Captain's Cove Guidebook
Food scene
Great spot for breakfast (or any meal) and treats! Be prepared it does get busy during the tourism seasons.
23 locals recommend
Rustic Inn Cafe
2773 MN-61Great spot for breakfast (or any meal) and treats! Be prepared it does get busy during the tourism seasons.
Great local place to grab some food and a drink. Full bar, good beer taps and of course some nice views!
Cove Point Crossings
4614 MN-61Great local place to grab some food and a drink. Full bar, good beer taps and of course some nice views!
A must stop if you're visiting during the warm months. There's nothing better after a hot hike or bike ride than ice cream!
The Big Dipper Ice Cream Shop
1009 Main StA must stop if you're visiting during the warm months. There's nothing better after a hot hike or bike ride than ice cream!
Best pizza joint in the neighborhood. They also have subs and wings. Bonus: offers delivery to Captain's Cove!
Jimmy's Pizza
96 Outer DrBest pizza joint in the neighborhood. They also have subs and wings. Bonus: offers delivery to Captain's Cove!
Great family cafe for any meal. FYI they do have odd hours during some seasons, call first.
7 locals recommend
Northwoods Family Grille
6 Shopping Center RdGreat family cafe for any meal. FYI they do have odd hours during some seasons, call first.
The Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains is a breathtaking mountain top destination. Take the tram to the top of Moose Mountain and take in the scenic northwoods while enjoying lunch, snacks, or beverages. Inside and outside deck seating is available, both with a stunning view of Lake Superior
Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains
455 Ski Hill RoadThe Summit Chalet at Lutsen Mountains is a breathtaking mountain top destination. Take the tram to the top of Moose Mountain and take in the scenic northwoods while enjoying lunch, snacks, or beverages. Inside and outside deck seating is available, both with a stunning view of Lake Superior
We've tailored our menu to include a little something for everyone, but our main focus is on presenting food that is wholesome, well-prepared, and, most importantly, delicious. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel here; we just want to take fresh local fish, meat, fruits and vegetables and put them together in ways that will please not only your palate but also your soul.
Year Round Mon-Sun: 8am–8pm
8 locals recommend
Cascade Lodge
3719 MN-61We've tailored our menu to include a little something for everyone, but our main focus is on presenting food that is wholesome, well-prepared, and, most importantly, delicious. We're not trying to reinvent the wheel here; we just want to take fresh local fish, meat, fruits and vegetables and put them together in ways that will please not only your palate but also your soul.
Year Round Mon-Sun: 8am–8pm
Located on the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior in the town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, the Angry Trout Cafe is a small indoor/outdoor restaurant cobbled together out of an old commercial fishing shanty that clings to the edge of Grand Marais Harbor. From this beautiful setting we offer a menu based on the bounty of Lake Superior and the surrounding region – locally-grown produce, hand-harvested wild rice, and of course, our specialty, fresh Lake Superior fish.
32 locals recommend
Angry Trout Cafe
408 W Hwy 61Located on the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior in the town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, the Angry Trout Cafe is a small indoor/outdoor restaurant cobbled together out of an old commercial fishing shanty that clings to the edge of Grand Marais Harbor. From this beautiful setting we offer a menu based on the bounty of Lake Superior and the surrounding region – locally-grown produce, hand-harvested wild rice, and of course, our specialty, fresh Lake Superior fish.
Enjoy wonderful North Woods dining, right on the water’s edge. Located in the Main Lodge, Grand Superior Grill is open year-round to serve all diners (resort and non-resort guests). The Lake Superior view can be enjoyed in the restaurant and the lounge, inside or on our outdoor deck overlooking the shore.
Grand Superior Grill
2826 MN-61Enjoy wonderful North Woods dining, right on the water’s edge. Located in the Main Lodge, Grand Superior Grill is open year-round to serve all diners (resort and non-resort guests). The Lake Superior view can be enjoyed in the restaurant and the lounge, inside or on our outdoor deck overlooking the shore.
Experience the Bluefin Grille’s sophisticated yet casual atmosphere while savoring the most breathtaking views available on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Along with breathtaking scenery, you’ll enjoy regionally inspired cuisine – fresh, seasonal and local – created by our Chef Jim Schmidt and his culinary team.
19 locals recommend
Bluefin Grille
7192 MN-61Experience the Bluefin Grille’s sophisticated yet casual atmosphere while savoring the most breathtaking views available on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Along with breathtaking scenery, you’ll enjoy regionally inspired cuisine – fresh, seasonal and local – created by our Chef Jim Schmidt and his culinary team.
IT ALL BEGAN IN 1957…
…when Betty's father Aleck built a fish shack by the Stewart River on Highway 61. Realizing that it might serve the fishermen well to have some goodies waiting during their pit stops, Betty started making donuts and coffee for them to enjoy.
