Your Guide to the North Shore
Obsessed with the North Shore? Same here! Find your next favorite spot.
We’ve put together a quick guide to help you plan your trip to Lutsen. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a seasoned North Shore aficionado, you’ll find ideas that make planning your next trip a breeze (plus a few of our favorites). From restaurant recommendations to fun, year-round outdoor activities, we've got you covered. Also, don't forget to check local calendars for a variety of fun events and festivals throughout the year!
Planning a visit to Cedar Solace? Reach out—we’d be thrilled to help make it unforgettable.
VOYAGEUR BREWING COMPANY
A Grand Marais staple with craft beer brewed on-site and a menu that goes beyond typical pub fare. The laid-back atmosphere, creative brews, and hearty food make it a family-friendly spot to unwind.
CASCADE RESTAURANT & PUB
Located right in Lutsen with a nice view of the lake, Cascade offers good comfort food in a welcoming pub atmosphere. Their menu ranges from burgers and pizzas to larger entrees, and very laid back.
SVEN & OLES
A Grand Marais institution for over 40 years, Sven & Ole's is famous for their delicious pizza served in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere filled with local charm. A beloved spot for both locals and visitors
ANGRY TROUT CAFE
Perched on the harbor it has been a local favorite for decades. They source fresh seafood from Lake Superior and local waters, and their outdoor deck
offers some of the best sunset views.
GROCERY STORE
Grand Marais has Cook County Co-op (great for organic and local items) and Johnson's Foods (a family-run grocery with a butcher shop).
LIQUOR STORE
Lutsen Liquor Store on Highway 61 offers a huge walk-in beer cooler, hand-picked wines, and a great selection of spirits.
GENERAL STORE
Clearview General Store in Lutsen offers essentials, snacks, and last-minute items. It’s right next to Fika Coffee. You can also pick up firewood or bait and tackle.
HARDWARE STORE
Isak Hansen's Hardware is just 1/4 mile away and the perfect spot to pick up firewood, batteries, or whatever you might need in a pinch.
Learn to Love Winter while in Lutsen❄️
Winter sticks around a little longer along the North Shore, which means more time to enjoy the epic snowfall. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor escapes, we’ve put together activities to make the most of your visit.
- Lutsen Mountain for Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Sugarbush Onion River Trailhead Cross Country Skiing
- Mush your way through the day with Cook County Dog Sledding
- Unique Nordic Skating Trail at Gun Flint Park in Grand Marais
- Sledding Hill at Sweetheart’s Bluff, Grand Marais Recreation Park
- Ice Fishing: GUSTAFSON! Get your line wet and maybe catch your dinner?
- Cozy up at local coffee shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars
- Favorite Snowshoeing Trails
- Endless Routes on Scenic Snowmobile Trails
- Fat‑Tire Biking — ride snowy singletrack for a winter biking adventure
- Winter Lake Views — stroll scenic beaches for dramatic views and stunning photo ops of frozen Lake Superior
- Treat yourself and book a spa treatment or massage
- Relax with an après-winter activity sauna back at the Cedar Solace Cabin
- Go chasing waterfalls when the springtime melt begins
Long Days, Cool Breezes ☀️
Summer in Lutsen is made for adventure. Hike, bike, paddle, or simply explore the North Shore’s wild beauty.
- Hike Superior Hiking Trail or the Gunflint Trail
- Paddle inland lakes, brave Lake Superior, or venture to the pristine BWCAW (45-minute drive).
- Hit the fairways at Superior National Golf at Lutsen
- Experience live music, local festivals, and community gatherings up and down the North Shore.
- Visit Split Rock Lighthouse, an historic Minnesota landmark set on the rocky shores of Lake Superior.
- Cruise the famous Gitchi-Gami Trail, featuring 34 miles of paved bike trail along Lake Superior, from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. Also, an ideal path for walkers, joggers, or inline skaters.
- Mountain Biking at nearby Sugarbush Singletrack Britton Trail, or one of many Lutsen Mountain trails. You will find a variety of technical climbs, rocky paths, and stunning vistas. Check out local outfitters for rental options.
- Lutsen Mountains' Alpine Slide, a thrilling summer luge run.
- Fly fishing on popular rivers like the Poplar, Baptism, Temperance, and Cascade, as well as along Lake Superior shorelines for steelhead, trout, and salmon. Find guided trip options and local outfitters for gearing up.
Hey Leaf Peepers 🍁
Take in brilliant colors on scenic cruises or from jaw-dropping vistas along our unforgettable hiking trails. This is our most popular booking season, so plan early to experience the magic of autumn.
- Fall foliage typically peaks from late September into mid-October. Popular destinations include Sawtooth Mountains and Superior National Forest.
- Hike local trails like Oberg Mountain Loop, Lake Agnes to White Sky Rock, Carlisle Peak, and parts of the Superior Hiking Trail for breathtaking overlooks.
- Cruise scenic backroads like the Honeymoon Trail and Highway 61 for leaf peeping without leaving your car.
- Ride the Lutsen Mountains Gondola up Moose Mountain for panoramic views over Lake Superior and fall foliage — a must-do for many visitors!
- Bike the North Shore. Cycle sections of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, which offers scenic views of Lake Superior and changing leaves. Or, climb one of many exhilarating mountain bike trails nearby for a bigger view.
