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

1 01, 2020

Susie Islands
Susie Islands

Susie Islands

Martha Finley2021-08-09T14:59:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

The Susie Islands are a group of 13 islands off the North Shore of Lake Superior near Grand Portage. The three major islands: Susie, Francis, and Lucille were all named after a member of the Falconer family who once lived in Susie and mined its copper ore in the early 1900’s. Though copper ore is no longer mined from the islands, they still have much to give: an environment for growing rare flora and a breathtaking view from the roadside overlook along Highway 61. The islands are all home to unique and unusual flora due to their location. Because the islands are offshore, [...]

1 01, 2020

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center
Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center

Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center

Martha Finley2025-08-13T14:37:18+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, History, Local Businesses|

The Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are rich in history. The history dates back several centuries when the area was a Native American hunting area. Back then, the Gunflint Trail was just a path in the woods. Today, the Gunflint Trail 56-mile is a paved road that is home to many permanent - and many more seasonal - residents. It’s also home to the BWCA, a popular nature and remote destination for visitors from all over the world. Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center strives to gather this rich history into a living museum and nature [...]

1 01, 2020

Water Tower at Gooseberry Falls
Water Tower at Gooseberry Falls

Water Tower at Gooseberry Falls

Martha Finley2021-02-25T22:35:11+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Just 13 miles north of Two Harbors stands one of the most unique and well-crafted pieces of work on the North Shore. Without knowing its history, the water tower at Gooseberry Falls appears out of place and somewhat mysterious. Built from red and blue granite, it looks so unique, some even say it's from a fairy tale. The water tower at Gooseberry Falls State Park itself stands around 25 feet tall with a 17-foot diameter. Housing a 10,000-gallon tank that is no longer in use, it served as a water source many years ago because there was no well nearby. [...]

1 01, 2020

Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks
Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks

Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks

Martha Finley2021-10-05T19:47:01+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Have you seen the strange man-made structures that tower over Agate Bay in Two Harbors and wondered what they were? If so, you’ve come to the right place. The structures are the Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks located inside the bay. They offer protection via the two breakwaters located between the bay and Lake Superior. The breakwaters total about 2,500 feet and help stop prevailing waves from the south. Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks are made out of steel and is over 1300 feet long and seven stories tall. The immense size of the docks allows ships to pull alongside [...]

1 01, 2020

Park Point
Park Point

Park Point

Martha Finley2023-07-24T21:10:47+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Duluth|

This little beach is one of Duluth’s finest attractions, drawing in tourists throughout every season. Located on Lake Superior, Park Point stretches over seven miles, all open to the public. If you’re not into getting wet in the big lake, there are plenty of other things to do while strolling the beach. Cast rocks into the water, watch the waves crash on the sand, or just enjoy the pure beauty Duluth’s finest beach has to offer. Maybe even make it for sunrise to catch one of the most gorgeous you will ever witness. About 3.3 Miles from the Lift [...]

1 01, 2020

Ryden’s Border Store
Ryden’s Border Store

Ryden’s Border Store

Martha Finley2025-04-30T14:35:59+00:00Hovland/Grand Portage, Local Businesses|

Ryden’s Border Store – Your Last (and Best) Stop Before Canada If you're planning to cross the U.S.–Canada border near Grand Portage, Minnesota, make sure Ryden's Border Store is on your itinerary. With its unbeatable location and unique service, this iconic stop is more than just convenient — it’s practically a border-crossing tradition. Located just 0.5 miles from the Canadian border and five miles north of Grand Portage, Ryden’s has been a trusted, family-owned business since 1947. If you know anything about North Shore history, that is a long time for a family-owned business on the North Shore! Over [...]

1 01, 2020

Two Harbors Breakwall
Two Harbors Breakwall

Two Harbors Breakwall

Martha Finley2021-08-04T20:47:32+00:00Activities & Attractions, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

One of Two Harbors many famous attractions, the Two Harbors breakwall, is really a spectacular piece of art. Native Americans first called this place Wass-we-winning, or “place to spearfish by torchlight”. The first European settlers actually set up shop right here in 1856. You will find the Two Harbors breakwall at the end of a parking lot along the Sonju Trail in Two Harbors. It is made of giant boulders stretching out almost one-third of a mile through Agate Bay. Agate Bay Harbor is home to the industries that were most influential in making Two Harbors known: lumber and pulpwood, [...]

1 01, 2020

Dog Sledding
Dog Sledding

Dog Sledding

Martha Finley2024-01-16T16:51:54+00:00Activities & Attractions, Animals|

A Community of Dog Sledders Along the North Shore By Aliya Marxen From Silver Bay to Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior, dog sledding binds communities together for winter fun and worthy causes. If you are a dog, and in particular any dog that has thick fur and likes to pull a sled, the frosty forests of the North Shore must seem like heaven. Endless trails to bolt down. Things to smell. Wildlife to chase! Is there anything that can bring a smile to your face quicker than a dog as he bounds about free? Resident [...]

1 01, 2020

Sonju Trail
Sonju Trail

Sonju Trail

Martha Finley2021-02-25T22:56:13+00:00Activities & Attractions, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

This little trail will allow you to stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll through the prettiest point in Two Harbors. Sonju Trail winds along the rocky coast of Lake Superior through tall trees and raspberry patches. It’s one of the local’s favorite spots to walk, and many don’t come to Two Harbors without taking a stroll through it. Take a break throughout the journey on one of the many benches and watch the waves crash against the rocky coast. You may also leave the path and find the ancient lava flows that left their mark many years ago. It’s [...]

1 01, 2020

John Beargrease Indian Cemetery
John Beargrease Indian Cemetery

John Beargrease Indian Cemetery

Martha Finley2021-09-28T15:33:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, History|

. Tucked in a grove of trees near the edge of Beaver Bay, Minnesota, is an Old Chippewa Indian Cemetery where 22 people are buried. They were buried beginning in the year 1865 and one of them is the legendary John Beargrease Most don’t know the legend of John Beargrease and all he did for his surrounding community. He grew up a hunter, fisher, and trapper in Beaver Bay, Minnesota. It was not easy, but their family made it work and soon became well known for their mail service. Back then the train only made it as far as Agate [...]