Beware the Gales of November

Fall is a tumultuous time of year along Minnesota’s North Shore. We’re battered by huge, icy swells that pommel our shoreline. Every day is a gamble. Will the Gales of November make it impossible to take to the water? Or will the lake be still as a sheet of glass? Every year, Lake Superior sees about 30 inches of precipitation, most of which falls May through October. Over the years, we’ve had some truly incredible storms pass through the region, wreaking havoc, sinking ships and making the news.

The Minnesota Sea Grant has conducted extensive research into why, exactly, so many epic storms develop around Lake Superior. It all has to do with climate, and what is going on in the air above the big lake. The experts explain that “collisions between belts of low and high pressure from the Gulf of Mexico and Canada generate the region's wildest storms and blizzards.”

During November, the winds really start to pick up. This is caused by low-pressure systems passing over the lake, bringing on the Gales of November. During this time, wind speeds can easily reach 50 miles per hour, and gusts can exceed 100 mph. In Cook County, this natural phenomenon is a cause to celebrate.

Downtown Grand Marais has been hit by major early winter lake storms going back to the turn of the 20^th century. In the spirit of the Storm Season🌊, we asked local historian and seasonal Information Center guru, Dan Helmerson, to share some of his favorite stormy season photos and stories he could find from the Cook County Historical Society. We hope you'll enjoy this photographic journey through history. 

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.

February is a great month to warm up your hearts again! The calendar may still say winter, but there is really no reason you can’t warm up with your sweetie in one of our romantic getaway locations, and the quiet and secluded hideaways of Visit Cook County will definitely speak to your heart’s desire.  During the winter, our summer crowds are absent, assuring couples have the opportunity for peace and tranquil rejuvenation, while discovering spectacular scenery in an area that contains more wildlife than people!

The Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts in Tofte offers top notch romance and relaxation packages.  With units complete with fireplaces and hot tubs, directly overlooking the Lake Superior shoreline, you can enjoy your picturesque and tranquil haven, or use it as your home base while you explore the area on ski, snowshoes, or skates!  At the Waves of Superior Spa, true nurturance is on the menu, and the holistic treatments are in line with the breathtaking natural surrounding – our forests, Lake Superior, and the snow and ice covered rocks.  Individual and couples packages are available.

Cozy book lovers reading list compiled by Gwen Danfelt of Drury Lane Books, Grand Marais:

What hygge-inspired books will be read this winter in Cook County, Minn. and beyond

The Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) is the Danish ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Feeling relaxed, cozy and surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, community and fire.

Enjoy the fine art of Hygge at its finest. Through the month of February, you can cozy up by a roaring fire with your nearest and dearest at some of the most spectacular fireplaces in the region. Take the Cook County Fireplace Tour this February and discover the best winter vacations.

5 reasons why you must go cross country skiing this winter

There are several reasons cross country skiing is an excellent winter activity, most notably it gets you outside in the winter. But also, cross country skiing is very versatile, you can do it anywhere there is snow and it is a fantastic cardio workout that can burn up to 500 calories in one hour. What is not to love about that? Here are our top five reasons you should try cross country skiing this winter.

In Northern Minnesota, it is most common that soon after the lakes freeze a significant snow storm arrives.  This winter, on many of our lakes that was the case. They froze and the snow came. However, this year on iconic Gunflint Lake conditions were different.