10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Grand Marais, MN
Grand Marais wasn’t named one of the best small towns in America for nothing! You’ll be surprised by how much this little town in Minnesota has to offer. Gorgeous scenery, a spirited food and art scene, and plenty of adventure all await you in this Northwoods gem. With so many things to do, it’s no wonder Grand Marais is one of the most popular getaways from the Twin Cities.
These are 10 of the best things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota.
10 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Grand Marais, Minnesota
1. Walk out to the Lighthouse
Seeing the lighthouse from the harbor shore is nice, but the journey out to the lighthouse is even better! It’s an easy walk with a gorgeous view of the town, and the waves that crash into the breakwall are so fun to watch. Do this walk just before sunset for some gorgeous light, and then watch the sun go down from the lighthouse pier.
2. Enjoy the view at Artist’s Point
Artist’s Point might just be the crown jewel of Grand Marais. While the lighthouse is also technically part of Artist’s Point, if you head in the opposite direction from the breakwall path to the lighthouse, you’ll discover the pine tree-covered “island” jutting into Lake Superior. This particular spot is my favorite place in the state of Minnesota! The side facing the lake is lined with stunning basalt formations that have been smoothed out by the crashing waves. A walk through the wooded area to the other side will bring you to a rocky little cliffside with a view of Grand Marais and the Pincushion Mountains. It’s a short and relatively easy hike, but you’ll want to be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
3. Grab a pint at Voyageur Brewing Co.
Voyageurs Brewing is proud of its Northwoods roots, and it shows. They brew their beer using locally grown ingredients and water straight from Lake Superior. It doesn’t get more Minnesota craft beer than that! The apps here are pretty great as well. Get a seat inside if you want to take advantage of the kitchen’s full menu, or head up to the rooftop for drinks and a limited food menu.
4. Try a frybread taco at Hungry Hippie Tacos
Hungry Hippie Tacos is my absolute favorite restaurant in Grand Marais! Think Tex-Mex but with a Northern twist. Here you’ll find guac and burritos alongside tots and cheese curds, but the real star is the frybread tacos. If you’ve never had frybread before, you’ve got to try it! Everything is cooked up fresh in their scratch kitchen and meats are smoked in-house.
5. Shop for locally made goods downtown
Grand Marais has a super walkable downtown area with tons of fun shops to explore. A few of my favorites are Upstate MN for Northwoods Modern home goods, The Big Lake for gifts, and Gunflint Mercantile for incredible handmade chocolates and other treats. Grand Marais is also an artist colony, so there are constantly new works being shown and sold in the galleries and shops around town.
6. Grab a spot on the rooftop at Gunflint Tavern
Although there’s a full restaurant on the main floor of Gunflint Tavern, you’re going to want to head straight to the rooftop. The view from the rooftop bar is spectacular (better than the rooftop view at Voyageur), and they also host live music almost every night. This is one of the only spots open “late” in Grand Marais, and they serve pizza on the rooftop after 9 pm.
7. Skip rocks on Lake Superior
Simply sitting and looking out at the vast, ocean-like Lake Superior as the waves roll in is one of my favorite ways to pass the time in Grand Marais. It’s incredibly peaceful. Musicians often set up at the harbor in the summer, so you might get a show while you’re there as well. There are several picnic tables and places to sit along the harbor, or you can head over to the East Bay side behind World’s Best Donuts for a different view.
When you’re tired of watching the waves and seagulls, it’s time to play with rocks. The Lake Superior shore is lined with smooth, flat rocks, perfect for skipping across the water. If you’re an agate enthusiast, this area is rich with them.
8. Try one of the World’s Best Donuts
You can’t visit Grand Marais without stopping at World’s Best Donuts! This family-owned bakery specializes in cake donuts, but I’m partial to the frosted raised donut or the maple long john. They’ve also got a donut “kabob” on a stick – Minnesota State Fair style. This is an iconic spot, so be sure to get there early to avoid a long line! Do the donuts really live up to the name? You’ll have to try one and find out.
9. Feast on the freshest freshwater fish around
If freshwater fish is your jam, Grand Marais has got you covered! Head to Angry Trout Cafe for the only spot in town where you can eat fresh-caught fish right on the Lake Superior harbor. The Fisherman’s Daughter is a great lunch option for fresh fish-and-chips or smoked fish by the pound.
10. Venture outside of town to explore the North Shore
While there’s plenty to do in Grand Marais, a short drive outside of town will open up even more to explore. Take the Gunflint Scenic Byway in the Superior National Forest for a chance to spot a moose. Hike the trails at Cascade River State Park. Head to Devil’s Kettle Waterfall in Judge C.R. Magney State Park to discover a unique optical illusion. Or make the most of your drive to Grand Marais by checking out the best stops along the North Shore of Minnesota.
For such a small town, Grand Marais really packs a punch! It’s not only one of my favorite places in Minnesota, but it’s one of my favorite places in the entire Midwest. It’s got just enough to keep you busy for a weekend or short getaway, which makes it a perfect road trip spot from Minneapolis.
Have any questions about things to do in Grand Marais? Let me know in the comments!
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