We've been to the North Shore tons of times (we live in Minneapolis), and I have only seen a moose once. It was totally unexpected because it was during the middle of the day. We were driving either the Sawbush Trail or the Gunflint Trail--I can't remember which.

Many of the state parks are built by small rivers and they have trails going back inland. You might enjoy hiking some of these. If you stop at Naniboujou (highly recommended) there is a state park just across the road that has a nice 2 mile or so hike. Naniboujou also has a nice piece of property for a little walk along the lakeshore.

Thanks, dfr and julies!

Maybe we'll do lunch at the Angry Trout rather than dinner. Or just go prepared to wait.

I appreciate the info on the hikes/walks julies.

Another dining question! I'm hoping that, since so many visitors to the North Shore are there for outdoor activities, casual attire is okay for the Angry Trout or Naniboujou?

I'm taking capris and a little nicer knit top for the parent evening at DS's orientation/registration. And I assume DH will take khakis and a casual shirt for that. Other than that, we're figuring on strictly jeans and shorts. Will we be okay for the restaurants?

Thanks.

I decided to try to find a web site for Grandpa Woo Excursions just to get a better idea what to expect. Had a hard time finding a link. But when I finally did, the site said they were under new ownership and no longer doing the tours on Lake Superior!

I'm so disappointed! I was so looking forward to getting the view from the water.

Does anyone know if there are any other similar tours?

Thanks.

CAPH, There were a number of charter boats in the Grand Marais harbor last week. The Wenonah, which usually does trips to Isle Royale, is based in Grand Marais this season because of low water in Grand Portage. That may be a good option.

ST

Thanks, Suzie. I suspect charter boats would be a lot more expensive though, wouldn't they? I think Grandpa Woo's was $25, so would have been $100 for our whole family. I'd prefer not to spend any more than that, if possible.

I'll have to see what I can find out about the Wenonah.

I'm having a hard time finding a tourism web site that offers a way to contact them. The North Shore site is great. But doesn't seem to have an e-mail address.

When I checked the web site for the Wenonah, it showed only info on the Isle Royale trips. But I found a toll free number for the Grand Marais tourist office. And they told me that, since it's based there (as you said, Suzie, because of low water), they're doing two hour cruises similar to the ones the Grandpa Woo did.

She gave me a phone number for them, which I just called. They do them twice a day Wednesday through Saturday at 11:30 and 6:00. I think she said once on Sunday but I didn't really pay attention as we won't be there on the weekend! It's $30 per adult and $20 for kids under 12. So it'll only be $20 more total than we were expencting to pay for the Grandpa Woo. So it sounds like a great alternative!

Thanks again for mentioning the Wenonah, Suzie!

Oh, in case anyone else can use this info, I should probably mention that the woman at the Wenonah office said we should probably check in with them when we get there to let them know when we were thinking of going. But that there's no need to buy tickets ahead.

Now, anyone have any info on my dressing for restaurants question?! ;)

CAPH - casual is fine for the restaurants, especially Angry Trout. The only time I wore something like docker's (and DW wore nice cotton dress) was at the Birch Terrace restaurant, because it seemed a little more "dressy", but there were people there who didn't. Otherwise you'll be fine.

Thanks a lot, dfr!

CAPH, Glad to hear the Wenonah might work for you.

ST

The North Shore is EXTREMELY casual as far as dress.

CAPH52, the North Shore is very casual - just like we are in S. CA, so you will be fine in whatever you decide to wear. I agree, I also dress up a bit more when I go to either Birch Terrace or Chez Jude, but most people are super casual and it is fine. Hope you enjoy the Wenonah cruise too. We are looking forward to taking the cruise when we are there too. We have taken trips out on the lake with friends in their boats but think this will be fun. Have a great time!!

Since the Grampa Woo is apparently out of the question, maybe you sould consider the charter in Duluth Harbor. It's not as "natural" but has a bunch of interesting info on the business of the harbor. Plus you get to go under the Arial Lift Bridge :). www.vistafleet.com

Thanks a lot, guys! I'm off to weather.com to start keeping an eye on next week's North Shore weather!:)

I know it's still very early and the forecast is subject to change, but right now they're saying low 80's and sunny for the days we'll be there! WooHoo!

CAPH,
Keep in mind that being near the water will bring the temperatures down. We saw that happen in Grand Marais and in Two Harbors. Both times we were right by the water/bay and the temps dropped by about 10 degrees.
ST

CAPH52, When you get back from your North Shore trip, let us know what you think of the sky up there...to me it's always bluer, crisper and prettier than down here in northern Illinois. Have a great trip!

Also keep in mind that there can all of a sudden be low temperature flukes along the North Shore. The main outdoor outfitter in Grand Marais does a booming business selling sweatshirts and fleece jackets to tourists who never thought they'd need warm clothes in the middle of the summer. I can't tell you how many times we've left the North Shore area in jeans and sweatshirts only to start sweating as we approached the Twin Cities because temperatures were a good 25 degrees different.

Thanks, guys. We'd already intended to pack jeans. Maybe we'd better throw in some hoodies! Especially as we were thinking of doing the 6:00 to 8:00 cruise on the Wenonah. We wouldn't have any trouble finding somewhere to eat <i>after</i> that cruise, would we?

I'll pay special attention to the sky, isabellasu. I'm guessing it's possible to see more of it along the lake than it is here in the 'burbs!

I jinxed it! Now they're showing 60% chance of rain for next Thursday. I know it's still early and may change again (I hope!). But everything there seems to be so geared to the outdoors. What do we do there if it rains? I'm sure we can put on rain gear and still do some hiking. But are there any indoor activities? A movie theater, at least?! ;)