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What to do
Boundary Country Trekking Along with other adventure vacations, this small outfitter plans lodge-to-lodge routes on the Superior Hiking Trail, arranging accommodations, meals and shuttle service. (800) 322-8327; boundarycountry.com
Cascade River State Park Trails 10 miles southwest of Grand Marais attract the cross-country ski crowd, but the lush waterfall gorge (visible within minutes of the US-61 parking lot) is wonderful, too. See reviews and ratings. (218) 387-3053; dnr.state.mn.us
Glensheen, the Historic Congdon Estate Tour the 1908 mansion, built by one of Duluth’s iron mining barons along Lake Superior in Duluth. (888) 454-4536; glensheen.org
Gooseberry Falls State Park Stretch your legs along 20 miles of hiking trails or just enjoy the fabulous waterfalls. (218) 834-3855; dnr.state.mn.us
Grand Portage National Monument Costumed park rangers share stories about the Native Americans and European fur traders who once lived and worked here. Seasonal; free. (218) 475-0123; nps.gov/grpo
Great Lakes Aquarium Check out the freshwater critters (gigantic sturgeon, otters, trout) at this two-story aquarium on Duluth’s lakefront. See reviews and ratings. (218) 740-3474; glaquarium.org
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory Thousands of birds of prey fly over Hawk Ridge (on Duluth’s East Skyline Parkway) during fall migration. Peak viewing from September through October. Free; donations appreciated. (218) 428-6209; hawkridge.org
Lutsen Mountains’ Sawtooth Mountain Park Enjoy a ride on a mountain tram to panoramic views of Lake Superior, then take a ride down Eagle Mountain on an alpine slide, or hike to spectacular vistas of Superior National Forest. (218) 406-1320; lutsen.com
North House Folk School Learn basket making, canoe building, knitting and much more at this wonderfully wholesome school in Grand Marais. Classes offered year-round. (888) 387-9762; northhouse.org
North Shore Scenic Railroad Interesting narrated train rides chug along Lake Superior’s rugged shore. (800) 423-1273; northshorescenicrailroad.org
Park Point Beach The beautiful beach lies on a sandy swath of land separating Lake Superior from the Duluth harbor. Chilly waters don’t hamper beachgoers. (218) 730-4300; duluthmn.gov/parks
Split Rock Lighthouse This lighthouse, more than 100 years old, is open to climb. (218) 226-6372; splitrocklighthouse.org
Superior Hiking Trail This trail stretches more than 300 miles along the ridge above Lake Superior. (218) 834-2700; shta.org
Two Harbors Light Station Museum Tour the only continuously operating light station in the state and a restored assistant keeper’s house. In Two Harbors. (218) 834-4898; lakecountyhistoricalsociety.org
Betty’s Pies This Two Harbors restaurant serves up traditional diner fare, but the many pies are the main draw. It’s worth the wait. See reviews and ratings. (218) 834-3367; bettyspies.com
Bluefin Grille The eatery attached to Tofte’s Bluefin Bay resort offers innovative takes on local specialties, such as wild-rice pancakes and cranberry duck. (218) 663-6200; bluefinbay.com
Clyde Iron Works Restaurant and Bar Enjoy wood-fired pizza and wood-grilled burgers in Duluth’s former steel manufacturing plant. On the main floor, diners can even enjoy a quick game of bocce ball on the full-size indoor court. See reviews and ratings. (218) 727-1150; clydeparkduluth.com
Coho Cafe Near Tofte, coffee, breakfast (apple-walnut French toast), baked goods and pizzas satisfy. See reviews and ratings. (218) 663-8032
The Crooked Spoon Cafe Try blue crab cakes with Firecracker Jicama Slaw at a primo spot in Grand Marais that’s artsy and intimate rather than ultramodern or stuffy. Menus change seasonally. See reviews and ratings. (218) 387-2779; crookedspooncafe.com
Dockside Fish Market Grab food to go, or dine in. Options include smoked or batter-fried fish and fish chowder. In Grand Marais. See reviews and ratings. (218) 387-2906; docksidefishmarket.com
Grandma’s Saloon and Grill At the original location in Duluth’s Canal Park, diners sit practically at the foot of the Aerial Lift Bridge. Choose from a hearty array of salads, sandwiches and entrees. (218) 727-4192; grandmasrestaurants.com
Gun Flint Tavern A diverse menu in Grand Marais showcases microbrews, organic ingredients and a mix of ethnic dishes. Live music entertains many nights of the week. (218) 387-1563; gunflinttavern.com
Loon Lake Lodge A set menu, a set serving time and all-inclusive prices make dinner on the Gunflint Trail feel homey. Entree options may include ribs, roasted duck or lasagna. See reviews and ratings. (800) 552-6351; visitloonlake.com
Rustic Inn Cafe Tasty fruit pies and hot, made-to-order sandwiches satisfy at a cozy cafe 10 miles northeast of Two Harbors. (218) 834-2488; rusticinncafe.com
Valentini’s Vicino Lago Years of experience feed the Italian menu at the family-owned Duluth eatery. See reviews and ratings. (218) 728-5900; valentinisduluth.com
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