My wife and I live in Iowa and have a week off in early August, and we're planning on visiting either northern Wisconsin, northern Minnesota, or the UP. We can't decide on the Minocqua area, Bayfield area, Duluth/Lake Superior, or the UP. We might do a little hiking but otherwise we don't really do anything too active (we mainly just want to relax for a week). Also, we don't have any camping gear, so we're looking for suggestions for a nice hotel or resort. Thanks - Kevin
North Woods Vacation in August
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I have been to all three areas that you are considering and I would recommend the Grand Marais, MN area of the North Shore of Lake Superior. There are lots of places to hike and it is a pretty little town with shops and restaurants and several motels. It is a very pretty location. You could spend a night in Duluth on your way up there and that is fun too. Their lakewalk and Canal Park Area is very nice and lots of hotels down there too. I have not stayed at the South Pier Inn as it has been full when we have been there, but when I go again I do want to stay there. It is quite new and is right on the Duluth Ship Canal. A fun location. Again, several good restaurants in Duluth. Stop and see Split Rock Lighthouse on your way up the shore. What a gorgeous spot!! I would probably recommend the Best Western Superior Inn in GM but there are other places also such as Aspen Lodge, East Bay Hotel, Shoreline Hotel, Super 8, and many other places with small cabins. I like the BW as it is right near downtown and very nice. You can walk everywhere. You can walk from several of the others too. If you prefer to be out of town, there are several places in Lutsen, MN and in Tofte MN (Bluefin Bay and AmericINN) and also up the Gunflint Trail there are tons of lodges. Some are more rustic and some are very upscale. Many people also love Bayfield and I think it is a nice area but I just didn't enjoy it as much as Grand Marais and the North Shore. We got kind of bored and another couple told us they felt the same way. . Might just be us tho. If you do go to Bayfield, we loved the Old Rittenhouse Inn and even enjoyed our meals there more than the stay - which was nice. I found the UP of MI beautiful but pretty desolate and just not as much fun as we had in MN. Again, might just be us tho as others love it. Wherever you decide to go - have a fun time!!!
You have quite a diverse selection of areas there, here is my take having been to all of them:
Minocqua is a bustling tourist town with lots of souvenier shops, go carts, trail rides, etc. You have a choice of small motels, mid size hotel/motels or family owned cabin/resorts on a variety of lakes.
Duluth is a mid sized city with city type things to do and places to stay.
Bayfield is a quaint Lake town tiwh B&B's, small hotels, etc. Not near as much going on for tourists but a beautiful place on a wonderful lake.
UP is the most remote, quietest of the choices and does not have as much touristy type things.
Want quiet relaxation? Another choice may be a resort on the boundary waters in MN. Lake Kabatogoma or Rainey Lake have lots to choose from. Quiet and fishing oriented.