North Shore Activities - Minnesota Vacation Blog

30 12, 2024

Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge
Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge

Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge

Martha Finley2025-01-08T18:13:53+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, History, State Parks|

One of the most iconic structures in Jay Cooke State Park is the Swinging Bridge, a historic landmark that has withstood numerous challenges from both nature and time. This beloved bridge has undergone multiple reconstructions, surviving floods, repairs, and restorations. The Original Construction In 1924, the Forest Service constructed the first version of the Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge using logs and rope. This simple yet functional bridge provided a way to cross the St. Louis River, offering visitors a scenic view of the river below. By 1934, the bridge had undergone its first major upgrade. Between 1934 and 1935, [...]

30 12, 2024

Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park

Martha Finley2025-01-08T18:37:04+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, State Parks|

History of Jay Cooke State Park Jay Cooke State Park, located just 10 miles from Duluth, ranks among the 10 most visited state parks in Minnesota. Named after Jay Cooke, a Pennsylvania financier who developed a nearby power plant still in operation today, the park holds a rich history. In 1915, the St. Louis Power Company donated the first 2,350 acres of land to the state, establishing what would eventually become the park. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) set up camp at the site and played a pivotal role in shaping the park. The CCC built the second [...]

6 11, 2024

A Dining Room with a View
A Dining Room with a View

A Dining Room with a View

Jaye2025-11-13T11:36:20+00:00Everything Else|

The Holiday Season is upon us, and with that comes plans for many dinners shared together. Where better to share those special dinners than on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior, gathered around a dining room with a view? We've compiled a list of our favorite dining rooms around the North Shore where you can gather to enjoy a holiday feast, celebrate a birthday, or enjoy a lovely vacation together. Restaurants Dining Rooms With A View - When You Don't Want to Cook for Yourself New Scenic Cafe - French River Located on the Scenic Drive between Duluth [...]

22 10, 2024

Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore
Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore

Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore

Jaye2026-03-03T16:47:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, Local Businesses, Lutsen, Schroeder/Tofte|

Discovering the Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore If you’re heading to Northern Minnesota along Lake Superior, either for skiing at Lutsen Mountains or to explore the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, one thing’s for sure: You’ll need a good cup of coffee to fuel your adventures. This scenic area may be known for its outdoor beauty, but it also boasts some fantastic local coffee spots. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe after a day of exploring or simply want to experience local Minnesota coffee, this guide will introduce you to some of the best coffee [...]

15 10, 2024

Sauna Culture on the North Shore
Sauna Culture on the North Shore

Sauna Culture on the North Shore

Jaye2026-02-19T15:19:43+00:00Activities & Attractions, Events & Holidays|

Embrace Sauna Culture on the North Shore Winter on Minnesota’s North Shore offers a unique charm. As the bright autumn colors fade and winter begins, the crisp air and tranquil atmosphere set the perfect stage for a peaceful getaway. Imagine yourself relaxing in a cozy sauna, steam rising around you as the sounds of Lake Superior enhance the experience. Or, imagine stepping out of your sauna experience surrounded by the beautiful boreal forest, surrounded by snow-capped trees. That is Sauna Culture on the North Shore. After a relaxing sauna session, sink into a jetted soaker tub at your private [...]

26 06, 2024

Objects to Crave
Objects to Crave

Objects to Crave

Jaye2024-07-02T19:28:17+00:00Hovland/Grand Portage, Local Businesses|

Objects to Crave isn't your average North Shore gift shop. You won't find a store filled with "Lake Superior" and "North Shore" merchandise here. Instead, Objects to Crave is a one-of-a-kind eclectic mix of fun and interesting found items curated by owners Shel and Bob. From unique old-timey photographs to mossariums to incense to handmade soaps to record albums, this unique gift shop has them all and more! Located in Hovland, Objects to Crave also stands out in its unique location between Grand Marais and Grand Portage. From the Past to the Present The story of Objects to Crave [...]

29 05, 2024

June 2024 Activities and Events
June 2024 Activities and Events

June 2024 Activities and Events

Jaye2024-05-29T17:09:07+00:00Events & Holidays, News & Updates|

Summertime on the North Shore is filled with activities, events, festivals, and more to enjoy. Here are your June 2024 Activities and Events to help you better plan your Northwoods vacation. This list is not a complete list of all activities and events. Check out Visit Cook County, Perfect Duluth Day, and Lovin' Lake County for more. Also, check out the Bayfront Festival Park schedule for all events happening on their stage in June. Events in Grand Marais Cook County Market, Every Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm: The Cook County Market is a small weekly crafters market held in [...]

15 05, 2024

Big Changes in Grand Marais
Big Changes in Grand Marais

Big Changes in Grand Marais

Jaye2025-04-01T15:33:23+00:00News & Updates|

Frequent visitors to Grand Marais will have noticed that this tiny harbor town has seen some changes in recent years. This year will be no different as our guests will quickly realize. From new buildings going up, old buildings going down, and buildings repurposing (temporarily). We previously mentioned one change, the closing of Gunflint Mercantile and the opening of the Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop, but here are the rest of the big changes in Grand Marais that you will see this summer. Goodbye, Old City Hall! Beaver House Bait Shop is the temporary location for the municipal [...]

24 04, 2024

2024 Road Construction Update
2024 Road Construction Update

2024 Road Construction Update

Jaye2024-05-01T14:24:52+00:00News & Updates|

It's that time of the year again! As we enter the month of May, the entire state braces itself for Road Construction Season! This is your 2024 road construction update outlining only a few projects that will affect your trip to the North Shore this summer. While we will have a few projects in Duluth, overall road construction should not interfere with your actual vacation to the North Shore too much. Definitely nothing like what we have seen in recent years. This year, once you clear Duluth, it should be pretty smooth sailing all the way up the shore [...]

17 04, 2024

Lady Superior Bottle Shop and Harbortown Goods
Lady Superior Bottle Shop and Harbortown Goods

Lady Superior Bottle Shop and Harbortown Goods

Jaye2024-06-26T17:19:19+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Are you enjoying a Sober Summer/Sober January/Sober life? If avoiding alcoholic beverages without sacrificing the social aspect of social drinking, stop in at the area's first non-alcoholic (NA) bottle shop: Lady Superior Bottle Shop. While you are there, check out Harbortown Goods, located in the same storefront. About Lady Superior NA Bottle Shop Lady Superior Bottle Shop is the brainchild of Abby Tofte, owner of The Big Lake, an artsy gift shop located in the same building. Last year, Abby, a sober sister, had the idea to dedicate a small portion of The Big Lake to a [...]