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

1 01, 2020

Agate Beach
Agate Beach

Agate Beach

Martha Finley2021-02-25T22:14:35+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

When most people think of Gooseberry Falls State Park, they think of the well-known falls that reside within the park. Though the falls are incredibly beautiful, they also undermine another gem in the park: Agate Beach. Agate Beach is found at the mouth of the Gooseberry River where the water from the river meets Lake Superior. As its name suggests, the beach is a great spot for searching for prized Lake Superior Agates. One of the most interesting things about the mouth of the river is its ever-changing beach and sandbar. Each season affects the formation differently. Melting snow in the spring [...]

1 01, 2020

Wolves
Wolves

Wolves

Jaye2021-02-25T22:15:17+00:00Animals|

On Lake Superior's North Shore, wolves are alive and well! The 2018 DNR population survey reported 439 packs and over 2,200 wolves living within Minnesota. They are found primarily in the northern half of the state. That survey also showed that the population of the grey wolf was growing, increasing from just 374 packs found during the previous survey. Population Recovery This is a great recovery from a century ago when the wolf population dwindled to almost zero. This was primarily due to active hunting. It used to be that if you hunted a wolf and turned in a paw [...]

1 01, 2020

Day Hill Hiking Trail
Day Hill Hiking Trail

Day Hill Hiking Trail

Martha Finley2021-02-25T22:32:12+00:00Activities & Attractions, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Located within the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, the Day Hill Hiking Trail is a short, but steep hike that ends with amazing views of the surrounding area. It is one of the many trails located within this state park, but is often referred to as the best as it's easy enough for intermediate hikers, but not too easy for those who enjoy something challenging. Once you reach the top you’ll be rewarded with not only the amazing views but also with an interesting piece of history. The Day Hill Hiking trail itself spurs from the parking lot and takes [...]

1 01, 2020

Sugarloaf Cove
Sugarloaf Cove

Sugarloaf Cove

Martha Finley2021-08-05T17:21:35+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Schroeder/Tofte|

Looking for a relatively short and easy hike filled with amazing views and breathtaking nature, or just a quiet spot to relax near Lake Superior? Sugarloaf Cove is the perfect spot for you! It has a trail that winds through all different sorts of terrain, and a rocky shore that overlooks the majestic Lake Superior. The Cove sits on 34 acres with a trail that stretches over a mile. The trail passes through pine forests, an alder thicket, a scenic overlook, rocky cliffs, and all the way down to the rocky shore. Don’t be afraid to stop for a minute on one [...]

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 [...]