Archive for the ‘Hiking’ Category
Great State Park Hikes Near Grand Marais
The High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
The guests we get at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply are an adventurous bunch, and often ask about local hikes, events and restaurants. Our staff is always excited to offer ideas, so be sure to ask when you’re in town. If you’re ready to hike, however, here are a few great state parks to start with:
At the west end of Cook County is the Temperance River State Park, where you can take a short hike down to the lake and look at the beautiful palisades as the rive enters Lake Superior. Or you can go away from the lake and hike up the rocks towards the Superior Hiking trail where you can look down into the chasms and small canyons as the river moves along.
Closer to Grand Marais is the Cascade River State Park. As you hike up the trail you can get great pictures of the Cascade River as it … well, cascades …. towards the lake. You can also make a longer day of it by hiking up the trail to Lookout Mountain. And as you get back to your car you are a stone’s throw from the Cascade Lodge, where you can get snack or stop at their new Irish pub.
About 15 miles east of Grand Marais is Judge Magney State Park. Here you can take an hour’s hike back to the Devil’s Kettle. This is where the Brule River splits off – part of it goes into the ground, never to be seen again. They have tried to put dye in the water along with ping pong balls and other tracing materials, but no one has ever seen it come out, neither down below nor out into Lake Superior. You can turn your hike into a daytrip by continuing north along the Brule, which is a very quiet, relaxing hike. And when you are finished, simply cross the road to visit Naniboujou Lodge for lunch, dinner or high tea. This amazing place is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
If you keep heading up Highway 61 to the Canadian Border you’ll come to Grand Portage State Park. Here you can take a short hike up to the High Falls on the Pigeon River. It is a stroller/wheelchair-friendly asphalt trail until the very end, which has a wooden staircase to a lookout over the river. If you are looking to get off the paved trail, try turning at the bathroom about half-way up the trail, where you see a sign for the hike to the Middle Falls. This hike is much more secluded and will take you to one of my favorite spots – very quiet, very beautiful. When you finish your hike, go into Grand Portage and check out the interpretive center at the National Monument. It will give you a great history of the area from the days of the Voyageurs. If you still have some energy after that, you can even visit the casino for a bite to eat or to try your hand at one of the poker machines.
There are even more hikes within a very short distance of Grand Marais, which I’ll try to share with you in the future – these state parks only scratch the surface when it comes to great hikes in the area. And restaurants? We may be a “small town” – but we have some of the finest restaurants you can find anywhere, reaching from one end of the Cook County to the other. Stop in and we’ll tell you all about them.
Five Daytrips from Grand Marais
Grand Marais draws a wide variety of visitors, with diverse interests – probably because the region offers excellent options for just about everyone. Here’s just a snapshot of the activities you can choose from:
For the artist. Grand Marais is known for its art community, with local landmarks like the North House Folk School and other local galleries. Artist’s Point has been a source of inspiration for many of these folks, and is a beloved landmark for locals and visitors alike. To get there, walk down Broadway Avenue to the Coast Guard parking lot, and follow the signs down the short trail. It’s a quick little trip, but something that shouldn’t be missed when you visit.
For the scenery-loving driver. If you prefer to take in more scenery, check out the Gunflint Trail. This 58-mile paved road will lead you through Superior National Forest, and past the Boundary Waters Canoe Area toward Canada. It’s beautiful all year round, and offers opportunities for you to park and hike, or simply drive and enjoy. To get there, follow Hwy 61 to County Road 12 (aka the Gunflint Trail).
For the history buff. Step back into the past at Grand Portage National Monument, where you will learn about the historic 8.5 mile portage that brought fur traders to the headquarters of the North West Fur Company in the late 1700s. Costumed interpreters portray the daily life of Voyageurs, giving you insight into life at this once-bustling trading post. The village of Grand Portage is located just off Hwy 61, about 35 miles north of Grand Marais.
For the outdoor enthusiast. The Superior Hiking Trail is ranked among the top hiking trails in the country, and extends over 235 miles along Lake Superior, from the far northeast corner of Minnesota down to Duluth. Waterfalls, mountain peaks, and valleys dot the landscape, and loop-style hikes for all skill levels abound. The trail offers everything from hiking to fishing and camping, all surrounded by some of the best scenery Minnesota has to offer. There are trailheads every 5-10 miles along the trail – some recommended entry points near Grand Marais include the Cascade River State Park and the Kadunce River.
For the golfer. Twenty minutes south of Grand Marais is one of Minnesota’s top golf courses – Superior National at Lutsen. If you want to experience golfing like you never have before, with 27 holes overlooking Lake Superior, this daytrips is for you. Many other adventures are available nearby, in the Lutsen Mountain area. Just ask our staff when you are in town, if you’d like to learn more.
