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

8 04, 2021

One Year Later
One Year Later

One Year Later

Jaye2024-02-12T16:09:13+00:00Grand Marais, News & Updates|

One year ago next Tuesday, downtown Grand Marais was forever changed. A devastating fire destroyed three businesses located inside three historic buildings. Since then, Grand Marais has been the home of a clean-up and changes for the businesses affected. One year later, we reflect back at what has become of downtown Grand Marais. The Fire It was Monday, April 13, 2020. The town of Grand Marais was several weeks into Stay at Home orders due to COVID-19. The downtown area was mostly empty. It was also the day after Easter, a holiday many had observed by picking up Easter [...]

25 03, 2021

Help Find Rowdi + Pet Safety While Visiting the North Shore
Help Find Rowdi + Pet Safety While Visiting the North Shore

Help Find Rowdi + Pet Safety While Visiting the North Shore

Jaye2021-03-25T18:25:35+00:00News & Updates|

The North Shore is known as a pet-friendly area. With miles of hiking trails loved by people and pooches alike, plus numerous pet-friendly restaurants dotted along the shore, it's a welcoming place for humans and canines alike. However, pets making their first or even their tenth visit to the shore are usually very unfamiliar with their surroundings. Nearby wildlife and other sights and smells may lure them away from their families. Or, startle them and cause them to run off. In the past year, the area has seen numerous reports of lost dogs. Some find their way home or are [...]

11 03, 2021

North Shore Waterfalls
North Shore Waterfalls

North Shore Waterfalls

Jaye2026-03-13T21:02:53+00:00Nature, Waterfalls|

The North Shore is home to dozens, if not hundreds of waterfalls. Sometimes, especially in the spring, it seems like waterfalls are everywhere along Minnesota’s North Shore. Some are found within one of the area's many state parks. Meanwhile, while others are a bit more off the beaten path. Some waterfalls are always there, even if sometimes in frozen form. Others are temporary and only appear after heavy rains. While we mostly think of visiting waterfalls as Waterfall Season and summertime activity, climbing frozen waterfalls is become a more popular hobby sport. So, no matter what time of the [...]

25 02, 2021

Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola
Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola

Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola

Jaye2021-02-25T18:52:59+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen|

No matter the season, there are beautiful views to behold at Lutsen Mountains. No place offers you better views than aboard the Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola. Take the scenic ride to the peak of Moose Mountain over 1,000 feet above Lake Superior. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of the boreal forest and Lake Superior. Open all year, the Lutsen Mountains Summit Gondola provides a different experience each season. The winter sees the gondola receiving the most use. Skiiers and snowboarders use the gondola to access the runs on Moose Mountains. While use of the gondola is included [...]

25 02, 2021

Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide
Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide

Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide

Jaye2021-02-25T18:53:51+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen|

Lutsen Mountains Alpine Slide is a half-mile twisting, turning track that riders cruise down on a speed-controlled sled. You hop on the chairlift just off Ski Hill Road to the top of Eagle Mountain. Then, you soar down the mountainside on the provided sled. Since you are in control, you can go full speed and enjoy the thrilling sensation as you fly down the mountainside, or choose to take it slow and enjoy the beauty and sights surrounding the area, with Lake Superior as your backdrop. Most North Shore visitors think of the Lutsen Mountains Ski area as a winter-time [...]

25 02, 2021

Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse

Split Rock Lighthouse

Jaye2021-02-25T16:53:04+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most iconic buildings on Lake Superior's North Shore. Now decommissioned, the lighthouse has been beautifully preserved and is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike. Read on to learn more about the history of the lighthouse. Why A Lighthouse at Split Rock? Starting on November 27, 1905, a massive storm, known as the Mataafa Storm, hit the Great Lakes region. The storm caused a total of 29 shipwrecks on Lake Superior during a two-day period. One of those ships, the Madeira, sank near the area known as Split Rock. Recognizing a need [...]

11 02, 2021

Red Fox
Red Fox

Red Fox

Martha Finley2021-02-15T18:17:58+00:00Animals|

We here at CVR have had quite a few interactions with the local red fox that call the area home. First, two pairs of foxes had babies right outside of our Lutsen offices back in 2019. The curious group of pups entertained staff and visitors alike with their adorable antics the entire summer. We've also spotted red foxes around homes, including the time our maintenance man, Marc, spotted this adorable red fox snoozing away on the steps of Blue House in Lutsen. However, you don't have to be in Lutsen to see them! The red fox population along the North [...]

4 02, 2021

Experience the BWCA
Experience the BWCA

Experience the BWCA

Jaye2022-06-22T21:25:39+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA|

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) is a 1 million-acre wilderness area located within the Superior National Forest. This pristine area is accessible only by hiking or paddling your way in, there are no motorized vehicles are allowed. It's a great way to experience the incredibly beautiful (and peaceful) Northwoods without the distractions of modern technology. In this guide, we will help you experience a day trip or overnight trip into the BWCA with Cascade Vacation Rentals. There are three ways you can explore and enjoy the BWCA: Take a Day Trip by Canoe Free day passes allow you [...]

20 01, 2021

Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Portage National Monument

Grand Portage National Monument

Martha Finley2021-02-15T18:28:27+00:00History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

Grand Portage National Monument is a United States National Monument located on the north shore of Lake Superior in Grand Portage, MN. It is an Ojibwe monument that forms a bridge between time, people, and culture. You'll learn about and explore the partnership between Grand Portage Ojibwe and the North West Company during the fur trade. While there you can see historic cooking and baking demonstrations and learn about fur trade history, and area history. History of the Grand Portage Known by the Ojibwe as the Gitchi Onigaming or "Great Carrying Place" the 8.5 mile portage trail allowed American Indians [...]

12 01, 2021

Caribou Lake
Caribou Lake

Caribou Lake

Martha Finley2021-02-15T18:32:29+00:00Lutsen|

Caribou Lake is a beautiful lake with picturesque views located north of Lutsen MN, on the Caribou Trail. There are two other lakes by the same name in the county. The other two lakes are well into the BWCA. This lake is also home to Base Camp, Maple Haven, and Caribou Crossing. Caribou Lake is well known for swimming, water skiing, fishing, and in the winter ice fishing, and in the fall season, you can enjoy the amazing leaf colors. A terrific location for year-round activities! This lake is 728 acres in size and is approximately 30 feet deep [...]