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

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 [...]

1 01, 2020

Bobcats
Bobcats

Bobcats

Jaye2021-02-25T21:47:41+00:00Animals|

The bobcat is the most common wildcat in North America, and lives in the woods on the North Shore! Bobcats are a medium-sized cat that has shades of beige and brown fur, with distinct spotted markings. Also, they have a short bobbed tail, from which it gets its name. The bobcat is usually confused with its bigger cousin, the lynx. However, they are different species of wild cat. The biggest difference between the two animals is their size and a white tip on their short black tail. Approximately 725,000 to 1,020,000 bobcats remain in the wild. About 2,000 of them [...]

1 01, 2020

Putt ‘N Pets
Putt ‘N Pets

Putt ‘N Pets

Martha Finley2021-08-09T17:42:58+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Driving into Grand Marais from the west (Duluth) you’ll find yourself catching a glimpse of some peculiar things on the south side of Highway 61. A moose? A bear chasing a man up a tree? A… goat watching mini-golf? Don’t worry, you aren’t seeing things. Your long drive from wherever you are coming from has not made your eyes play tricks on you. At least, not in this case. Those things are really there. They are at Putt ‘N Pets, the most whimsical mini-golf course on Earth (or, at least, on the North Shore). Located at 2014 W Highway 61 [...]

1 01, 2020

Snowy Owls
Snowy Owls

Snowy Owls

Jaye2021-02-25T21:57:26+00:00Animals|

Snowy Owls, the largest of the North American owls, are beautiful, large white birds that call the North Shore their home. Their white bodies and wings have varying amounts of brown or black markings on them, with females tending to have more. The white body helps camouflage the big bulky body of the owl in the winters. The Snowy Owl will travel great distances in search of prey and for breeding purposes. Unlike most owls, Snowy Owls are very active throughout the day and rely on their hearing to find prey. Habitat In winter, Snowy Owls tend to move toward [...]

1 01, 2020

Burlington Bay
Burlington Bay

Burlington Bay

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:58:54+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The small town of Burlington Bay, which consisted of a sawmill and a few shacks near present-day Two Harbors, was built by David A. Currier and Charles Hibbard in the mid-1800s. The two men initially came to the area to salvage lumber after a nearby forest fire ripped through the area. A steam-powered sawmill and dock were built on the east side of the bay to support their efforts. At the peak existence in 1957, there were 25 residents. Just a few short years later, after the timber salvage was over, the sawmill was moved to Duluth. Eventually, the town [...]

1 01, 2020

Taconite Harbor
Taconite Harbor

Taconite Harbor

Martha Finley2021-08-09T16:41:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Schroeder/Tofte|

Taconite Harbor is a safe harbor located near Schroeder, MN. The harbor originally opened in 1957 and was built using two natural islands that were located near the shore. The breakwaters built from these islands were built large enough for massive ore boats to enter and leave the harbor. While in the harbor, the boats were filled with low-grade taconite pellets that came by rail from Hoyt Lakes 75 miles away. The harbor closed in 2001 after the steel industry declined. Now the harbor is used as a public water access site and a safe harbor. On the far side [...]

1 01, 2020

Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:59:36+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Grand Marais|

Looking for agates or a great public beach to visit near Grand Marais? Rock Picking and Agate Hunting is a popular family hobby and Paradise Beach is one of the most popular agate hunting sites along the North Shore. This long cobblestone beach is a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll while keeping your eye out for your next big payday! Paradise Beach is also very close to an entry point for the Superior Hiking Trail making it easy to take a hike and enjoy the views of the lake. There are also picnic tables located along the shore [...]