Grand Marais, MN
Population: 1,339
After Bayfield, it was a long drive North to Grand Marais, MN. I almost didn't make the trip because I had to drive up and down the same road for quite some time. However, I am very glad I went to Grand Marais, and can't wait to go back. Beautiful sights, inviting people, and amazing food wait for you in Grand Marais. It's worth the long haul there.
Two Lighthouses
These two lighthouses mark the opening of Grand Marais safe harbor. It is a strict no wake zone, and is home to many fishing and sailing vessels alike. At night you can see both pulsing to keep ships away from the rocky shores. The one on the left is accesible via Artist's Point, and the one on the right can be reached by climbing over some of those rocks and onto the sea wall.
Harley (red shirt) - Dockside Deli and Fish Market
The summer of 2017 was Harley's 38th season working with fish coming from Lake Superior. He provides nearly all the fish for local restaurants, and is one of the few Domestic fishermen left in the region.
He likes keeping the operation simple. Each morning he and his crew are out on the boat casting and reeling in nets. Sometimes they catch something, sometimes it's a big haul. However, sometimes it is no catch at all.
The days where there is no catch worry Harley, but he wont have to worry about that much longer he thinks. Back in the day there would be dozens of privately owned boats on the Lake, now it's all big corporate fisheries and hatcheries. Harley prefers to cut his own fish.
Jon - Instructor at North House Folk School
This is Jon's 18th year at North House. He and his class pictured here are in the middle of a three day course where each student will learn how to make a large wooden bowl and take home one they made themselves.
The classes at North House use traditional Scandanavian building techniques and holds over 100 different classes ranging in skill level and length. On the day I visited they had a class on bow and arrow making, a wooden spoon making class, and classes geared towards folk food.
My favorite class they offer is their Brick Pizza Oven course. The class will all build an oven together over the span of 3 weeks. You can then learn how to make your own brick oven pizza with the same oven you spent weeks making. Talk about a slice of satisfaction.
Skipping Stones
The beaches of Grand Marais are not sandy, nor are they tropical. The town is cold even during the middle of July when I visited. However, you'll still find families out and about with their dogs and kids. Some who are brave enough to face the fridgid waters can skip stones across its clear cold surface.
World's Best Donuts - Choc. Knot, Chef's Best, and Tubby Twist
The Chef's Best (Chocolate and White Chocolate Icing) was my personal favorite of the bunch. The Tubby Twist was a close second, and I could have eaten a dozen of them easily.
The Chocolate Knot was also very good, however it wasn't as unique or delicious as the other two.
These are only 3 of dozens of options they have at World's Best Donuts. The store is incredibly tiny, but packs a lot of power into its pastries.
It's been around for 48 years and members of the Mug Club have their photos plastered around the place, each posing with their mug in some far away place made better by having the World's Best brought there.
Sven and Ole's - Pepperoni and UFFDAH Supreme
One of the few times I ate pizza on my trip. I will never forget this pizza. Sven and Ole's does things right in two ways.
First, the over the counter order by the slice service is incredible. It is affordable, the line moves fast even when it is out the door (happens every night during the summer), and despite the place moving through customers like crazy it is really clean and the atmosphere is amazing.
Second, the food. Oh my god the toppings are inside the pizza with the cheese cooked on top. Guys this is incredible.
The first bite of cheese met with the toppings underneath. I want to go back for some more UFFDAH Supreme right now, and I don't even like black olives.
Smooth Sailing - Luke Johnson
Bows break clear glassy
waters, part for two twin ships.
Faster, fuller sails.
Grand Marais, MN
From almost not wanting to go, to not wanting to leave at all, Grand Marais really was a high point on my trip. I know I have been saying "go see this place," or "you really have to check out x," but I don't have to tell you that because Grand Marais is beyond that sort of calling card. Look at the ship sailing in the distance, and try to find the same wind at your back.