But should you venture to Grand Marais, thats exactly what youll find.

Courtesy of Sawtooth Aviation

The Best Times to Visit

Grand Marais high season is distinctly summer.

A lack of crowds isnt the towns only off-season appeal.

An illustrated map of the U.S. that highlights the small towns mentioned in the article

Susan Rydberg/Getty Images

Things to Do

The iconic Grand Marais experience starts on Wisconsin Street.

Its an easy one-mile jaunt, usually broken up by the town sport: skipping rocks into the harbor.

The local institution, though, is theBest Western Plus Superior Inn & Suites but that name is deceptive.

Boca Grande Lighthouse & Shoreline, Gasparilla Island,Florida

The family-run property knows its all about that sense of place.

Choose from cabins, yurts, cottages, beach access, forest hideaways … the list goes on.

The towns meeting place, locals have been dining and delighting here since the 1970s.

Autumn view of Dry Creek Falls, Highlands, North Carolina on US Highway 64

Smoothies), or back toFishermans Daughter which is a Grand Marais must.

The newly renovated sweet spot is built out of shipping containers.

Theyre already a sell-out hit.

Aerial view of Grand Marais, MN

Where to Shop

Start your Grand Marais shopping atSivertson Gallery, the one that started it all.

Lastly,Joynes Ben Franklinis the staple of Cook County.

Go anywhere, and youre directly supporting your friends and neighbors.

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Overhead view of dishes served at Mattei’s Tavern

A vineyard in Dahlonega, Georgia

A person runs with their dog in front of The Inns of Aurora in New York state

Aerial view of Grand Marais, MN

Credit:Courtesy of Visit Cook County

View from a Sawtooth Aviation aircraft flying over Grand Marais, Minnesota

Courtesy of Sawtooth Aviation

Lighthouse at Artists Point in Grand Marais, Minnesota

Susan Rydberg/Getty Images

Donuts on a table at World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais, Minnesota

Courtesy of World’s Best Donuts

A boat from North House Folk School sailing the Hjordis in Grand Marais, Minnesota

Courtesy of North House Folk School

View from a room at East Bay Suites in Grand Marais, MN

Courtesy of East Bay Suites

Exterior of The Fisherman’s Daughter in Grand Marais, MN

Courtesy of Fisherman’s Daughter

Interior of Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, Minnesota

Courtesy of Sivertson Gallery