If you’re looking for a summer destination that feels like you’ve gotten away from it all, you might just want to head up to Grand Marais, Minnesota. Tucked along the rocky shore of Lake Superior and framed by the Sawtooth Mountains, this small harbor town is one of the most rewarding stops along the North Shore Scenic Drive. Whether you’re hiking at Judge C.R. Magney State Park, grabbing smoked fish at a lakeside market, or browsing the work of local artists at the Grand Marais Art Colony, there’s no shortage of things to do in Grand Marais.
There may be plenty of things to do in Grand Marais—certainly enough to keep your itinerary packed. However, you’ll also find that the pace is slower, the scenery is spectacular, and the community is as welcoming as the lake is wide. Many people make their way up north in the winter, as Grand Marais is a popular spot for those skiing at Lutsen Mountain, one of Minnesota’s premier ski areas. Summer, though, is truly an unbeatable time to explore this stretch of northern Minnesota.
Walk out on Artist’s Point and watch waves crash against the breakwater, take a day trip up to Lutsen for an alpine gondola ride with sweeping views of the Superior National Forest, or catch live music at harborfront pubs. You can paddle inland lakes, visit the North House Folk School to try your hand at traditional craftwork, or plan your trip around one of the Minnesota festivals that bring the community to life each season. And while summer in Grand Marais is idyllic, it’s also worth planning ahead for a fall visit when the North Shore turns into a corridor of color, with crisp air, scenic hikes, and cozy coffee shops to return to afterward.
Where you stay matters, and there’s no better way to experience Grand Marais, MN, than by booking accommodations through the Midwest Association of Independent Inns. These locally owned Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts offer warm hospitality, thoughtfully designed spaces, and true insider knowledge of what to do in Grand Marais and beyond. You won’t just get a bed. You’ll get personalized tips on the best hikes, hidden beaches, and favorite local food spots. Enjoy the best of summer with us, and book a stay in Grand Marais, MN, today!
What Makes Grand Marais a Must-Visit Small Town in Minnesota
Like so many lake towns in the Midwest, Grand Marais is packed with character and charm. But it offers a one-of-a-kind blend of rugged natural beauty, creative energy, and a friendly vibe that sets it apart from anywhere else in the Midwest. Perched on the edge of Lake Superior, this harbor town delivers sweeping water views, misty mornings, and rocky shorelines that feel almost otherworldly. Artists, makers, and outdoor lovers all call this corner of northern Minnesota home, and you’ll find that spirit everywhere, from the local shops to the galleries, from the trailheads to the harborfront.
Grand Marais is one of the best summer getaways in the Midwest because it easily pairs natural exploration with community. Unlike some touristy towns, Grand Marais still feels like it belongs to its residents, and visitors get to be part of that, if only for a while. Though there are plenty of things to do in Grand Marais itself, it’s also a perfect jumping-off point for things to do in northern Minnesota, including day trips along the North Shore, MN corridor, inland paddling routes, and even heading north to the Canadian border.
Top Things to Do in Grand Marais, MN
- Walking at Artist’s Point is one of the top things to do in Grand Marais, MN. Artists Point is a scenic outcropping of rock and pine trees that stretches into Lake Superior. Locals love it for sunrise walks and wave watching after a summer storm.
- Don’t miss a chance to see the Grand Marais lighthouse. It’s one of the top things to do in Grand Marais, offering an easy walk out on the breakwater for an iconic summer photo.
- Looking to stretch your legs a little more? One of the top things to do in Grand Marais, MN, is to hike at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. It’s home to the mysterious Devil’s Kettle waterfall, and is a half-day adventure just 20 minutes outside of town. Make sure to take sturdy shoes and some bug spray in summer!
- Perhaps you’re less into nature and more into what nature inspires, like art. Don’t miss the Grand Marais Art Colony, one of the oldest art institutions in Minnesota. Pop into the gallery to view rotating exhibitions or time your visit with one of their outdoor summer art festivals.
- Did you know the World’s Best Donuts are found in Grand Marais? It’s a bold claim, but we think this seasonal shop lives up to the hype. Go early—they often sell out of the classics by late morning. This will certainly be one of the sweetest things to do in Grand Marais this summer!
- Do a little shopping in downtown Grand Marais, where the shops won’t disappoint. Make sure to visit local favorite Joynes Ben Franklin, a fourth-generation, family-owned shop where you can find just about everything you’re looking for, and maybe even a few things you didn’t know you needed.
- Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle on one of the nearby inland lakes, or launch into Lake Superior on a calm day. Spending time on the water is always one of the most popular things to do in Grand Marais. Local outfitters offer gear and insider route suggestions.
- How about heading to the top of the Lutsen Mountains on the gondola? It’s not just for skiers! This scenic aerial ride up Moose Mountain leads to gorgeous panoramic views of Lake Superior. There’s also an alpine slide, hikes, and more things to do at Lutsen in the summer.
- Explore the North House Folk School, where you can take a short timber framing, basket weaving, or wood carving class. You can also just stop by the waterfront campus to admire the craftsmanship and browse the school store.
- Catch live music at Harbor Park or a local pub. Summer evenings often bring open-air concerts and relaxed performances at local watering holes. Check community boards for weekly lineups.
Why Grand Marais is Perfect for Fall Getaways, too
While things to do in Grand Marais in summer are reason enough to visit, fall might be when this North Shore, MN, town truly hits its peak. As the leaves begin to change, the drive along Highway 61, known as the North Shore Scenic Drive, transforms into one of the country’s most spectacular fall color routes. The fiery reds, oranges, and golds light up the hillsides along Lake Superior, with plenty of scenic pull-offs, hiking trails, and state parks to stop and take it all in.
During the fall in Grand Marais, the air turns crisp, the crowds thin out, and the town takes on a cozy, peaceful rhythm perfect for those who love quieter adventures with unforgettable views. Hiking is one of the best things to do in Grand Marais in the fall. It’s a season that offers cooler temps and far fewer bugs than summer. Visit Oberg Mountain for a short, steep hike that delivers panoramic views of the surrounding forest and lake, or head to Cascade River State Park for a network of trails through cedar groves and past waterfalls.
Fall in Grand Marais, MN, is about more than just the colors, though. This time of year also brings fall harvest markets, live music indoors, and a natural shift toward slower-paced mornings with warm drinks by the fire. The colors tend to peak from late September to early October, though that window can vary depending on the weather. Midweek visits offer the best chance for peaceful drives and more space on the trails.
No matter the season, staying at one of the best Bed and Breakfasts in Minnesota, especially those affiliated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns, elevates your Grand Marais getaway into something truly memorable. These locally owned properties offer a personalized experience you can’t get at big hotels or vacation rentals. Innkeepers are often longtime residents with a wealth of knowledge about the different things to do in Grand Marais, and they’ll happily point you toward the best hikes, hidden beaches, and scenic stops most visitors overlook.
With warm hospitality, fresh breakfasts, and charming accommodations close to all the action, these Bed and Breakfasts are the perfect way to connect with the town. Book your stay at these top-rated Bed and Breakfasts in Minnesota today!