Visit Cook County 

About

Visit Cook County represents the communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, Grand Portage and the Gunflint Trail. Only in Cook County, MN can you enjoy Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake, visit Minnesota’s tallest mountain peaks and highest waterfall, ski the largest ski resort in the Midwest and enjoy its longest and most scenic biking trails. If you are looking for that true vacationer's paradise, you will find it here.

It’s your visit, and it can be whatever you want. Enjoy a cappuccino, fresh caught Lake Superior fish, or dig into basted ribs, or a burger topped twenty ways. From casual outdoor dining to classic northwoods cafes to lakeside fine dining restaurants, there is something for every appetite and mood. Looking for a spot to lay your head? Diversity is the name of the game. From a cozy cottage to a luxury condominium, there is something for every taste and budget.

Lutsen, Tofte, and Schroeder are the premiere year-round vacation destinations on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is here where the great Lake Superior meets the ancient Sawtooth Mountains and transition into the pristine Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You’ll find endless ways to feed both your adventurous and your romantic side. Take a hike on a section of the Superior Hiking Trail, play a few rounds of golf at Superior National Golf Course, or take in some history at the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum. Test your downhill skiing and snowboarding skills at Lutsen Mountains - the largest ski resort in the Midwest with 95 runs, 4 mountains, 1,088' of vertical and more.

Grand Marias was recently voted "America’s Coolest Small Town" by Budget Travel and it’s easy to see why. Every nook and cranny has personality – authenticity. An amazing arts culture that is unmatched by natural beauty, colorful restaurants, a wide range of lodging, unique shops and galleries are all harbor-side on Lake Superior. Focus on a hands-on experience in art and northern crafts, visit shops and galleries that combine originality with world-class craftsmanship. It’s an easy stroll to find and enjoy it all – besides, that’s how you catch the details. Outdoor paintings on charming signs, children’s mosaics, whimsical yard art all contribute to the sense of creativity that is everywhere.

A pioneer spirit and northwoods hospitality await you on the Gunflint Trail. Starting in Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway is a 57-mile long paved road that wraps through the wilderness surrounded by the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Gunflint Trail hosts are eager to share knowledge of the area, its beauty, and recreational opportunities.
Paddle the expansive waterways among loons, watch moose feeding on the shore, and catch a glimpse bald eagles circling high in the sky. Spring and summer brings wildflowers, northern lights, great fishing, and an eclectic array of birds. Winter is offers countless cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dogsledding adventures.

Grand Portage is at the very tip of Minnesota’s arrowhead and boasts the state’s highest waterfall, the impressive 120-foot ‘High Falls’ separates the USA and Canada in Grand Portage State Park. Explore the history of the Ojibwa culture and voyageur heritage at the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center. Have a little fun and test your luck at the 15,000 square foot Grand Portage Lodge and Casino with a bingo hall and over 450 slot machines including video slots like Keno, multi-line and multi-game machines.