Nature Archives - Cascade Vacation Rentals

13 05, 2025

Fire Safety
Fire Safety

Fire Safety

Jaye2026-07-14T19:09:00+00:00Nature|

Summer on Minnesota’s North Shore is nothing short of magical. From cool sparkling waters of Lake Superior, rugged cliffs to the lush boreal, outdoor adventurers beckon. With all that beauty comes a shared responsibility: Practicing fire safety. As warm, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, it’s essential that everyone do their part to protect this incredible area. Stay Safe This Summer: Fire Safety Tips for Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior Here are just some ways you can stay safe and support fire prevention on the North Shore. From campfire safety to resources to follow if fire danger [...]

7 09, 2022

Lake Superior Agates
Lake Superior Agates

Lake Superior Agates

Martha Finley2022-09-07T22:18:11+00:00Nature|

Rockhounds and casual beachcombers alike know the term "Lake Superior Agates". For many, finding one is a central part of their North Shore vacations. Entire Facebook groups are dedicated to those on the hunt for the elusive Lake Superior Agate. But what are they? Why are they so special? And, most importantly, where can I find them? We answer all of that, and more, right here! The Formation of the Lake Superior Agates Lake Superior Agates are a specific kind of stone that was formed by volcanic activity along the North Shore 1.2 billion years ago. Gas pockets in [...]

2 09, 2021

Fall Colors on the North Shore
Fall Colors on the North Shore

Fall Colors on the North Shore

Jaye2025-09-03T15:02:23+00:00Activities & Attractions, Nature|

Once September rolls around the questions about Fall Colors on the North Shore begin. When will they start? Why do leaves change colors? Have they started? When will they hit their peak? Where is the best place to go to see them? Have they started?! In this post, we will be answering those very questions and more! Fall Colors on the North Shore: When Will They Start? Fall Colors on either side of Temperance Road near Tofte Answering this question is usually one big guess, with some basic knowledge and science to back up our response. It's [...]

11 03, 2021

North Shore Waterfalls
North Shore Waterfalls

North Shore Waterfalls

Jaye2026-04-28T14:13:13+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 [...]

13 11, 2020

Sea Smoke
Sea Smoke

Sea Smoke

Martha Finley2024-12-12T15:49:49+00:00Nature|

The North Shore offers us the opportunity to witness some unbelievable Lake Superior phenomena. One of those phenomena is Sea Smoke. What is Sea Smoke? Sea Smoke happens when temperatures drop the cold air meets with the warm water. The “warmer” water below generally sits at a frigid 33-35 degrees and the above air below zero. When this happens it creates the appearance of "smoke" billowing off of Lake Superior. The smoke is actually water vapor that rises and condenses into fog. This happens because the cold air above is already saturated with water. When the smoke is paired [...]

15 09, 2020

Northern Lights
Northern Lights

Northern Lights

Martha Finley2025-11-14T15:49:02+00:00Activities & Attractions, Nature|

One of the Earth’s natural wonders, the Northern Lights, cast radiant, multi-colored lights over the northern landscape. They most commonly appear between 60-75 degrees longitude, making the North Shore a hot spot for seeing a display. What causes the Northern Lights? Also known as Aurora Borealis (meaning“Dawn of the North”) the Northern Lights are created by solar winds interacting with the earth's magnetosphere. The magnetosphere is the sphere that gives Earth its magnetic field and protects us from space. The magnetosphere ensures that these winds are drawn to the poles, where particles rain in [...]

3 07, 2020

Best Ways to Preserve Nature While Hiking
Best Ways to Preserve Nature While Hiking

Best Ways to Preserve Nature While Hiking

Jaye2021-02-25T16:50:42+00:00Nature|

Hiking is one of the best ways to stay healthy. Regular hiking gives you a full body workout that will help lower stress, lower your risk of heart attack and stroke, and help manage the symptoms of depression. Studies show that spending time in fresh air surrounded by healthy green plants, grasses, and trees is good for your mental health as well as your physical health. However, there are more than 40 million taking advantage of those health benefits each year and that puts a big strain on the natural world. Do these four things to protect the natural [...]

3 03, 2020

Lake Superior Pancake Ice
Lake Superior Pancake Ice

Lake Superior Pancake Ice

Martha Finley2022-12-29T17:20:40+00:00Nature|

Would you like some syrup with your Lake Superior Pancake Ice? Unlike regular pancakes made with flour and buttermilk, pancake ice is formed when surface slush thickens and swirls caused by a current or light wind, a process known as rafting. The circular pads of ice form anywhere from 1-10 feet in diameter, and up to 4 inches thick. That's a big pancake. A signature feature of Lake Superior's pancake ice is its raised edges on the perimeter which is caused by continued crashes into one another from the waves. Recipe for Lake Suprior Pancake Ice The process begins [...]

2 01, 2020

Root Beer Water
Root Beer Water

Root Beer Water

Martha Finley2025-04-16T16:35:56+00:00Activities & Attractions, Lutsen, Nature, Waterfalls|

Cascade Falls and Root Beer Water The beautiful stair-step waterfalls that cascade down the river are what give this park its name: Cascade River State Park. With a nice waterfall near the footbridge on Highway 61 and additional waterfalls two miles inland, the views make the hike very worthwhile. Whenever we talk about Cascade State Park, one question frequently comes up. Why does the water in the Cascade River look like root beer? If you have explored rivers and lakes along the North Shore, you’ve probably noticed that the water is often the color of root beer. Why? Most [...]

2 01, 2020

Upper Manitou Forest Preserve
Upper Manitou Forest Preserve

Upper Manitou Forest Preserve

Martha Finley2021-08-10T20:45:04+00:00Nature|

Upper Manitou Forest Preserve If you’re looking to find some of the largest and oldest trees on the North Shore, check out the Upper Manitou Forest Preserve. It includes one of the best remaining examples of what the North Shore forest was once like. The 2,450-acre preserve is full of sugar maple, yellow birch, white spruce, and white cedar. They are estimated to be more than 300 years old. Some of the trees growing in the area are more than 5 feet in circumference! That is significant for a maple tree, especially along the North Shore where maples tend to [...]