Grand Marais, MN

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Location

The quaint harbor village of Grand Marais is on the northern shores of Lake Superior. It is only 110 miles from Duluth and is an easy drive along North Shore Scenic Drive (Hwy 61).  

Population

In 2014, the population was around 1,400 residents, but in the summer months, the population can balloon to as many as 20,000. 

What People Say

Grand Marais was named America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel Magazine and the Next Great Adventure Town by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. 

History

Grand Maris is located in Cook County which is the second largest by area in MN. The county was established in 1874 but was originally named Lake County. The name was later changed to honor Civil War Veteran Major Michael Cook of Fairbault. Major Cook also served as a territorial and state senator from 1857-1862.  Grand Marais is the start of the historical Gunflint Trail that leads to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Now a popular tourist destination, but it was originally a foot path for travelers and fur traders. For centuries, Grand Marais was a Native American village. The Ojibwe tribe called it Kitchi-Bitobig, meaning “double body of water.” In 1903, with a population of 22, Grand Marais was incorporated.

Harbor

Grand Marais Harbor is a small double harbor protected by Artist’s Point which is a barrier island that was formed by lava.  In the 1800's, Henry Mayhew a noted explorer, entrepreneur, and county commissioner built the lighthouse, warehouses, dock, and a hotel along the harbor shoreline.   

Community

Grand Marais is a culturally diverse community that appeals to artists, students, outdoorsmen, and nature lovers. There are many tasty eateries and various local shops that offer everything from home made fudge to elegant works of art. 

Lake superior

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Statistics

  • Length 350 miles
  • Width 160 miles
  • Height 602 feet above sea level
  • Shoreline (lake only) 1826
  • Island Shoreline 1154 miles
  • Surface Area - 31, 000 square miles 
  • Largest fresh water lake by surface area
  • 3 quadrillion gallons
  • Average Temperature 40 degrees F
  • Average depth 489 feet 
  • Maximum depth 1332 feet
  • Visibility 65-75 feet - near shore 20-30 feet
  • Calmest Months June and July
  • Stormiest Months - October and November
  • Highest wave recorded - 31 feet

Shipwrecks

According to shipwreck historian Frederick Stonehouse, the southern shore of Lake Superior between Grand Marais, Michigan, and Whitefish Point is known as the “Graveyard of the Great Lakes.” There are 350 recorded shipwrecks with more than 1000 lives lost. 


Read About Some of Them:

Supernatural Occurrences

Lake Superior is the home of many unexplained and mysterious phenomenon. Dating back to the earliest inhabitants who spoke of water gods, people along the North Shore have found themselves having spooky encounters with UFO's, haunted businesses, men in black, mystifying creatures and dangerous sea serpents. Supernatural researcher and author Chad Lewis has written several books about Minnesota supernatural experiences. 


Read on of Chad Lewis's Books:

  • The Minnesota Road Guide to Haunted Locations
  • The Minnesota Guide to Mysterious Creatures
  • Haunted St. Paul


Check Out These Links to Lake Superiors Unexplained:


Devil Track Lake

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Size

This lake is 1,876 acres in size. It is approximately 50 feet deep at its deepest point.  

Fishing

Anglers can expect to catch a variety of fish including  

  • Central Mudminnow
  • Green Sunfish
  • Lake Whitefish
  • Northern Pike
  • Slimy Sculpin
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Walleye
  • White Sucker
  • Yelllow Perch

Name

Devil Track Lake gets its name from the Ojbwe Tribe. It is believed that a more accurate translation would be Spirit Track Lake. 

Boat Launches

Carry down launch and pier at Devil Track Campground - 128 Wesley Lane - 1.1 miles from the cabins.


Concrete trailer launch at 1502 Devil Track Lake Road  -  .4 miles from the cabins.