Rustic lakeside cabins with boats, set against a green forest under a clear sky.

Beyond the Slopes: Explore the North Shore

From lakeside dining to live music, artisan shops to scenic trails, the Lutsen area offers countless ways to fill your days, and nights off the mountain.
Snow-covered coastline at sunset with houses and forests.

Four North Shore Towns, Endless Character

Your Lutsen getaway stretches well beyond the slopes. Cook County is home to four welcoming communities: Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, and Grand Marais each with its own charm. Together they blend small-town warmth, creative energy, and Lake Superior’s raw beauty into a destination unlike anywhere else.

Spacious restaurant with large windows and modern decor, overlooking green hills.

Dining & Après Ski

After a day on the mountain, the North Shore delivers everything from casual comfort food to chef-crafted meals with Lake Superior views. Stay slopeside for après ski at Lofty Gondola or Charlie’s Alpine Bistro, or head down Highway 61 for a mix of cozy cafés, local pubs, and lakeside grills.

On-Mountain & Tofte

  • Charlie’s Alpine Bistro – Handcrafted, locally sourced cuisine with an open kitchen.
  • Cascade Restaurant & Pub – Relaxed dining with North Shore flair.
  • Bluefin Grill – Sophisticated yet casual lakeside dining in Tofte.

Grand Marais Favorites

  • Angry Trout Café – Dockside, locally sourced menu overlooking the harbor.
  • Gunflint Tavern – Great food and live music.
  • The Fisherman’s Daughter – Famous for Lake Superior fish and chips.

Explore Dining

Cozy outdoor gear store with people browsing, wooden floors, colorful merchandise.

Shopping & Local Finds

Whether you’re looking for gear, gifts, or locally made art, the area offers plenty to explore.

Lutsen & Tofte

  • The Mountain Shop – Slopeside gear and apparel.
  • WatersEdge Trading Co. – Outdoor clothing and local artisan wares.
  • Sawtooth Outfitters – Outdoor equipment rentals and retail.

Grand Marais

  • Lake Superior Trading Post – Gear, gifts, and adventure supplies.
    Northern Goods – Sporting goods and apparel.
    Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply – Footwear, clothing, and gear.
    Joynes Ben Franklin – A Grand Marais staple for just about everything.
Sailboat with red sails on calm water, viewed from a cozy seaside cabana.

Wellness & Relaxation

Unwind and recharge with North Shore wellness experiences:

  • Tofte: Waves of Superior Spa
  • Grand Marais: Nordic sauna at Sisu + Löyly, massage at Two Birds Healing Arts or Superior Massage Therapists, yoga at Earth Body Healing, or visit LutZen Massage Studios at Mountain Inn.
Hiker with backpack overlooks forested lakes from a rocky cliff.

Outdoor Adventures Beyond Skiing

The North Shore’s untouched landscape invites exploration year-round:

  • Cross-Country Skiing: 65 km Sugarbush Trails (Lutsen–Tofte) and 25 km Pincushion Trails (Grand Marais).
  • Snowshoeing: Scenic Ullr Trail along the Poplar River.
  • Hiking: The Superior Hiking Trail winds through forests, ridgelines, and rivers.
  • Dog sledding: Dogsleds were the original snowmobiles, transporting people across the snow-frosted forests and ice-kissed lakes of the north
  • Aurora Viewing: Cook County is one of the best places in the lower 48 to see the Northern Lights, visible 75–100 nights each year.

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Skiers glide through snowy forest trail in winter setting.