Grand Marais, Gateway city on Lake Superior's North Shore in Minnesota, United States
Grand Marais is a town on Lake Superior's North Shore in Minnesota, built around a natural harbor protected by rock formations. The community sits where the water meets forested hills, creating a setting that feels both sheltered and open to the lake.
The Ojibwe people were the first to inhabit the area, and French fur traders arrived in the 1700s, giving the place its name meaning Great Marsh. The settlement later grew into a fishing port as commerce on the lake developed.
Artists and creative people have made this place their home, and you can see their studios and galleries scattered through town, reflecting a longstanding commitment to making art accessible to visitors and locals alike.
The town is located along Minnesota Highway 61, a scenic road that makes it easy to reach from neighboring areas. Most places in town are within walking distance once you park near the harbor.
The Fisherman's Picnic festival each August celebrates the local fishing traditions with community gatherings and parades that reflect how important the lake and its harvest have been to the town's identity. This event draws people from across the region to honor the maritime heritage that shaped the place.
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