Well, one thing led to another and Betty eventually began selling hamburgers and hot dogs. As her customer base grew, she noticed that the old fish stand clashed with her cuisine. In 1958 she turned the stand into a café: Betty's Café.
She soon added pies to her menu.
Eventually Betty expanded the café by adding a lunch counter and more seating. Of course, the pie selection expanded too. People were now beginning to make it a regular stop on their way to cabins and resorts along the North Shore. Even now, Betty’s Café remains a staple of the area… and beyond.
20 locals recommend
Betty's Pies
1633 MN-61IT ALL BEGAN IN 1957…
…when Betty's father Aleck built a fish shack by the Stewart River on Highway 61. Realizing that it might serve the fishermen well to have some goodies waiting during their pit stops, Betty started making donuts and coffee for them to enjoy.
Well, one thing led to another and Betty eventually began selling hamburgers and hot dogs. As her customer base grew, she noticed that the old fish stand clashed with her cuisine. In 1958 she turned the stand into a café: Betty's Café.
She soon added pies to her menu.
Eventually Betty expanded the café by adding a lunch counter and more seating. Of course, the pie selection expanded too. People were now beginning to make it a regular stop on their way to cabins and resorts along the North Shore. Even now, Betty’s Café remains a staple of the area… and beyond.
Brewing craft beer in Grand Marais, Minnesota to share a taste of the North Shore with beer enthusiasts. Visit the taproom and enjoy our high quality beer made with water from the largest of the Great Lakes. Sliders, tacos, flatbreads and other appetizers.
26 locals recommend
Voyageur Brewing Company
233 W Hwy 61Brewing craft beer in Grand Marais, Minnesota to share a taste of the North Shore with beer enthusiasts. Visit the taproom and enjoy our high quality beer made with water from the largest of the Great Lakes. Sliders, tacos, flatbreads and other appetizers.
Located in downtown Two Harbors overlooking Lake Superior, the Castle Danger Taproom features our current beer offerings, along with rotating taproom releases. Stop in for a pint or a flight. Hang out on our patio during the summer months and enjoy the fresh breeze from Lake Superior. The taproom does have a kitchen, but there is a pizza joint next door that will deliver food to your table.
42 locals recommend
Castle Danger Brewery
17 7th StLocated in downtown Two Harbors overlooking Lake Superior, the Castle Danger Taproom features our current beer offerings, along with rotating taproom releases. Stop in for a pint or a flight. Hang out on our patio during the summer months and enjoy the fresh breeze from Lake Superior. The taproom does have a kitchen, but there is a pizza joint next door that will deliver food to your table.
Best food on the north shore hands down. Call ahead for reservations. Bonus: they offer take-out meal kits if you'd rather cook your own meal at the cabin.
38 locals recommend
New Scenic Café
5461 N Shore DrBest food on the north shore hands down. Call ahead for reservations. Bonus: they offer take-out meal kits if you'd rather cook your own meal at the cabin.
From burgers to steak and fish, McQuade's has a great menu and offers takeout as well.
7 locals recommend
McQuade's Pub and Grill
1102 7th AveFrom burgers to steak and fish, McQuade's has a great menu and offers takeout as well.
Good menu, good beers and awesome views in the best little town on the north shore.
26 locals recommend
Gunflint Tavern
111 Wisconsin StGood menu, good beers and awesome views in the best little town on the north shore.
The Strand Waterfront Dining Room, located in the historic Lutsen Lodge, offers an elevated casual-dining experience where the superb quality of food and service is complemented by the stunning views of Lake Superior.
9 locals recommend
The Strand Waterfront Dining & Wine Bar
5700 MN-61The Strand Waterfront Dining Room, located in the historic Lutsen Lodge, offers an elevated casual-dining experience where the superb quality of food and service is complemented by the stunning views of Lake Superior.
Sightseeing
A must see for any first-time adventure to the north shore. Great views and interesting history at the most famous lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
43 locals recommend
Split Rock Lighthouse
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse RdA must see for any first-time adventure to the north shore. Great views and interesting history at the most famous lighthouse on the Great Lakes.
One of the bigger and well-knows falls on the north shore. Easy to access with paved paths and steps. Also offers some intermediate hikes through the wilderness to other waterfall sites. On the Gitchie Gami bike trail.
82 locals recommend
Gooseberry Falls State Park
3206 MN-61One of the bigger and well-knows falls on the north shore. Easy to access with paved paths and steps. Also offers some intermediate hikes through the wilderness to other waterfall sites. On the Gitchie Gami bike trail.
Open Spring-Fall, zip-lines and ropes courses for all skill levels.
13 locals recommend
The Adventure Park on the North Shore
42 Outer DrOpen Spring-Fall, zip-lines and ropes courses for all skill levels.
Some of the best views on Lake Superior. Definitely the spot to check out sunrises. Rock climbing is permitted for experienced climbers. FYI van be crowded during tourist season - pick off times to visit.
