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. 

 

Topics: Spring, Summer, Outdoors, BWCAW, Lake Superior

Summer Adventures at Lutsen Mountains by Wander The Map

Topics: Summer, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder

Canoeing is a sport that can be intimidating. There are rules about boats, PFD’s, and a lot of flak from experts on how to hold your paddle correctly. But once you know what you’re doing, padding through the BWCAW can be one of the most memorable and influential experiences of your life. To get you started, or “Wet Your Paddle”, Gunflint Trail Outfitters have banded together to offer newbies a chance to try an hour of paddling for free. AND they’ll even give you one of those experts I talked about earlier to teach you how to do it! This program, called Wet Your Paddle, is an incredible deal and a great way to spend a few hours on your annual family vacation learning something new, together! To prepare you for your first Wet Your Paddle adventure, here is some more information on canoeing, the BWCAW, and how to strut your stuff in the backcountry.

Topics: Gunflint Trail, Summer, Kids & Family, Outdoors, BWCAW

Not only is Cook County MN drop dead beautiful, but it happens to be home to many delicious drive-worthy food destinations. On Fridays for the month of May, we are featuring a unique foodie pairing experience only found in Cook County.  Please tune in weekly to see the latest #FoodieFridays pairing.

Topics: Insider, Grand Marais, Spring, Summer, foodie

In honor of this wonderful season, we’ve compiled a list of 19 awesome springtime adventures you won’t want to miss.

Topics: Events, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Scenic Drives, Services, Spring, Summer, Art, History & Culture, Grand Portage, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Outdoors, Northern Lights & Night Sky, BWCAW, Lake Superior

Spring is in the air, and it is time to plan a getaway. Whether you’re looking to escape the confines of your everyday life for a few days or even a week, planning can come with a tinge of sadness when it means leaving your four-legged family members behind. Finding a dog sitter or taking family and friends up on offers to keep your dog company while you’re away is all well and good, but up in Cook County, Minnesota, we say bring your fur-babies, too… the more, the merrier!

With so many dog-friendly activities and a wealth of lodging options that welcome canine family members and pet-loving locals everywhere you turn, Cook County is a fun destination on two legs and four.

Topics: Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Services, Summer, Winter, Grand Portage, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Outdoors

The pristine waters. The dramatic, glacially-carved landscape. The seemingly unending wilderness. A trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a chance to set technology aside and spend days on end out in the elements. Maybe you’ve been wanting to take your family camping in the BWCAW for years but haven’t taken the leap quite yet. Maybe you’re a seasoned BWCAW veteran thinking about taking your little ones in for the first time. Maybe you fall somewhere in-between.

No matter your experience level, a trip into the BWCAW will challenge your family to slow down, work together and to enjoy life’s simplest pleasures. This is the year you transform your family into a Boundary Waters family.

Topics: Events, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Services, Summer, Art, History & Culture, Grand Portage, Kids & Family, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Outdoors

Our Top 5 Fun Summer Activities

Although we love Cook County all year round, there’s something inherently special about summer up north. Its sunny and warm (but not too warm, thanks Lake Superior!). It’s peaceful, but there are lots of things to do. We have hundreds of thousands of visitors in Cook County every summer, but somehow, there’s room for everyone to breathe. Everyone can do their own thing and find fun summer activities to experience and enjoy.

Topics: Events, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, Services, Summer, Art, History & Culture, Grand Portage, Kids & Family, Lutsen Tofte Schroeder, Outdoors

Cook County Minnesota is the ultimate training ground for any outdoor fitness enthusiast at all levels. The varied terrain, limited traffic, and spectacular scenery make working out a reward not only for the body but also the mind. 

There are at least a bazillion, with a B, great resources on the internet for planning the perfect training schedule. However, after viewing several great blogs and websites on cycling and running, I was quickly completely overwhelmed with too much information. Ultimately,  I found clarity in going back to basics.

Topics: Events, Spring, Summer

Swimming Hot Spots

It’s getting to be that time of year! The best place to cool off from the summer heat is the water. This post will tell you the swimming hot spots around Cook County.

Topics: Summer, Kids & Family, Outdoors