Cozy Winter Weekend on Minnesota’s North Shore

• Snowshoe or cross-country ski on the vast trail system that covers the entire North Shore! Not only will you be able to immerse yourself in the beautiful Superior National Forest, but you can also see amazing views of Lake Superior! Many of the hotels have gear you’re able to borrow or you can rent from Sawtooth Outfitters | BWCA Outfitter | Tofte, MN.

• Alpine skiing at Lutsen Mountain Ski Resort: Known as the premiere skiing destination of Minnesota. Lutsen Mountain boasts a wide variety of trails that cater to both beginners and experts with amazing views of Lake Superior! Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort (Pro tip: the wind can be rather cold coming off the lake, so make sure to pack those foot and hand warmers!)

• Snowmobiling on Gunflint Trail & C.J. Ramstad Trail: Snowmobile two of the most iconic trails on the North Shore! With a chance to see Minnesota’s prime scenery and wildlife, you won’t want to miss this! Steve's Sports & Auto | Snowmobile Rental | Snowmobile/ATV Sales

Indoor Activities

• Sisu + Löyly Sauna: A true Nordic past-time, spend your evening warming up and watching the sunset on the lake at this adorable sauna! Then stargaze around the campfire that’s provided. Sisu + Löyly Nordic Sauna | Grand Marais, MN | Sauna year-round on Lake Superior!

• Shops in Grand Marais: Lake Superior Trading Post, Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply and Silverstone Gallery are just a couple to name a few!

• North Shore Winery: Experience the taste of the North Shore through the winery’s tap room or a guided tour! (Pro Tip: Can’t get enough of the sauna culture? Sisu + Löyly park their mobile sauna at the winery November-May!)

• Take a class at the North House Folk School: North House was founded in 1997 by a small handful of inspired locals passionate about traditional craft and cooperative learning. This charming little place offers a variety of classes.

Day Trips:

Drive up to the Gunflint Lodge and experience winter in the Boundary Waters. From the one who wants to try all the outdoor winter activities, to the one who wants to cozy up by the fire, they’ve got you covered! Seeing the Northern Lights, ice fishing, to decorating Christmas cookies, this is the quintessential place to get away and slow down.

• BlueFin Bay Grille: A sophisticated, yet casual dining experience. This restaurant has a warm and welcoming atmosphere to end your day after your winter activities. (Pro Tip: The shrimp & scallop risotto hits just the spot to warm you right up.)

• Coho Cafe: Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this charming little cafe has everything you need for any time of day. With a delicious array of dishes that give that “homemade” feeling, you cannot go amiss with anything on the menu!

• Hungry Hippie Tacos: Home of the “northern taco”, Hungry Hippie creates that warm and welcoming atmosphere by using local ingredients and spices to create amazing tacos!

• Cascade Bar & Grill: Taking fresh local fish, meat and produce, this restaurant thrives on creating that farm-to-table experience.

• Fika Coffee: This tiny little coffee shop set on the side of the road makes an excellent place to slow down and take a break. The concept of Fika (a Swedish word meaning coffee break) can be a moment of quiet indulgence in an otherwise hectic day. It can be sipping a hot cup of coffee after a hike on the trails or time gathering with good friends for great conversation.

• Java Moose: A family-owned and operated business for more than two decades. While you may be seeking coffee and a caffeine fix when you walk through our doors, you'll leave with so much more. The coffee community extends far beyond the boundaries of this county and lives within every person that connects with Grand Marais and the North Shore.

• Voyageur Brewing: Enjoy craft beer with some delicious appetizers with a view of Lake Superior Home - Voyageur Brewing Company.

• World’s Best Donuts: what more is there to say? This family-owned restaurant is known for their cake donuts, kabobs and skizzles. Not sure what type of donut that is? Looks like you’ll have to go and find out!

• The Strand Dining & Wine at Lutsen Lodge: Named for the Swedish word “strand” which translates to “shore”, this Scandinavian-inspired cuisine is set at the Lutsen lodge with an elegant flair.