North Shore Fall Bucket List –
Cook County, MN
VisitCookCounty.com/Fall
Here are just a few of our favorite ways to experience fall in Lutsen, Tofte,
Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage. How many
have you done?
□Embrace your inner leaf-peeper
Marvel at all of the color that nature offers. From the ruby reds to the
pumpkin patch oranges the whole spectrum comes to life. Download the fall
color report from the Superior National Forest for tips to see the best color.
□Stargaze and look for northern lights
Set your eyes to the skies in the evenings. You’ll see more stars than ever
before and, if you are lucky, a glimpse of nature’s light show – aurora
borealis.
□Go on a Gunflint Trail “moosefari”
For your best chance of seeing one of these massive, elusive creatures, drive
the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway early in the morning or around
dusk. Even if you don’t spy a moose, you’ll see spectacular scenery.
□Paddle the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in a new season
Fall days are often sunny, mild and bug-free, with cool, clear nights perfect
for hot chocolate around the campfire.
□See fall colors from above
Learn about nature and get dramatic views enhanced by adrenaline on the
Towering Pines Canopy Tour at Gunflint Lodge. Or, for a more relaxed
experience, ride the Mountain Tram at Lutsen Mountains from summit to
summit, passing over the Poplar River Valley near Lake Superior.
□Hike the Superior Hiking Trail
Immerse yourself among the fall colors by traveling through the Supeiror
National Forest on foot. Catch spectacular views from numerous peaks along
the Sawtooth Mountain Range of Lake Superior and the Superior National
Forest in full fall splendor. Try the Oberg Mountain segment of the Superior
Hiking Trail. Or head out early to climb Eagle Mountain, the highest peak in
Minnesota.
□Eat like a local
From down-home diners to northern fusion cuisine to burgers featured on
the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Cook County has a full
range of dining to please every palate.
□ Golf at Superior National
Get in a few more rounds this season by hitting the links at Superior
National Golf Course. Recently named as one of “The World’s 10 Most
Spectacular Golf Course Views” by Travel Pulse.
□Try a new s’mores recipe over the campfire
Pick up some locally made fudge (try maple bacon) and elevate your palate.
□Find your true colors and get inspired
Shop our local galleries and find artisan crafted gems. Feeling inspired?
Take a class at North House Folk School or the Grand Marais Art Colony.
□Revel at a festival
Unplugged XIII featuring NPR’s Mountain Stage Radio – Sept. 11-13
Moose Madness Family Festival – Oct. 17-19
Lake Superior Storm Festival – Nov. 7-9
□Encounter hundreds of species of birds
Cook County is a bird watchers paradise. Our boreal forest is at the heart of
the migratory path for numerous bird species. From the peak of a mountain,
witness a hawk migration or stay up late and listen for the hoot of an owl.
□Take a fall colors drive on our scenic backroads
Download a printable map with highlights and hiking trails:
http://www.visitcookcounty.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Fall-ColorsMap-Cook-County-MN.pdf
□See a Lake Superior gale
In the fall, low-pressure systems from the Arctic swing down over Lake
Superior and bump into warmer systems fed by the jet stream. These
collisions can spawn ferocious gales. If you get a thrill from waves and
wind, Cook County has plenty of snug harbors for storm-watching.
□Start your holiday shopping early
Shop local, find unique gifts, support artists and reduce your holiday stress
by getting a head start on your gift-buying.
□ Travel midweek
Take a few days in the middle of the week when the rates are best and get
the fall colors to yourself. Find your perfect place to stay at
http://www.visitcookcounty.com/interactive-map/
Did we miss a Cook County fall must-do? Send your suggestions to
[email protected].
Questions?
Contact our area visitor’s information centers
Grand Marais: (888) 922-5000
Tofte: (218) 663-7050
About Cook County, Minnesota
“Way North of Ordinary” Cook County, Minn. includes the communities of
Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand
Portage. The Cook County Visitors Bureau inspires guests to rekindle their
sense of adventure by boldly escaping the ordinary, from Minnesota’s tallest
mountains to its greatest lakeshore. More information can be found at
VisitCookCounty.com/Fall.
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