The winter season on the North Shore brings lots of cold nights and the desire to be warm and cozy. This is the idea behind the idea of Hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah"). Hygge means "invoking or fostering a sense of coziness, contentment, and well-being". It is these ideals that we embrace during the Hygge Festival. Hosted by Visit Cook County, the festival based on the Danish concept encourages you to embrace life's simple pleasures and feel cozy and relaxed with ten days of events and activities throughout Cook County. About the Hygge Festival Visit Cook County's Hygge Festival was started [...]

Experience the Magic of Oh Ole Night in Downtown Grand Marais Join the excitement in downtown Grand Marais on the day after Thanksgiving for the beloved holiday celebration, Oh Ole Night! This annual festival embraces the area's rich Scandinavian heritage. Featuring "Sven and Ole" humor and family-friendly festivities that have become a cherished tradition along Minnesota’s North Shore. Oh Ole Night: A Grand Marais Holiday Tradition Kicking off the festive season, downtown Grand Marais transforms into a holiday wonderland. Drawing families and visitors alike to shop, celebrate, and make memories. The day begins with holiday sales at local shops, [...]

Each January, the beloved John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is held in northeast Minnesota. The race is named after the mail carrier, John Beargrease, who delivered mail up and down the North Shore via dogsled and rowboat in the late 1800s until his death in 1910. The race began in 1980. Today, there are three races for teams to choose from: The full marathon, the 40-mile race, and a 120-mile race. All races begin in Duluth at Billy's Bar. Teams then follow a hilly course through the Sawtooth Mountains. The 40-mile race ends near Two Harbors while the full [...]