The coolest, small town in America? We sure would like to think so! Heck, it’s already been named a top 100 adventure town by National Geographic so that’s gotta mean something, right?
Grand Marais Location
What’s great about Grand Marais, this town of just 1,351 (2010 census), is it’s location.
Located about 110 miles northeast of the city of Duluth, travelers from out of Minnesota can fly into Duluth’s international airport and rent a car to get to this spectacular town nestled between Minnesota’s Sawtooth Mountains (yes we have mountains) and the rocky shores of Lake Superior.
Grand Marais Area History
Along the way you’ll be dazzled by the history left behind by centuries of voyageurs and Native Americans, and the story unfold of industries from timber to mining.
Things To Do Around Grand Marais
Grand Marais is the entry point to the Gunflint Trail, a 57-mile long paved highway that runs up the sawtooths in the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. Take a drive and spot wildlife or pack a lunch through on your hiking boots and go for a hike on any of the many hiking trails from Magnetic Rock, a unique hike through an area near the end of the Gunflint recovery from forest fires and home to giant rock that possesses a magnetic quality to short hikes like honeymoon bluff. Or head up or down the North Shore Scenic Drive to take in views of the lake or any of the many waterfalls that spill along the way to Lake Superior, perhaps you can solve the mystery of the Devil’s Kettle, a waterfall that splits the Brule River in two with half the water falling into a cauldron and disappearing, baffling even scientists.
Places to eat and stay in Grand Marais
No matter your style, you’ll find a place to dine and stay during a trip to Grand Marais from condos right on the lake, to cabins tucked back in the woods. Make sure you grab a bite and drink at the Gunflint Tavern right on the harbor and watch the sunset over Artist’s Point.
Oh, and did we mention, the average low temp in January is 6.5 degrees, so Grand Marais literally is the coolest small town in America, don’t you think?
