Local Information and Useful Links

In addition to the Grand Marais Recreation Area, the city also owns and maintains a number of public parks around the waterfront of the harbor. The aptly named Harbor Park is right downtown and home to some of the biggest events of the season. If you would like to hold an event in any of the city parks, download our Special Event Permit Application, fill it out and return to the Park Office for review and approval by the Park Board.

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Harbor Park connects to Boulder Park, which leads to Artists Point and the iconic walk out to the lighthouse. The Cook County Historical Society headquarters is the old lighthouse keepers house in the heart of downtown. Up from the harbor, at the top of town, you'll find the Cook County Community Center, complete with tennis courts, skate park, pavilion, playgrounds and ball field. The Cook County YMCA features a large pool with water slide, hot tub, sauna, indoor gym, weights and workout equipment. The "Y" is located next to the Community Center, and guests of the campground and marina enjoy a discount for day use with their receipt.

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Just a bit further up the hill, at the start of the Gunflint Trail, is the magnificent overlook and trails of Pincushion Mountain, a US Forest Service recreation area. The public 9 hole golf course, Gunflint Hills Golf is just minutes from downtown Grand Marais. Follow the Gunflint Trail into the forest and find numerous entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

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Boat service to Isle Royale National Park is offered out of Grand Portage, about 45 minutes from Grand Marais. Grand Portage is also a US port of entry on the Canadian border. All 8 Minnesota state parks on the north shore are nearby. The trail head to Eagle Mountain, the tallest point in Minnesota, is 20 minutes from town. The Superior Hiking Trail has numerous access points throughout the region; the closest is Pincushion Mountain, right above town. For the most comprehensive visitor information, including local event listings, be sure and check out VisitCookCounty.com.