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

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 [...]

1 01, 2020

Winter Hiking
Winter Hiking

Winter Hiking

Martha Finley2023-12-27T15:47:46+00:00Activities & Attractions|

Winter recreation such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and much more can be enjoyed on the North Shore all winter long. Another one of the winter activity that gets overlooked is winter hiking. The state parks literally clear out after MEA weekend and don’t spring back alive until after the thaw around Memorial Day. This is one of the main reasons we recommend you try a winter hike, at least once, during your next visit to the North Shore. Hopefully, by the end of this article you will be excited, inspired, and prepared to get out and adventure on one [...]

1 01, 2020

Whitetail Deer
Whitetail Deer

Whitetail Deer

Jaye2023-03-15T13:40:30+00:00Animals|

Whitetail deer are amongst the most common animals spotted along Minnesota's North Shore. With a healthy population that thrives in the local environment, the whitetail deer population in Northern Minnesota is healthy and thriving! But, there are some interesting facts about the behavior of these large mammals that many wintertime visitors notice. Sightings Around and In Lake Superior If you’ve been to the North Shore in the winter months, you may have noticed something strange about the local whitetail deer. You tend to see many of them along Highway 61. Do you know why? With the cold temperatures and snowfall [...]

1 01, 2020

Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel
Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel

Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel

Martha Finley2021-08-04T19:24:06+00:00Activities & Attractions, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

If you have ever driven up the North Shore on Highway 61, just past Two Harbors, you’ll likely recognize the Silver Creek Cliff tunnel pictured above. However, you might not know its interesting history. History of the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel The 1,344-foot tunnel, which was built in the early 1990s, has dramatically changed the experience of driving on Highway 61. Prior to the 1920s, drivers had to take a detour away from Lake Superior, adding many miles to their commute. After the 1920s, a narrow two-lane road took drivers along the cliff’s edge which dropped into Lake Superior. The [...]

1 01, 2020

Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park

Grand Portage State Park

Martha Finley2026-03-09T18:39:59+00:00Hovland/Grand Portage, State Parks, Waterfalls|

The highest waterfall in Minnesota! A beautiful welcome center with picnic shelter! Amazing scenic views! Grand Portage State Park has it all. This state park sits on the border to Canada, so it’s a bit of a drive, but the views are worth the trip. In addition to being an incredibly beautiful and accessible state park, this is a unique park. Grand Portage State Park is the only state park that is operated in a partnership between the state parks service and local Native American band. The park is located entirely within the Grand Portage tribal lands. The nearby [...]

1 01, 2020

Snowshoeing on the North Shore
Snowshoeing on the North Shore

Snowshoeing on the North Shore

Martha Finley2021-02-25T22:58:49+00:00Activities & Attractions|

Snowshoeing, or winter hiking as it is often referred to, is a very popular hobby that takes place on the North Shore. Strap on a pair of wooden or metal frames and explore the great outdoors during the winter season! Although the origin of the snowshoe is quite controversial, the work of the snowshoe has come a long way. Beginning with hardwood frames and rawhide lacings, snowshoes have developed into a more modern metal and plastic framework to make the hike even more enjoyable. Even with these bigger and better snowshoes, some believe that the traditional wooden snowshoe makes for [...]

1 01, 2020

Father Baraga’s Cross
Father Baraga’s Cross

Father Baraga’s Cross

Martha Finley2021-08-04T18:49:32+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Schroeder/Tofte|

Along Highway 61 in Schroeder is a green highway sign reading “Father Baraga's Cross”. It’s a sign that points to a place few people stop to explore. Down Baraga Cross Road, visitors will find a beautiful slice of shoreline marked with a granite cross reading “Father Baraga 1846”. Father Baraga was a Catholic priest originally from Europe. After hearing there was a need for clergy in the Great Lakes Region, he moved to La Pointe, Michigan with an interest in Ojibwe culture. He was loved by many Ojibwe, Metis and French Canadians there. He stood with many Native groups while they [...]