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

24 09, 2020

Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles

Martha Finley2021-02-25T16:43:24+00:00Animals|

Minnesota is fortunate to be home to the largest population of nesting bald eagles in the United States outside of Alaska. In 1989, there were 390 occupied breeding areas in Minnesota, today there are over 700. The average wingspan of an eagle ranges from 7-7.5 feet. The average weight of a female bald eagle is 10-14 pounds, generally males weigh approximately 25% less than females from the same area. An eagle can see something the size of a rabbit running three miles away. They can fly up to 30 mph but can get up to 100 mph when diving for [...]

15 09, 2020

Northern Lights
Northern Lights

Northern Lights

Martha Finley2024-08-16T14:12:15+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 09, 2020

Black Bear
Black Bear

Black Bear

Martha Finley2025-05-13T17:04:24+00:00Animals|

The black bear is the only species of bear found in Minnesota. If you spot a bear while visiting Lake Superior's North Shore, it's almost guaranteed to be a black bear. Generally, you will find them in heavily forested areas, like the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Black bears are 5-7 feet in length and can weigh anywhere from 150-500 pounds. They follow their noses and use their mental maps of the landscape to locate food sources. Because of this, black bears can travel a fair distance each day along a similar route looking for [...]

1 09, 2020

Ely Tunnel
Ely Tunnel

Ely Tunnel

Martha Finley2023-10-18T13:55:41+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, Spooky Places on the North Shore|

Did you know that the North Shore is home to two unique abandoned train tunnels? The most well-known is the Ely Tunnel in Duluth. Located in the Magney-Snively Natural Area, the Ely Tunnel is a 520-foot tunnel that now serves as a popular rock climbing and hiking destination. History of the Ely Tunnel During the height of the iron ore boom, train transportation of raw materials from the Iron Range in north-central Minnesota to the port towns along Lake Superior was an essential element in a successful industry. Every day, all across Northern Minnesota, trains barreled through the landscape. [...]

31 08, 2020

River Otter
River Otter

River Otter

Martha Finley2021-02-25T16:45:11+00:00Animals|

The river otter is Minnesota's largest aquatic carnivore that lives in most northern Minnesota lakes, ponds, and streams. It can swim and maneuver better than many fish and swims with only the top of its head out of the water. Otters are playful, often wrestling or spending hours sliding down muddy or snow-packed stream banks. They also play by nudging sticks across the water, and dropping pebbles to the bottom and retrieving them. North American river otters can remain underwater for nearly 4 minutes, swim at speeds approaching 7 mph, dive to depths nearing 20 yards, and travel up to [...]

21 08, 2020

Stand Up Paddleboarding
Stand Up Paddleboarding

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Jaye2021-02-25T16:45:33+00:00Activities & Attractions|

One fun activity that has become more popular in recent years, especially on the North Shore, is Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP). With this activity, you stand up on a surfboard-like board and paddle yourself around, like you would in a canoe. It's a great solo activity as well as a fun one for a group of friends or a family. It's a lower impact sport that can be done by many skill levels. You can rent a SUP from various places along the North Shore, and even sign up for a guided SUP tour! This is also an activity where [...]

1 08, 2020

Fisherman’s Picnic
Fisherman’s Picnic

Fisherman’s Picnic

Martha Finley2025-07-16T14:43:47+00:00Events & Holidays, Grand Marais|

Summertime festivals are celebrated throughout the country and are usually events that local residents and visitors look forward to. In Cook County on Lake Superior's North Shore, Fisherman's Picnic in Grand Marais is the big festival that everyone really looks forward to. Fisherman's Picnic is an annual event taking place over the first full weekend in August. The festival weekend is filled with live music, food vendors, kiddie rides, street sales, a parade, and more. Plus, don't forget the famous Fishburgers! All About Fisherman's Picnic Live Music at Fisherman's Picnic Known locally as Fish Pic, this is [...]

10 07, 2020

Lake County Festivals
Lake County Festivals

Lake County Festivals

Martha Finley2024-03-22T14:53:55+00:00Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Events & Holidays, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Lake County comes to life during the celebration of two large festivals in the month of July. Bay Days (Silver Bay/Beaver Bay) and Heritage Days (Two Harbors). Both towns celebrate a weekend of fun, family-friendly activities that are worth checking out. Both festivals take place in mid-July, oftentimes on the same weekend. Making Lake County the place to be on the North Shore! Bay Days Bay Days celebrates the community of Silver Bay and Beaver Bay in the heart of Lake County. The festivities kick off on Friday night with a parade that runs from the Mary McDonald center [...]

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 [...]

1 07, 2020

4th of July
4th of July

4th of July

Martha Finley2024-03-22T14:54:27+00:00Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Duluth, Events & Holidays, Grand Marais, Hovland/Grand Portage, Schroeder/Tofte, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The 4th of July on the North Shore is as fun and festive as you can imagine. With activities, parades, and firework shows all along the Lake Superior shoreline. Wherever you are, you probably aren’t far from a 4th of July Celebration. Here’s a list of happenings around the area. In Cook County From Tofte to Grand Portage, there is a lot to do in Cook County on the 4th of July. Tofte: Rain or shine, you are sure to have a good time! Tofte is THE place to be in Cook County on the 4th of July! Join [...]