shouldercat

We have gone to Grand Marais on the last Tues of August for 7 of the last 8 years. 6 out of 8 years it has rained on us, but we always enjoy our trip! [We aren't really that regimented, it's just how it works out ] I also fret about the forecasts before a trip, but really, just bring a jacket and if it rains, appreciate how things look in the fog/rain. We have seen some amazing fog banks on Lake Superior. One year, it had been very hot up North and by the time we got to the lakefront at Duluth, fog had moved in. Couldn't see anything by the lake, but we went up on the hill and had the most amazing view of the Lift Bridge above the fog!!! Have a great trip and enjoy!

CAPH52

Thanks, shouldercat! That makes me feel better. You do always get a different perspective on a place when it's misty/foggy. So if that's what we get, we'll make the best of it. But it sure would be nice to have good weather for that cruise!

Cali

We've gone to the North Shore for the last week of July and first 2 weeks of Aug. for many many years, and we rarely have gotten rain during that period. One day here or there it will rain or be overcast but mostly that is the best time to be there. You do have to have clothes for cooler weather as well as hot weather, as you never know. We always seem to keep busy if the weather is overcast too. Unfortunately, there is not a theatre still operating in GM. Hopefully, you will have good outdoor weather. Hope we do too!!

welig12

Good Morning:

We will be in Grand Marais September 22nd and 23rd...what kind we expect as far as the temperatures are concerned?

Please advise...

CAPH52

Just checked the forecast again, for the third day in a row. And, surprise, surprise, it's changed again! Just goes to show that those 10 day forecasts aren't very reliable!

Going back to a question I asked earlier, if we do the 6:00 to 8:00 cruise, we shouldn't have a problem finding somewhere to eat afterwards, should we? We tend to be late eaters, so would prefer not to eat before the cruise.

And is it likely to still be light at 8:00? Yesterday I went for my walk around 7:30 and it was already pretty "dusky" (not a word, I'm sure! ). But I'm wondering whether it stays light later there since it's both farther north and not as close to the edge of the time zone.

You guys have been a fantastic source of information and I really appreciate it.

SuzieTrue

CAPH,
It will still be light at 8. From where we live in mid-Michigan to where DS goes to school in Houghton, the sunset is quite different. It will be dark at home but still not dusk yet up north.

Just found my North Shore Visitor guide I picked up last week. Here are some suggestions from the booklet about what to do if it rains.

Visit a historical museum.

Visit other resorts and lodging to plan your next trip.

If it's windy, watch the waves on the lake.

Ask questions at the state park visitor centers.

Admire regional art at local galleries.

Drive the back roads and check out the swamps for moose.

Tour the Grand Portage National Monument.

Learn something new at the Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Stations.

Don't be suprised if the forecast changes again before next week. In MI the saying goes, if you don't like the weather wait five minutes - it will change. This applies all along Lake Superior as well.

CAPH52

Thank you, Suzie! Some great ideas. And it was so sweet of you to type them all out!

And I'm glad to know it will stay light later. With so many things we'd like to do it'll help to have days that are a little longer!

Cali

Hi again CAPH. You shouldn't have a problem finding food after the cruise at 8 PM. There are several restaurants that will still be open then. I had forgotten to mention that it stays light much longer than it does here in CA. The fireworks for Fisherman's Picnic never start until 10 PM as it isn't dark enough until then (it will be gettin dark but not totally dark until close to 10 PM) whereas out here in CA the 4th of July Fireworks start by 9 PM or even a bit earlier. Another intersting museum is the Tofte Fishing Museum. I especially have enjoyed it as many of my relatives were fisherman in that area many years ago.

CAPH52

Thanks, Cali! All of these questions must make me sound like one of those people who have to have every moment planned. I'm really not. But I do like to know what to expect! And I don't like nasty little surprises like planning to eat "late" and finding there's nothing open!

Besides, I'm getting excited and am enjoying "chatting" about our destination!

Unfortunately, sitting at the computer is not getting the packing done, the house cleaned, etc., etc.!

Cali

Hi again CAPH, You are totally smart to ask a lot of questions. I have found I get lots of good advice from people who have been there and let me know what to expect. Your question about the food after 8 PM is smart too as many places close for the season or at least close early by late Sept. You wil be fine in the summer tho. Have a wonderful time!!!

CAPH52

Thanks again, Cali! And enjoy your upcoming trip. I hope you're just as lucky with the weather this time!

SuzieTrue

CAPH,
While checking the North Shore guide, I see that the Best Western does have an indoor whirlpool. Not great for swimming lengths but does feel good after a day of hiking/walking.
ST

CAPH52

Hi, Suzie. Yeah, I noticed that when I was checking to see if they have WiFi. My husband and daughter are big hot tub fans, so were happy to see that!

We'll have a pool our three nights in Madison and the night in Red Wing on the way home. So we can get by without one in Grand Marais.

Thanks for telling me!

julies

Welig12

Expect quite cool temperatures in the end of September. Be sure to bring a jacket; you may also want a hat and gloves just in case it is exceptionally cool.