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

14 02, 2020

Winter: Things To Do on the North Shore
Winter: Things To Do on the North Shore

Winter: Things To Do on the North Shore

webservices2021-02-25T18:25:08+00:00Activities & Attractions|

Winter might seem like the ideal time to stay inside to read books and play board games. However, we know that there is much more to do during the day than sitting inside. We’ve compiled a list of our top 10 winter activities to do on the North Shore. How many of them have you tried? 1. Ski/ Snowboard: Rising more than 1000 feet about the coast of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains are home to some of the most rugged terrain you can find in the Midwest. Perfectly located on the North Shore, these mountains let you enjoy a [...]

3 01, 2020

SS William A Irvin
SS William A Irvin

SS William A Irvin

Martha Finley2021-02-25T18:28:35+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, History, Spooky Places on the North Shore|

The SS William A Irvin is a freighter that was named after William A Irving The Vice President of U.S. Steel. She was a flagship of the company fleet from her launch in the depths of the depression in 1938 until 1975 and then was a general workhorse of the fleet until her retirement in 1978. The SS William A. Irvin is a well-maintained example of a classic laker, and a prime example of a straight decker, as she has no self-unloading system. History She was launched 21 November 1937 at the yards of the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio. [...]

2 01, 2020

Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op
Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op

Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op

Martha Finley2021-09-06T14:29:49+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

More than 40 years ago, the Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op started on the front porch of a local artist in Grand Marais. The idea was to put donations into a coffee can and people could take the number of bulk coffee beans, grains, and other items for an amount they felt was fair. In 40 years, much has changed. Now located in downtown Grand Marais, the Cook County Whole Foods Co-Op is a bustling enterprise that's open seven days a week. It features an assortment of fresh, organic produce, meat, dairy products, grains, bulk products and homemade soups, salads, [...]

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

Lake Superior Trading Post
Lake Superior Trading Post

Lake Superior Trading Post

Martha Finley2021-09-07T15:20:07+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

No trip to the North Shore can be truly enjoyed without the right equipment. And in these parts, ‘equipment’ often means outdoor gear and clothing. And for many, stocking up on these accessories begins at the Lake Superior Trading Post. Featuring an assortment of high-quality clothing for all four seasons, outdoor gear, footwear, trail maps, and camping supplies, the Trading Post is a must-visit during your trip. For those less inclined to venture outdoors, there are sections for books, kitchenware, jewelry, Scandinavian gifts, and other home and personal accessories found in the Trading Post. The Trading Post is conveniently located [...]

2 01, 2020

Tom’s Logging Camp
Tom’s Logging Camp

Tom’s Logging Camp

Martha Finley2021-09-30T17:53:05+00:00Activities & Attractions, Local Businesses, Scenic Drive|

If you've visited the North Shore in the past, you've likely passed the large sign along Highway 61 on the expressway that reads "Tom's Logging Camp". Perhaps you're like me and you see the sign frequently and think "I should check that place out someday", but as you're heading up the shore to your destination the thought quickly leaves your mind. It did mine for many years. That is until I decided to finally swing into Tom's Logging Camp from the North Shore Scenic Drive on a sunny afternoon to see what the place is really about. Now, I am [...]

2 01, 2020

Sven & Ole’s Pizza
Sven & Ole’s Pizza

Sven & Ole’s Pizza

Martha Finley2021-02-25T18:50:33+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Tourists, locals, travelers, anglers, hikers, snowmobilers, skiers, cyclists and everyone else who’s ever had a reason to set foot in Grand Marais during the past 35-plus years can all agree on one thing: “Uffda… that Sven & Ole’s makes a good pizza.” Sven & Ole’s pizza parlor and restaurant is considered by many the heart and soul of the downtown casual dining scene in Grand Marais. The family-friendly atmosphere, delicious pizzas and authentic North Shore vibe are a magnetic draw for many who visit the area. Showcasing the quality of the eatery, locals are just as likely to be standing [...]

2 01, 2020

Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion

Glensheen Mansion

Martha Finley2021-10-19T16:35:52+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, History|

Glensheen Mansion sits on 22 acres of beautiful land in Duluth right on Lake Superior. This mansion has 39 rooms, and is an incredible 27,000 square feet. It sounds like this might be describing a luxury Lake Superior resort, but it's actually a single-family home. By far, the Glensheen Mansion is the most widely recognized home on Lake Superior's North Shore. History of the Glensheen Mansion Chester Congdon spared no expense when constructing his family's home and landscaping beginning in 1905. Renowned architect Clarence H. Johnson and landscape architect Charles W. Leavitt took Chester Congdon's ideas and turned them into [...]

2 01, 2020

Fika Coffee
Fika Coffee

Fika Coffee

Martha Finley2021-02-25T18:59:03+00:00Local Businesses, Lutsen|

In 2015 Fika Coffee Shop opened in Lutsen, Minnesota. Since its opening it has become a destination that people from all over the country flock to, not only because of the delicious coffee served, but because the owner, Josh, has big dreams for the company. Find a video and our interview with him below. Q: Tell us about yourself. A: I have three children: Claire 9, Sophia 8, and Leif 5. My wife Stephanie is a kindergarten teacher at Sawtooth. I was born in Grand Marais and my family moved away when I was 8. We moved away for reasons that are still [...]

2 01, 2020

Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais
Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais

Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais

Martha Finley2021-02-25T20:18:49+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

If your visit to the North Shore includes the celebration of a birthday, your wedding, anniversary, or another occasion in which one may want to purchase a baked good- be sure to remember Crosby Bakery in Grand Marais. In May of 2019, baker Hana Crosby purchased a little bakery located in an old church (now an art gallery) in Grand Marais. Hana had been working a regular 9-5 job when the opportunity arose to build up her little side gig making cakes and cookies into a full-time job. Since then, Hana's creations can be found all over Grand Marais and [...]