Grand Marais, MN, has a wide variety of seafood, local coffee shops, hundreds of hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing trips on hundreds of lakes, boat tours, and state parks with waterfalls. Did we mention Betty’s Pies? We didn’t? I’m sorry!
Despite all the jokes, it’s impossible to see everything up there. We have been visiting the North Shore of Minnesota and Grand Marais, MN, since 2008 and still discover new things every time. This itinerary for families was created after our most recent trip to the North Shore in June 2022.
This itinerary was created while travelling from southern MN. It’s a 5-hour drive for us.
Do not forget to pin and explore our North Shore MN posts. We’ve got it all covered, from where to eat to where to stay to kid-friendly activities to the best views on Highway 61. The additional blog posts can be found at the bottom.
When is the best time to visit Grand Marais MN in Grand Marais MN?
No matter when you visit, the North Shore is beautiful. What you want to do and your preferences will determine what you choose.
Winter:
Winter is a great time to visit if you love winter sports or are looking for a cosy cabin with a view of Lake Superior. Many of the highlights on this itinerary, and in other blog posts, are closed during the winter. Highway 61 is icy, and it can be slippery with snow. (And they get a lot of snow!) Highway 61 has many sharp curves as it travels to the Canadian border.
Fall:
Most North Shore fans prefer to visit in the fall, especially Grand Marais, MN. The best time to visit is mid-September to early October when you can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage. The bugs aren’t as bad (mostly ticks) as they would be in the summer. Many of the places to eat and activities are open. Even though the weather may be warm during the day, it can get chilly in the early mornings or at night- especially near Lake Superior. You should not forget to bring your favourite sweater or cosy socks. It’s sweater weather.
Bring clothing suitable for ALL weather conditions. It may be hot during the day, but it can get very cold in the evenings and early mornings. For more information, check out my blog post on Suggested packing lists (there are general, kids’, and camping lists).
Spring & Summer:
The spring and summer are also beautiful times, particularly late spring/early Summer because of the gorgeous wildflowers. It can be cold in the spring, and snow is likely to fall in some places. The North Shore is most crowded during the summer months. We can’t fault anyone for wanting a vacation in the summer, with the gorgeous weather and the chance to escape the humidity.
Insider tip: Bring plenty of bug spray and sunscreen during spring and summer. Wear your hair up, and tuck the legs of your pants into your socks.
Where can you stay along the North Shore of Grand Marais, MN, or on the North Shore?
You will have to decide where you are going to stay as the first thing you do. Are you planning to camp, take an RV, stay at one Airbnb/hotel/hostel, or multiple ones? The decision we made was crucial in planning our itinerary. Check out our list of the best places to stay in North Shore and pin it!
Insider tip: Bring plenty of bug spray and sunscreen during spring & summer. Wear your hair up, and tuck the legs of your pants into your socks.
We rent a new cabin every time we go to the North Shore of Grand Marais, MN. This gives us a unique experience. We have stayed at cabins in Tofte (right before Grand Portage) and Lutsen (right next to the Canadian border).
The Schroeder House is a multifamily lakefront cabin located in Schroeder, MN. Cross River Falls was to the left of the AIRBNB and up the road. The family-friendly atmosphere (with washer and dryer, yay!) was a big plus. This cabin was great, and the location was perfect. Watch the video.
How to get to Grand Marais, MN
This Grand Marais, MN, road trip is centred on travelling along Highway 61, which passes through the lakeside towns that line Lake Superior. You can fly into Minnesota if you’re coming from outside the state. Book a flight at Duluth International Airport or Minneapolis Airport. ).
You can rent a car at the MSP Airport, or if you are flying into Duluth, you can do so from the strong>em> Duluth International Airport/em>/strong>. If you fly into MSP, you can rent a car at the MSP Airport or, if flying into Duluth, the Duluth International Airport.
The average driving time from Two Harbors to Grand Portage is 2 hours, 10 minutes. Plan on the drive taking you MUCH longer because of all the stops along the way. After leaving Duluth, I recommend you take the Scenic Bypass, Old Highway 61, to enhance your experience. But more on that below! Grand Marais, MN, lies about 30 minutes south of Canada.
