A Day in Grand Marais
A day on Minnesota’s North Shore brought roaring rivers, billion-year-old cliffs, and the artsy harbor town of Grand Marais. Between museum history lessons, unexpected conversations, and the best pizza I’ve had in years, it was a mix of natural beauty, small-town charm, and quirky encounters—wrapped up with a traffic jam at the gas pump.
Cascade River State Park Loop
The Lookout Mountain Loop in Cascade River State Park delivered a three-mile mix of waterfalls, volcanic rock outcrops, wildflowers, and berry-dotted undergrowth. The trail began beneath a cool birch and spruce canopy, crossing a bridge with sweeping views of the rushing Cascade River before winding along rocky ledges and down narrow paths to the water’s edge. A steady climb led to hazy vistas of the Sawtooth Mountains, where ridgelines faded into the horizon like layers of watercolor. Even without clear views of Lake Superior, the variety of terrain and quiet forest beauty made the hike deeply rewarding.
Gitchi-Gami Bike Trail
Waking up beside a massive steam locomotive in Two Harbors, Minnesota, set the tone for a day steeped in history and scenery. Agate Bay’s skyline was dominated by the towering Iron Ore Docks—over 1,300 feet long and nearly seven stories high—a powerful relic of the region’s mining heritage. Across the bay, the 1892 Two Harbors Lighthouse kept watch, still guiding ships on Lake Superior. After a coffee stop at Cedar Coffee Company, tucked away on a dirt road outside town, the day shifted to cycling the hilly Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Scenic lake views, rugged shoreline, and a chance encounter with a family bound for Vermont framed the ride, as rain clouds rolled in over Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. By evening, the rain had settled in for the night.
Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock Lighthouse
A smoky sunrise over Lake Superior kicked off a slow Sunday along Minnesota’s North Shore. From a quiet riverside overnight near French River to scenic hikes at Gooseberry Falls and golden-hour photography at Split Rock Lighthouse, the day unfolded with good food, helpful park rangers, and a perfectly quiet night beside an old steam engine in Two Harbors.
Marquette: Ore Docks and NMU.
A day exploring Marquette’s iron shipping roots, riding the scenic Lakeshore Bike Path, stopping at quirky local shops, and discovering how much this town’s character is shaped by its history, university vibe, and wild Lake Superior backdrop.
Grand Island Bike Loop
Cliffs, overlooks, bogs, wildflowers, and that old North Light Creek bridge — Grand Island’s loop tested every pedal stroke. 23 miles of raw Upper Peninsula grit and beauty.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking Adventure
I spent the day paddling right up against the towering cliffs of Pictured Rocks, slipping into hidden caves, watching cormorants lift off in flocks, and feeling just how alive and ever-changing these ancient sandstone walls really are. There’s no better way to experience Lake Superior’s wild shoreline than from the seat of a kayak.