Cook County Blog

The annual Minnesota Walleye Fishing opener is on Saturday, May 14, 2022! This long and snowy winter is sure to supercharge spring walleye activity. However, due to a late ice-out, and in some cases still ice on the lake, it will be important to be cautious this fishing opener. 

Every year, hundreds of thousands of acres of melted snowfall finds its way into Lake Superior and on the way, creates quite the show. With this winter’s heavy snowfall, a significant thaw cycle and predictions for above-average flooding indicate Cook County will have a spectacular waterfall season. Waterfall season typically lasts about three weeks and could begin as soon as mid-April. 

Hello Canada! We have missed our Northern Neighbours!

(Updated May 9, 2022)

After such a long time apart, we are looking forward to seeing each other again and showing you some of the new things around town (like the newly completed downtown corridor through Grand Marais) and welcoming you back to familiar places (like Grand Portage Lodge and Casino.) 

Before you travel south, here are a few things you should know. 

For the third year in a row, Visit Cook County has asked local business owners and managers to nominate staff members who exemplify extraordinary hospitality service within their organizations.   

Typically this award is announced during the annual Fall Gala celebration that Visit Cook County co-hosts with the Cook County Chamber. Unfortunately, the 2021 annual Fall Gala that was scheduled to occur on October 30 at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino was canceled due to COVID-19 concerns.  However, it was overwhelmingly agreed that it was important to continue the recognition of the individuals who work so hard to keep our local economy moving forward. Great service creates guest loyalty, something that is clearly the case in Cook County. 

Planning your road trip north? We've created and curated this toolkit that will help prepare you for any trip to Cook County. 

Travel North Quiz
Get inspired and informed with this educational quiz all about Cook County's water, wildlife, local lore, geography/environment and more. 

Fall is one of the most captivating seasons on the North Shore and Gunflint Trail. Our deep green forests transform into brilliant fields of red, orange and yellow over the course of a few short weeks. Whether your fall color viewing plan is to go for a hike, bike or a scenic fall color drive - we're here to help guide you towards the best activities. 

COVID-19 update: Our community has worked hard to keep COVID-19 infections low. Businesses in Cook County are operating in accordance with Minnesota Department of Health guidelines and remain open to serve guests. It is strongly encouraged that everyone continue the practices of social distancing, frequent handwashing, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and wearing of masks indoors and whenever a business has a posted preference. Please adhere to our Visitor Pledge and mask when asked!

UPDATED Saturday, October 2nd, 2021

Grand Marais, MN is much-loved by community members and visitors alike. Nestled between the Sawtooth Mountains and the iconic harbor, the town’s natural assets have withstood the test of time.  However, like many towns across the U.S., Grand Marais’ infrastructure is aging and in need of major improvements. What many of our visitors might not realize is that this much-needed road reconstruction and downtown improvement project also includes the cleanup of a large area of soil contamination from petroleum. 

Our Favorite Minnesota Winter Activities

Winter in Cook County is like no other.  A plethora of outdoor adventures await those who are willing to bundle up and get outside.  Throughout the winter, we'll be updating this page weekly with the latest trail conditions.