22 locals recommend
Palisade Head
Some of the best views on Lake Superior. Definitely the spot to check out sunrises. Rock climbing is permitted for experienced climbers. FYI van be crowded during tourist season - pick off times to visit.
A great park for hiking, Tettegouche offers parhs long the cliffs and shoreside, as well as interior routes leading to rivers and waterfalls.
39 locals recommend
Tettegouche State Park
5702 MN-61A great park for hiking, Tettegouche offers parhs long the cliffs and shoreside, as well as interior routes leading to rivers and waterfalls.
Superior Hiking Trail: Split Rock Ridge is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Beaver Bay, Minnesota that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
13 locals recommend
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse RdSuperior Hiking Trail: Split Rock Ridge is a 5.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Beaver Bay, Minnesota that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is best used from April until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
Follow along the shoreline and the other visitors behind the coast guard station and bear left. Every turn is a another photo op. The trees and the rock formations and the grandness of Lake Superior are all there to absorb in all their glory
20 locals recommend
Artist Point
Follow along the shoreline and the other visitors behind the coast guard station and bear left. Every turn is a another photo op. The trees and the rock formations and the grandness of Lake Superior are all there to absorb in all their glory
IONA’S BEACH IS A HIDDEN gem. Instead of silky, golden sand, this stretch of shore is covered in smooth pink rocks that, if you know when to listen, sing.
The beach sings its signature song as the waves come in and disturb the rocks. When the stones resettle, they tinkle like millions of little bells. It’s a soft sound, so you have to stand fairly still and be quiet to hear it.
7 locals recommend
Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area
3548 MN-61IONA’S BEACH IS A HIDDEN gem. Instead of silky, golden sand, this stretch of shore is covered in smooth pink rocks that, if you know when to listen, sing.
The beach sings its signature song as the waves come in and disturb the rocks. When the stones resettle, they tinkle like millions of little bells. It’s a soft sound, so you have to stand fairly still and be quiet to hear it.
Take the trail that winds along the edge of the Temperance River gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine, spruce, cedar and birch forests. The rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes in and along the riverbed. Hike the trail to Hidden Falls or connect up with trails into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside. Visitors come to camp and picnic along the shore of Lake Superior. Winter brings snowshoers and snowmobilers to tackle the hilly terrain. Carlton Peak, a recent addition to the park, is popular with rock climbers and offers even more recreational opportunities to park visitors.
21 locals recommend
Temperance River State Park
Temperance River State ParkTake the trail that winds along the edge of the Temperance River gorge and enjoy the rushing waterfalls surrounded by pine, spruce, cedar and birch forests. The rapidly flowing river has cut deep potholes in and along the riverbed. Hike the trail to Hidden Falls or connect up with trails into the Superior National Forest and the Cross River Wayside. Visitors come to camp and picnic along the shore of Lake Superior. Winter brings snowshoers and snowmobilers to tackle the hilly terrain. Carlton Peak, a recent addition to the park, is popular with rock climbers and offers even more recreational opportunities to park visitors.
Lutsen Mountains offers the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience. Four interconnected peaks overlooking Lake Superior bring big mountain skiing with Up North authenticity.
38 locals recommend
Lutsen Mountains
467 Ski Hill RdLutsen Mountains offers the Midwest’s only true mountain ski area experience. Four interconnected peaks overlooking Lake Superior bring big mountain skiing with Up North authenticity.
Artsy and quirky, the North Shore harbor village of Grand Marais welcomes creatives, families and adventure-seekers alike. The accolades almost speak for themselves. Grand Marais has been named America’s Coolest Small Town (Budget Travel Magazine), Top 10 Beach Getaways (Outside Magazine), and Next Great Adventure Town (National Geographic Adventure Magazine). In Grand Marais you’ll meet some of the most friendly, creative and talented people – both visitors and locals alike.
Nestled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, it is easy to see why so many find inspiration in Grand Marais. There’s something new to discover around every corner. Musicians, artists, photographers and artisans journey to Grand Marais seeking inspiration, and they always find it.
37 locals recommend
Grand Marais
Artsy and quirky, the North Shore harbor village of Grand Marais welcomes creatives, families and adventure-seekers alike. The accolades almost speak for themselves. Grand Marais has been named America’s Coolest Small Town (Budget Travel Magazine), Top 10 Beach Getaways (Outside Magazine), and Next Great Adventure Town (National Geographic Adventure Magazine). In Grand Marais you’ll meet some of the most friendly, creative and talented people – both visitors and locals alike.
Nestled between the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, it is easy to see why so many find inspiration in Grand Marais. There’s something new to discover around every corner. Musicians, artists, photographers and artisans journey to Grand Marais seeking inspiration, and they always find it.
Black Beach
A great little wayside to check out the famous Black Beach.