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

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 Finley2025-04-24T14:47:28+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 [...]

1 01, 2020

Snowmobiling on the North Shore
Snowmobiling on the North Shore

Snowmobiling on the North Shore

Martha Finley2022-12-07T16:33:38+00:00Activities & Attractions|

Snowmobiling on the North Shore offers a unique and scenic experience to adventure seekers from all over. The North Shore is home to over 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails that lead you in and out of the boreal forest and often to scenic inland lakes. Snowmobile trails along the North Shore often lead to some incredibly scenic outlooks and hidden areas not accessible by car. The trails on the North Shore wind through private and public land and are managed and developed through an MN DNR Grant-In-Aid program. In Cook County alone there are 450 miles of trail. As [...]

1 01, 2020

Judge C R Magney State Park
Judge C R Magney State Park

Judge C R Magney State Park

Martha Finley2022-03-22T20:00:59+00:00Grand Marais, Hovland/Grand Portage, State Parks, Waterfalls|

Judge C R Magney State Park is best known as the home of the mysterious Devil's Kettle Waterfall. However, that's not the only thing to see and do in the park. Located approximately fourteen miles northeast of Grand Marais, this state park has a lot to offer guests. It is also well-known for its great hiking trails and trout fishing. Our Favorite Things to Do in Judge C.R. Magney State Park 1. Hike to Devil’s Kettle Waterfall: This waterfall on the Brule River splits in two with one side flowing downstream and the other side disappearing into a mysterious hole known [...]

1 01, 2020

Dire Wolf
Dire Wolf

Dire Wolf

Martha Finley2025-04-09T09:14:12+00:00Activities & Attractions, Animals, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The Dire Wolf, also known as the fearsome dog, is an extinct species and is perhaps one of the most famous prehistoric carnivores in North America. Its long, sharp fangs and huge body that is considerably larger than a gray wolf. This makes it a unique animal. One that you would not want to mess with! The dire wolf is believed to be extinct for over 12,000 years. However, a trucker driving on Highway 61 hit and killed a large-bodied wolf years ago. He couldn't help but make a call to the DNR to have them check it out. [...]

1 01, 2020

Pierre the Voyageur
Pierre the Voyageur

Pierre the Voyageur

Martha Finley2021-08-04T18:23:22+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Pierre the Voyageur, who is he and what makes him so interesting? Well, imagine driving down the highway and seeing a 20 foot tall, mesh and fiberglass cartoon-like statue glaring down at you. As one of the Smithsonian's historic landmarks, this statue is very special to the people of Two Harbors and is a wonderful addition to their city. Some say he looks like Paul Bunyan (located in Bemidji alongside Babe), but what make him unique are his slits for eyes, a slight grin, and no pants? Pierre the Voyageur first stood in front of the Voyageur Motel in Two Harbors. Long ago, it was said that Pierre's eyes glowed a scary red and a motel employee sat in a hidden booth could make his head pivot from side to side and even make him speak. The [...]