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

1 01, 2020

Gales of November
Gales of November

Gales of November

Martha Finley2021-10-06T15:32:02+00:00Nature|

You’re wrong if you think there isn't anything to do on the North Shore during the late fall/early winter season. As the season changes and the temperature drops, Lake Superior becomes alive with the Gales of November! Gales are winds that exceed 39MPH, an occurrence that happens usually once a week during the month of November. The differences in air pressure between low-pressure and high-pressure systems cause them. The greater the difference, the higher the wind speeds are. These winds create enormous white caps just like you’d see in the ocean. You haven’t seen Lake Superior until you’ve seen what [...]

1 01, 2020

Cross Fox
Cross Fox

Cross Fox

Jaye2021-02-25T21:43:09+00:00Animals|

The cross fox has a color that is similar to the red fox, but what sets it apart from the other species is its distinct long dark stripe. The stripe runs down its back, intersecting another stripe to form a cross over the shoulders. If you’ve ever seen one of these fascinating creatures, you are one of the few lucky people to have had that chance. They are much rarer than a standard red fox. Although not as valuable as silver foxes, the coats from cross foxes were often traded among fur traders. The value of the pelt depended largely [...]

1 01, 2020

McQuade Small Craft Harbor
McQuade Small Craft Harbor

McQuade Small Craft Harbor

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:43:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, Scenic Drive|

If you’re looking for a day to watch ships on Lake Superior but don’t want to deal with the large crowds of tourists in Canal Park of Duluth, look no further. McQuade Small Craft Harbor is the perfect place to enjoy a calm, but interesting day watching small crafts come in and out of the harbor. Although they might not be the biggest vessels, this harbor has seen increased boat traffic for many years. This public access facility was developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the US Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis County, and the City of [...]

1 01, 2020

William A Irvin Is Moving!
William A Irvin Is Moving!

William A Irvin Is Moving!

Martha Finley2021-10-06T16:00:23+00:00Duluth, News & Updates|

Note: This is a story from 2018. The William A Irvin has since returned and resumed normal operations. We know where and we know how, but the when is a mystery. However, soon, the North Shore will witness a historic moment that you may be lucky enough to catch, if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. After more than three decades of mooring in the harbor of Duluth, the SS William A Irvin once again will sail the Great Lakes. Sort of. The move, which will likely happen in the pre-dawn hours on an [...]

1 01, 2020

Hovland Dock
Hovland Dock

Hovland Dock

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:44:27+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

Located on Chicago Bay in the ghost-town of Hovland, MN (19 miles northeast of Grand Marais), is the last remaining vintage commercial dock on Lake Superior. The concrete dock dates back to the early 1900’s when Hovland was a thriving economic hub in the area. Its primary use was a loading and unloading site for passenger and cargo ships traveling between Duluth and Canada. Today the dock stretches out about a hundred feet into the deep water, with a couple sections disconnected and submerged into Lake Superior. An old bell that was rung in years past to signal the arrival of a [...]

1 01, 2020

Canada Lynx
Canada Lynx

Canada Lynx

Jaye2021-02-25T21:44:48+00:00Animals|

The Canada Lynx is a medium-sized feline known for its ability to stealthily roam the northern Minnesota woods. Their bodies vary in color from shades of brown to beige with dark spots. There are four species of lynx in the world, with two living in Minnesota: the Canada Lynx and the Bobcat. All four species have a white furry chest that grooms down onto the inside of their legs. They have abnormally large padded paws that assist them when walking in the deep snow, similar to a human snowshoe. Standing roughly 19 to 22 inches tall and with an overall [...]

1 01, 2020

Edna G Tugboat
Edna G Tugboat

Edna G Tugboat

Martha Finley2021-08-09T19:59:02+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Built-in 1896, the Edna G Tugboat was the last steam-powered tugboat that operated on the Great Lakes. It sits at 110 feet long, with a 23-foot beam, and has a 1000 horsepower engine. The engine generates a bollard pull of a whopping 30 tons (bollard pull is the nautical equivalent of horsepower)! During its operation, the engine would use roughly 25 tons of coal per week, or 5 tons per day. That equates to about 12 shovels full of coal that had to be manually shoveled into the boiler every 10 minutes! Edna G was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding [...]

1 01, 2020

French River
French River

French River

Martha Finley2021-08-10T16:45:41+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Scenic Drive|

If you find yourself driving along the North Shore in need of a reprieve, make a stop at the French River. The French River offers quick, easy access to Lake Superior’s shoreline. It gives you the opportunity to dip your toes in the water on a hot day. It is also home to an adult fish trap used by the French River Cold Water Hatchery (FRCWH). The trap is used to capture spawning fish (Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Kamloops and Rainbow Trout) who are then brought indoor to the spawning facility upstream where they spawn and they are released. Though the [...]

1 01, 2020

Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain

Eagle Mountain

Martha Finley2021-09-09T18:47:33+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA|

, At over 2,300 feet, Eagle Mountain, a Minnesota State Historic Site, is the highest natural point in Minnesota! It is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, northwest of Grand Marais. Coincidentally, it is located only 15 miles from Minnesota’s lowest elevation point, Lake Superior. The peak can be climbed during any season, however, be cautious during the winter as it can be slippery. Most of the hike to the summit is straightforward and uncomplicated. Although, occasional rocky and rough terrain make some people categorize it as a strenuous hike. The first two miles of the hike have [...]

1 01, 2020

Duluth and Iron Range Depot
Duluth and Iron Range Depot

Duluth and Iron Range Depot

Martha Finley2021-09-09T18:22:00+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The Duluth and Iron Range Depot is a two-story brick building that has been standing in Two Harbors since 1907. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it was the headquarters and corporate office for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad. The Minnesota Iron Company developed the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad in 1883. They laid out the town of Two Harbors in 1885 and built depots to conducts its business. When the railroad line to Duluth was complete, it served as a transfer point for passengers, lumber, and mining supplies. It played a major role in both passenger [...]