Wintertime in Minnesota’s North Shore, an area known for its magnificent natural beauty and outdoor experiences, is a special and peaceful time of year.
The North Shore becomes a tranquil winter wonderland ideal for people seeking peace and quiet, while the summer months bring large numbers of tourists.
We’ll look at the mesmerizing sights and undiscovered treasures that make Minnesota’s North Shore the perfect winter getaway in this post.
Winter Adventures Await on Minnesota’s North Shore
Travelers do come to the west shore of Lake Superior for winter pleasure, but part of the appeal is the area’s relative seclusion. A certain calm descends upon the shore as the temperature drops and ice begins to border the surface.
Along Minnesota’s North Shore in the winter, there’s a strangely reassuring sense of being completely alone, yet never quite so.
The light of the late afternoon peeks through the trees and, upon colliding with the fluffy mounds of snow, explodes into a shower of diamonds. Huge moose footprints weave along the trail, casting a shadow of their presence.
“In the summer, the town is buzzing and people are skipping rocks and it’s always busy,” Katie Slanga, co-owner of The Fisherman’s Daughter cafe in Grand Marais stated. “Then you shift to winter, and people are starting to focus on the silent sports, like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. It’s a change, but there are still people around—and I really love that about winter. It’s quieter in the woods.”
The sun peeks through clouds of sea smoke, illuminating ice-covered boulders that gleam like glass marbles. Soft waves caress the coast before vanishing with a pop, crackle, and snap.
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How to go on?
You can select a winter activity that fits your pace. One of the few ski areas in the Midwest situated on a real mountain range is Lutsen Mountains. Four peaks are connected by more than 90 downhill runs, with plans to add more in the future.
Purchase a ticket to take the red gondola to Summit Chalet, where you can have lunch or a beer while taking in the expansive views of Lake Superior, even if you are not a skier. The North Shore has hundreds of kilometers of cross-country skiable terrain.
For experienced hikers as well as novices, the Oberg Mountain Loop trek in Tofte is excellent. Just make sure you purchase a $10/day Minnesota Ski Pass at most petrol stations before heading out onto the trails.
Reserve a dogsledding excursion at Hovland’s Points Unknown. With her 21 Hedlund huskies, which are descended from a line of traditional Alaskan working dogs, owner Linda Newman lives off the grid.
In Grand Marais, charming stores await leisurely days. Visit Upstate MN for handcrafted items, Sivertson Gallery for local artwork, and Dappled Fern Fibers for yarn project requirements. Located in a white house with purple shutters, Drury Lane Books features books written by Native American and local authors. It even features a section dedicated to “Mush Love Dogs”.
Make sure to take a leisurely drive along scenic Highway 61. Mile marker guides are available to identify easy and difficult walks, picturesque views, and waterfalls that have frozen in time.
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Where to Dine?
Start your morning at Lockport Marketplace in Lutsen with sourdough pancakes cooked with a 100-year-old starter. The 1928 building is mostly original, with vintage family portraits adorning the tables.
Coffee lovers can satisfy their cravings with a maple latte at Java Moose in Grand Marais or the neighboring Fika Coffee.
The Fisherman’s Daughter’s fried herring and creamy salmon chowder are must-haves for lunch. Additionally, pickled goods and smoked fish are available for future use as fuel.
A steaming bowl of smoked goose and wild rice chowder from Lutsen Resort’s The Strand restaurant is the perfect way to warm your tummy. When supper is done, settle in for the resort’s seasonal Fireside Cocktail series, which begins on December 1, on one of the leather couches in the lobby.
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To Conclude
A hidden jewel in the middle of the Midwest, Minnesota’s North Shore provides a one-of-a-kind and remarkable winter experience.
For those looking for peace and quiet, the North Shore is the ideal location because of its amazing natural beauty, calm atmosphere, and range of outdoor activities.
The North Shore has something to offer everyone, regardless of your level of experience or preference for leisurely exploration. Thus, prepare for a winter excursion in this charming area by packing your baggage and layering up.
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