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Liz & Grant

Things to Do

Camping up on the North Shore has become a yearly tradition for us. Below are just some of our favorite things in the Tofte/Grand Marais area—and some stops for the drive up. Let us know if you try any of these!

Spirit Mountain Recreation Area

9500 Spirit Mountain Place, Duluth, MN 55810

Feel like making stop on your drive from the cities? Stop at Spirit Mountain outside Duluth and try their alpine coaster or scenic chair lift—both are must do's for us each summer!

Northern Waters Smokehaus

394 South Lake Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802

The BEST sandwiches. Highly recommend a stop here for lunch on your way up or down! Our favorite: the Clubhaus with barbecue chips on the side.

Gordy's Hi-Hat

415 Sunnyside Drive, Cloquet, MN 55720

Another stop for on the way up or down—blackberry shake is our favorite! (Oh, and a burger and onion rings.)

Putt-n-Pets Mini Golf

2014 Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

A must-do for us. Don't forget to bring some quarters to feed the goats!

Temperance River State Park

7620 West Minnesota 61, Schroeder, MN 55613

A short, moderate hike to see some hidden waterfalls. Optional: follow the Hiking Club trail to lengthen your hike with a loop through the forest. Entrance to the hike is just off Highway 61.

Cascade River State Park

3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612

A longer hike* up to lookout point, but you're rewarded with a stunning view of Superior National Forest and Lake Superior. Or, walk just a few minutes in to see a waterfall. You can find the start of this path in the Cascade River campgrounds. *Should not take you four hours like it took us—make sure you read your map!

Devil's Kettle Trailhead

4051 Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

One of our favorite hikes! The Brule River flows through the park and splits into two at a large rock outcropping. One side of the river plunges 50 feet down a cliff and continues its journey to Lake Superior. The other side of the river drops into a deep hole and seemingly disappears . . . Be prepared for more than a few stairs.

Superior Creamery

7 Broadway Avenue, Grand Marais, MN 55604

Our favorite place for a sweet treat.

Fika Coffee

5327 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612

Looking for a cup of coffee? Try this local place near the hotels! We love the maple latte.

Angry Trout Cafe

408 West Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604

We went here to celebrate Grant's birthday during our camping trip in 2023. The highlights: a meal right on the water and locally sourced everything, from the food and the plates to the doorway and lighting fixtures!