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Imagine skipping rocks on pebble beaches, sailing across placid blue waters, and hiking to hidden waterfalls—all in one unforgettable summer getaway with kids. This is what we found in Grand Marais, Minnesota, a charming harbor village nestled along the dramatic North Shore of Lake Superior, the largest of the five Great Lakes (with a surface area of over 31,700 square miles), where 150 miles of rugged coastline from Duluth to Grand Portage await family adventures.
A few years ago, my family and I hooked our camper to the minivan and took our first trip to the North Shore. Despite having lived in Minnesota for a long time, somehow, we had never been there.
It takes about three hours to drive from the Twin Cities to Two Harbors, Minnesota. That drive is nothing special. Basically, interstate through farmland.
However, when Highway 61 cuts east to Lake Superior, there is a sudden change in scenery. Then, for the next few hours, the views are rolling hills, waterfalls, and Lake Superior extending as far as the eye can see. Along the water are cliffs and stony beaches.
There are several state parks, and the Superior National Forest runs along the route. The Superior Hiking Trail is 310 miles and extends from south of Duluth to the Canadian border. The Gunflint Trail is a national scenic byway that starts in Grand Marais and runs 57 miles to the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota. As they drive through the area, travelers can make stops to enjoy the waterfalls and overlooks.
When we arrived in Grand Marais the first time, we crested a hill and descended into the town with a harbor and lighthouse on the right and the town on the left. We weren’t entirely sure where to go, but already loved the scene before us. So, we found a parking spot in the center of town and headed out to explore.
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Things To Do In Grand Marais With Kids
In July, with the temperature around 65 degrees and clear skies, it feels magical. The town has about 1300 permanent residents, yet boasts over 1.2 million visitors annually. There are grocery stores, coffee shops, multiple restaurants, ice cream shops, a small thrift store, several affordable souvenir shops, and a general store. Since that first visit, my family has returned many times. Here are our family’s favorite things to do when we visit Grand Marais.
Play By The Waterfront
Our favorite activity is visiting the World’s Best Donuts, where everyone gets to choose their favorite. Then we grab coffee for the adults at Java Moose and find a spot to sit on the rocks by the water.
Our kids loved skipping rocks in the harbor!
Photo Credit: Tim Chase
The waterfront is smooth rock instead of sand, and those rocks are perfect for skipping. The children will skip rocks, stack rocks, and collect rocks for hours. If it’s warm enough, they will swim, but that is not guaranteed, even in July.
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Hike the Devil’s Kettle
Devil’s Kettle is 14 miles north of Grand Marais, in Judge CR Magney State Park. The park features a small campground, picnic area, and the trailhead to the Devil’s Kettle. The trail is part of the Superior Hiking Trail and runs about 1.5 miles to a waterfall. While the trail is wide, it does have some uneven spots, elevation changes, and about 200 stairs before you reach the Kettle. When hiking with smaller children, we recommend bringing water and snacks and taking your time. Even kids aged 4-5 years old should be able to make it.
The upper falls at Devil’s Kettle roar through Judge C.R. Magney State Park, rewarding families with a dramatic payoff after the hike. Photo Credit: North Shore Visitor.
Try The World’s Best Donuts
That is not my description, it’s the name of the place. Every morning, the World’s Best Donuts makes donuts, and they stay open until they sell out. Sometimes they are open as late as 2 pm, but on a busy day, they may run out before noon. There is almost always a line and limited indoor seating, so plan accordingly.
No trip to Grand Marais is complete without a stop at World’s Best Donuts, where long lines, fresh pastries, and happy kids are all part of the experience.
By Lorie Shaull from St Paul, United States, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons.
Walk To Artist’s Point
Take a walk to Artist’s Point to see the lighthouse. The Grand Marais Harbor is enclosed with a concrete breaker and an inactive lighthouse at the end. The walk takes you across a narrow concrete barrier, which widens at the lighthouse. From the lighthouse, you can see across the bay to the town. This is not a difficult walk, but smaller children should be kept away from the edges. The water breaks with some force on the rocks.
A calm summer morning at the Grand Marais harbor, where sailboats, clear water, and small-town charm make it easy to slow down and explore with kids.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Have A Slice at Sven and Ole’s Pizza
Sven and Ole’s Pizza might be the best-known restaurant in the area. Their bumper stickers are seen on cars all through Minnesota and Wisconsin. They give large glasses of soda with free refills. The first time, we learned the hard way not to let our kids fill up on so much liquid, as once the pizza arrived, there was no room in their bellies for it. The adults made up for what the kids lacked in appetite. Unfortunately. The pizza was great, though.
Visit Sugar Loaf Cove Nature Center
Thirty-six miles south of Grand Marais is Sugar Loaf Cove Nature Center. The nature center is entertaining for small children. The staff is great with kids, and almost every time we visited, there was some kind of activity. One time, they had coloring pages, and another time, they had animal furs kids could touch. There is also a natural bay where families can walk out onto the rocks. The water isn’t deep, but it’s cold year-round. If there is any wind, it’s better to stay off the rocks.
Brilliant red maple leaves add a splash of color around Sugar Loaf Cove Nature Center, making even a simple nature walk feel magical for kids.
Photo Credit: North Shore Visitor
Take In A Concert In The Park
It’s common for musicians to set up impromptu concerts in Harbor Park. Normally, they set out an open guitar case or a bucket for donations while they play. There are also local bands and musicians who schedule evening concerts. The schedule is available on the North Shore Music Association website.
Beautiful views of the North Shore.
Photo Credit: North Shore Visitor
Visit The Grand Marais Art Colony
The Grand Marais Art Colony has been attracting artists since 1947. It’s grown over time and has drawn artists from around the world, and now features multiple studios and exhibition spaces. Artists are encouraged to experiment and take risks in their creations. It stays busy year-round.
