Traveling to Grand Marais, Minnesota

My family and I have been visiting Grand Marais for several years. We love making the 5-hour drive from the twin cities and feel like we are in a completely different state. I’m pretty sure it’s the only place in Minnesota that has a view of the Sawtooth Mountains; the only “mountains” in Minnesota.

Some of our favorite places to visit:

Links are to Google Maps. You can get directions and find more reviews.

Voyageur Brewing Company
They have a wonderful food menu & an awesome atmosphere. If your visit includes nice weather, they have covered outdoor seating. We always order the charcuterie board, tacos, and tomato basil soup. The beer is amazing (of course)

Superior Creamering
We love this tiny gem! They have a small food menu, but each item is homemade and AMAZING. They also are sustainability conscience in their products. And of course fantastic ice cream (don’t go to the new DQ in town!)

Hungry Hippy Tacos
They have wonderful homemade puffy taco shells! We usually visit here multiple times :)

Java Moose Coffee Shop
Fantastic little place with delicious coffee!

World’s Best Donuts
Yummy donuts, what more is there to say? They have seasonal hours, so they are not typically open during the winter. BUT, the local gas stations carry them (you’ll need to grab them early, they go quickly!)

The Mayhew Inn
Super trendy and fun place to stay with amazing common spaces, including a rooftop patio.

Places to avoid:

Blue Water Cafe
We tried going here for breakfast a few times and both times were extremely disappointing. The food was subpar and way too expensive.

Blue Water Suites
We LOVED staying here for years. However, last year they got a new owner. I booked a stay with them a year in advance, and without warning the owner canceled on me. I see that they’re booking for $500 per night now!

Sven & Ole’s Pizza
Folks told us we had to visit Sven & Ole’s. Once we did, it was a big disappointment. The pizza is not-so-great and greasy. I also thought it was overpriced.

View from Marina Vista Point

View from The Tombolo
Park on Highway 61 and take the Superior Hiking Trail to the rocky beach.