Wintertime Fun and Adventure in Grand Marais, Minnesota

Jan 21, 2024

Winter in the Midwest can certainly be rough, but these long, cold months don’t have to be depressing! We believe in embracing the seasonal snow and ice, and making the most of it with some winter-weather adventures. Today, we’re taking a road trip in our new car from Classic and heading out to Grand Marais, Minnesota, to explore the hiking trails, frozen waterfalls, and other wintry fun to be had in and around the area. Who says harborside towns can’t be picturesque in the “off season”? Let’s hit the road together and find out the surprises in store in this charming Lake Superior shore town.

Remember: The frigid temps don’t have to thwart your sense of adventure, but please use caution walking on frozen bodies of water; pay attention to posted signage and check park service websites before you embark to ensure what areas are safe to walk on, as cracking ice can be dangerous.

Wilderness enthusiasts will love experiencing wintertime in the area. Exploring the frozen waterfalls in the area such as High Falls in Grand Portage State Park, Devil’s Kettle Falls at Judge C.R. Magney State Park, and Cascade Falls at Cascade River State Park are going to be a memorable experience. You’ll get to see these miraculous falls frozen in time and transformed into a magical winter wonderland that would make Queen Elsa proud! More experienced thrillseekers will enjoy some incredible rustic living through winter camping opportunities in the Grand Marais Area.

If you’re interested in a challenging walk or hike, there’s plenty of opportunities to boot up and enjoy some hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and other related activities!njoy an afternoon of snowshoeing at the Superior National Forest and its frozen lakes. Take a guided tour from Stone Harbor to the Barrier Falls along the Devil Track River. Explore the Magnetic Rock Trail Area along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to take in the wintry landscape of frozen ponds, snow covered evergreen trees, and perhaps a rogue moose or two if you’re lucky! Taking a winter hike up to Artist’s Point next to the lighthouse is an unforgettable experience; catch a sunset over the Harbor for one of the most spectacular views over the ancient volcanic rocks and glistening ice.

For the cold-averse, and less-seasoned traveler who prefers low-key touring, we’ve got plenty of options to try as well! Let your thrill-seeking companions rough it out in the wilderness while you enjoy sightseeing, arts, culture, and fine culinary delights in the Grand Marais vicinity. The Sivertson Gallery showcases artists from the Grand Marais area and Northern Minnesota. The Grand Marais Art Colony offers art classes, events, and workshops as well as a beautiful gift shop filled with creative collectibles. The North House Folk School offers specialty workshops and lessons in Scandinavian arts, mushroom hunting and foraging, jewelry making, and more. Drury Lane Books is an indie bookseller and gift shop with plenty of options for your next cozy winter read! The Erickson Center for the Arts is host to various art, music, and theatrical events year-round, as well as a small gallery exhibit at the Waterfront Gallery and Gifts on site.

If you’re in need of nourishment after a day of touring, hiking, and frigid cold, you’ll undoubtedly warm your fingers and toes as well as your bellies at these incredible eateries in the area. World’s Best Donuts is a Grand Marais favorite since the late 60s, and it’s easy to see why! The Blue Water Cafe is serving up small-town diner classics like homemade pies, the “Wild Country” omelet, hash browns, and more. The Fisherman’s Daughter is a beautiful little cafe inside the Dockside Fish Market, offering wild-caught fish and chips, lobster salad, deli sandwiches, hot soups, and then some! The Angry Trout Cafe is a harborside eatery featuring luscious, fresh-caught fish from Lake Superior, local Northwoods flavors like creamy, hearty chowders, grass fed bison tenderloin, grilled shiitake mushrooms, and other delectable delights.

Have you been to Grand Marais in the wintertime? Let us know your favorite things to do in the area in a comment on our social media, and your suggestions may make it into a future travel blog!