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store

Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store

Jaye2025-05-13T18:33:48+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses, News & Updates|

The new municipal building which houses the liquor store. Did you have a little too much fun saying, "I need to go to Beaver Liquors to get my Prosecco!" this past summer? If you, too, have the maturity of a 12-year-old, I hate to be the one to bring you the bad news. Beaver Liquors is no more. The Grand Marais Municipal Liquor Store has returned to its previous location. Albeit, in a brand new building! Wait, Beaver Liquors?? No, it was not the official name of the liquor store when it temporarily moved into the Beaver [...]