Best Midwest Places to Get Snowed In

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Grand Marais, Minnesota: Snowed in by the lake

Tuck your toes into the folds of a brown furry blanket, settle on the leather sofa in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo at East Bay Suites and listen to the buzzing outside. Chain saws? No. Those would be snowmobiles zooming through the one-stoplight town of Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Locals in this fishing-village-turned-artists' enclave of 1,350 cheerfully tell you there's no bad weather, just bad gear. East Bay's concierge is happy to guide guests with dogsledding tours, snowmobile rentals, dinner recommendations, even moose-sighting tips.

In the evening, pull on your boots and walk to Gun Flint Tavern, which has a surprisingly diverse menu promising 12 microbrews, organic ingredients and an array of ethnic dishes. Then trek back to East Bay and watch the lake ice crinkle from your balcony -- until it's time to climb under a white duvet and welcome a deep vacation sleep. From $99 (800/414-2807).

Pictured: The steel-skeleton Grand Marais lighthouse has stood over the harbor since 1922.