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Snowmobiling in the greater Grand Marais area offers over 200 miles of groomed trails that wind though breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes posted for moose, fox, coyotes and possibly wolves that may cross your path. Choose a series of trails that take you north along the Gunflint Trail system, west on the North Shore State Trail, or east to Grand Portage. With several choices for dining, fuel and supplies, you can plan a snowmobiling vacation with lots of interesting options – never the same trip twice!
You can choose semi-mountains terrain, thanks to the ancient Sawtooth Mountains, and you can ride trails following the Lake Superior shoreline that offer exciting vistas and glimpses of the Big Lake. Riding ranges from straight shot expressways to rounded, twisting trails through thick forests, to hills and climbs that take plenty of extra throttle to wide open wild lakes. We average 95” of snow each winter, trails are groomed 3 – 4 times a week, and the snow stays till April!
Riding the trails in Minnesota requires a state trail sticker, available at Super America, Holiday and Buck’s Spur Stations for just $16. If someone in your party needs to rent a sled, they are available at Steve’s Sports, also right in town. And, the Grand Marais/Gunflint Trail Visitor Information Center on Broadway Avenue, open daily, has a supply of snowmobile maps that cover all of northeastern Minnesota, with detail for trails in Cook County. Go to grandmarais.com, and a pdf of the map can be found by clicking on “What to Do” and “snowmobiling”. Or, just call the info center at 1-888-922-5000 for assistance.
When there is ample snow in Grand Marais, it is possible to snowmobile to the state trail right from town. Aspen Lodge, Best Western Superior Inn, Shoreline Inn and Harbor Inn are among the choices for that option. Another option to ride from your front door is at Devil’s Track Resort – The Landing is their terrific bar and restaurant. Once back in town, you’ll find terrific sturdy meals at My Sister’s Place, Sven & Ole’s Pizza, The Crooked Spoon, Gun Flint Tavern and The Birch Terrace, to name just a few of the options.
Even the closest family and friends sometimes say, “You go your way, I’ll go mine”. For those wanting other options, Grand Marais’ shops, galleries and cafés are great places to visit. Sivertson Gallery features a variety of art of the North, Lake Superior Trading Post offers outdoor gear and footwear as well as beautiful clothing and gifts, and Joynes Ben Franklin is everyone’s favorite stop. Go for cappuccino at Java Moose, a slice at the Pie Place, lunch at the Wild Onion, or try a few miles of XC ski or snowshoe trails – let everyone plan the perfect winter day, and share their stories at dinner!
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