CAPH52

I'm still doing my research. But we've decided that we definitely want to try the North Shore. I've been looking at the Grand Marais web site and I'm overwhelmed! There seem to be several fairly inexpensive places to stay that have lake views. So I've decided to start with the process of elimination. Has anyone stayed anywhere in Grand Marais that they definitely would not recommend?

Also, does anyone have a strong opinion that we'd be better off choosing somewhere other than Grand Marais?

To reiterate what I posted on my other thread, we'll (two parents, a 21 year old and a 17 year old) be there for three nights July 23, 24, 25.

Thanks!

Suzie

Well I had to look up Grand Marais to find out that it is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior. And here I thought this topic was gonna be about Tahoe or Oahu! Dang. I know nothing about Lake Superior....

Cali

We have stayed at Best Western Superior and Aspen Inn and have been happy with both of them. They are on the East Bay of Grand Marais and right near downtown. There are also new condos at what was East Bay Hotel (think they are called East Bay Suites or Condos) and another one right on the harbor but don't know about renting them. Have heard from some friends that the East Bay condos get terribly hot as they don't have a/c and it has been very warm there in recent summers. There are also other motels and cabins in town but have not stayed at them so can't recommend them. We love our visits to Grand Marais. Hope you do too.

dfr4848

CAPH - see my reply to your first post.

CAPH52

Sorry, Suzie. Rookie mistake on my part. Realized as soon as I hit "post" that I should have put MN or Superior in my title.

Thanks a lot, Cali and dfr! Very good info.

CAPH52

Unfortunately, the Aspen Inn is about $20 more per night. Mostly because we can get an AARP rate at the Best Western. So I went ahead and made reservations at the Best Western. Some of the other places I checked were already booked. And I was a little nervous that, if I didn't make reservations soon, I'd miss the chance to get the Best Western.

But after I made it, I realized that they don't have a pool. It's not a huge deal. But our son would prefer to have one if possible.

So I looked around on the North Shore site for which dfr gave me the link. I found the AmericInn in Tofte which has a pool and free breakfast for about $20 less per night than the Best Western. But the room overlooks the parking lot with just a distant view of the lake. I went ahead and made a reservation there too figuring that I will cancel one or the other as soon as I have a better handle on this!

Does anyone have any experience with the AmericInn? Or have any thoughts about staying in Tofte versus Grand Marais?

Also, I went with the non-balcony room at the Best Western in order to save about $10 per night. Is that a mistake?

I'd really appreciate any opinions anyone has to share!

I'm posting this on both the North Shore threads I've started, just in case someone happens to see one but not the other.

shouldercat

We go to the North Shore every August and stay at Caribou Highlands on Lutsen Mtn. It is near Tofte - which seems to have a lot less going for it than Grand Marais. We usually drive up to GM (about 20 mi from Lutsen) for a day. Artist's Point is our favorite place to wander.

No matter where you end up staying, you may want to stop at Lutsen Mountain for a day of alpine slide,hiking,trail rides or mtn biking. Check out the gondola ride to the top of Moose Mtn. and take a few steps onto the Superior Hiking Trail. http://www.lutsen.com/

As far as drive times (I'm being lazy & only posting once...)they are a bit deceiving because there are so many great places to stop between Duluth and Grand Marais that it always takes much longer than you would think. But if you ignore all the inviting state parks and roadside flea markets, you would make better time than we do.

CAPH52

Thanks, shouldercat! For the info and for the link.

Not so much concerned with the driving times on the North Shore itself. I'm glad there's so much worth stopping to see! I just wanted to get some ideas about the drive from Madison and then, after our stay, back to the Chicago 'burbs so that we knew whether we'd be biting off more than we could chew. But hearing that so many of you go back over and over again makes me think it must be well worth the trip!

Cali

The Americinn is on the highway in Tofte (across from Blue Fin Bay) and I have heard it is nice but haven't stayed there. Not too much to do in Tofte, except walking along the lake. Lutsen is closer to Grand Marais and has several lodges (one is Caribou Highlands) and they do have some activities up there. Also only about a 20 min drive to Grand Marais. It really does fill up up there in the summer so do have reservations before you get there. Have Fun.