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 updates on current conditions. 

Typically each autumn, Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber host an annual Fall Gala Celebration.  This year due to covid-19, the annual celebration was cancelled.  The celebration, which celebrates the end of a busy summer season, certainly was missed this year. Over 200 of our business and community friends typically join together for a night of celebration and recognition of achievements. However, Visit Cook County feels strongly about recognizing our hospitality employees and  did not want to forego the Heart of Hospitality Awards. In 2019, Visit Cook County launched the new award. Nominations  are accepted from each tourism community: : Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and Lutsen/Tofte/Schroeder. 

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. 

We have some exciting news! Since we launched our One Moose Apart campaign in March, we've received an outpouring of support from visitors and locals alike who appreciated our playful take on social distancing. Countless requests have been made for a t-shirt with the One Moose Apart artwork, so we decided to make one! 

What is Leave No Trace and Why is it Important

For generations, we have been a welcoming destination for friends near and far looking to get away. That will never change. However, due to COVID-19 regulations, there are a few things you’ll want to know to prepare for your upcoming visit. 

Whether you live here full time, part time, or are a visitor and fan of the North Shore and Gunflint Trail - we can all agree that this is a special place. During this extraordinary time of coronavirus (COVID-19) and social distancing, we have a few suggestions to keep you connected to your favorite place. Above all, health and safety is of utmost importance – please be sure to consult with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Minnesota Department of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure you are following all of the proper safety procedures.

Cook County is a mecca for serious snowmobilers who enjoy a long ride with delicious food and beverages along the way.  With 450 miles of snowmobile trails and an array of dining and lodging available at every turn, Cook County is the perfect destination for a snowmobile adventure. 

The perfect winter adventure awaits you in Cook County, where in one place, you can find the largest cross-country skiing network in North America, 450 miles of impeccably groomed snowmobile trails, and the rugged Sawtooth Mountains rising above Lake Superior offering alpine skiing and snowboarding at the Midwest’s largest ski resort, Lutsen Mountains.