Public art and murals, like this welcome sign in Two Harbors, reflect the creative spirit that draws artists to the Grand Marais Art Colony.
Photo Credit: North Shore Visitor
Day Trips From Grand Marais
Grand Marais is our favorite place on the Minnesota North Shore, but it is one among many places to visit. Here are other spots along Lake Superior we love.
Grand Marais and the Sawtooth Mountains on Lake Superior in Minnesota.
Photo credit: Craig Hinton via Shutterstock
Go Back In Time In Grand Portage
At the northern edge of Minnesota is Grand Portage State Park. It features Minnesota’s tallest waterfall and several lengthy hiking trails. The Pigeon River forms the boundary with Canada, and my children enjoyed throwing rocks across the river into another country.
The town of Grand Portage has a replica of the trading post from the 1800’s. When we visited, there was a demonstration of butter-making and birch-boat canoe-making. The workers, dressed in 1850s garb, took great joy in telling us the details of life in those days.
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Visit Lutsen
South of Grand Marais is Lutsen, which features golf courses and a ski area. The ski area is considered one of the best in Minnesota. For Midwest skiing, it’s pretty good. For anyone used to skiing out west, it’s best to keep expectations low.
See The Waterfall at Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park features a waterfall with multiple levels. When exploring the waterfall, it’s important to keep watch over small children. The rocks are slippery, and there are big drops. The park features hiking and biking trails and a modern campground.
Hike The Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park is known for its miles of hiking trails. We love the hike to the high falls of the Baptism River. Hikers can overlook the Sawtooth Mountains and reach several inland lakes.
Check Out Cascade River State Park
Featuring hiking trails and overlooks, Cascade River State Park is every bit the equal to Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche.
Take A Tour of Split Rock Lighthouse
On the southern end of the North Shore is Split Rock Lighthouse. Built after a shipwreck in the bay several years earlier, it is a marvel of engineering. It’s worth it to spend the extra time on a tour. It has one of the best views on the North Shore.
Challenge Yourself At Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park is 50 miles long by 8 miles wide and offers no emergency services. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, the island has a small hotel and store but no roads or vehicles. The only wheels allowed are on a wheelchair. There are carts available for moving camping gear, but that is it. The island is isolated and inaccessible in bad weather. Every year, from October 31 to April 16, no humans are allowed. Even though the island is close to Grand Portage, Minnesota, it is actually part of Michigan.
The North Shore of Minnesota has so much to offer. My family has had so much fun in the area over the years, and we anticipate more adventures to come. Families with small children, older children, or no children will find adventure in Grand Marais and the North Shore.
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Tips For First-Time Visitors
Layer Up
Bring a sweatshirt and long pants. Even in summer, it can get chilly that far north. Grand Marais is less than 50 miles from the Canadian border. Even if it’s warm during the day, temps drop at night.
Bring Bug Spray
Have bug spray on hand. Some years we didn’t use bug spray at all and other years it was a necessity. Every year can be different.
Locate The Public Restrooms
In the center of town is a public restroom with drinking fountains. It’s a good idea to locate those soon after arrival. Some of the shops don’t have public restrooms, and the other choice is Port-O-Potties near the harbor. If small children need frequent bathroom breaks or are potty training, those locations are key.
Don’t Expect Chain Restaurants
The only chain restaurants in Grand Marais are Dairy Queen and Subway. That is handy to know if there are children who are not adventurous with food.
When You Go
Family-Friendly Restaurants In Grand Marais
For a small city, there are a surprising number of restaurants. Aside from the aforementioned pizza place and donut shop, visitors can find a variety of quality restaurants. The Angry Trout Café features a seafood menu with a well-earned reputation for quality fare. Hungry Hippie Tacos is popular and, like the Angry Trout, stays busy every day of the week in the summer. My Sister’s Place features classic American food, and the Fisherman’s Daughter is the place for fish and chips. For early risers, the Blue Water Café is popular for breakfast.
Where To Stay In Grand Marais
As far as lodging goes, it is necessary to plan ahead. There are a few hotels and they book up fast. Any Airbnb or VRBOs are booked well in advance of summer. The local campgrounds fill up as well. Our favorite campground is Judge C R Magney State Park, but it only has 27 camp sites and books out entirely over the winter. If you wait until summer to plan your trip, everything will be full.
East Bay Suites is the most popular hotel in town. It sits on the edge of the water, and many of the rooms have a balcony view of the lake. It’s right next to Artist’s Point, and downtown is right out the front door. It features suites, dog-friendly rooms, and complimentary s’mores.
Aspen Lodge features a pool, hot tub, and sauna. It’s a short walk to downtown and Artist’s Point. Continental breakfasts are served each morning.
AmericInn by Wyndham is in Lutsen, about 18 miles away. It features an indoor pool and hot tub, a breakfast buffet, and a game room.
Getting To Grand Marais From Los Angeles:
The most practical and efficient way to travel from Los Angeles to Grand Marais, Minnesota, is by flying. The best route involves flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Duluth International Airport (DLH), with connecting flights available on airlines like Delta, United, or Sun Country, taking about 5–8 hours. From Duluth, rent a car at the airport and drive approximately 110–118 miles (2–3 hours) north along the breathtaking Highway 61.
Flying into Minneapolis (MSP) offers direct flight options but adds a longer 4.5–5-hour drive. There are no commercial flights directly to Grand Marais. This combination ensures a manageable 10–14-hour journey while allowing you to enjoy one of America’s most stunning coastal routes.
An excellent discount site for rental cars and flights is Booking! We literally save hundreds using it.
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