FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Grand Marais & Lutsen Mountains listed in Midwest Living Magazine’s “Best of the Midwest 2026” Awards
Two iconic North Shore communities recognized for their Lake Superior scenery, outdoor adventure opportunities, and vibrant arts scene.
Grand Marais, Minn. (March 17, 2026) - Minnesota’s North Shore is gaining national recognition once again as Midwest Living Magazine released its “Best of the Midwest 2026” list. Grand Marais has been selected as one of the “Best of the Midwest: Lake Escapes” destinations and Lutsen Mountains has been honored as one of the region’s “Best of the Midwest: Ski Destinations.”
The annual Best of the Midwest awards highlight standout travel destinations across the region that offer exceptional scenery, culture, food, and outdoor experiences.
“Receiving this recognition for both Grand Marais and Lutsen Mountains speaks to the strength of our entire destination,” said Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County. “From world-class skiing to arts, culture, and wilderness experiences, Cook County offers something truly unique in every season.”
Grand Marais earned its place on the list for its iconic harbor on Lake Superior, thriving arts scene, and access to some of the Midwest’s most celebrated outdoor destinations. Located about 110 miles northeast of Duluth and a stones throw away from Canada, Grand Marais serves as a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Superior Hiking Trail, and the Gunflint Trail. Visitors come year-round to paddle inland lakes, hike along dramatic ridgelines in the Sawtooth Mountains, explore waterfalls, and experience winter adventures like cross-country skiing, alpine skiing and snowmobiling from Schroeder to Grand Portage and all the communities in between.
The harbor town is also widely known for its vibrant arts and cultural community. From the Grand Marais Art Colony, Minnesota’s oldest active artist colony, to the North House Folk School, nationally recognized for its traditional craft and folk art programs both which draw students and visitors from across the country. Galleries, studios, music events, and festivals throughout the year contribute to Grand Marais’ creative energy.
Just 20 miles southwest, Lutsen Mountains offers the Midwest’s largest ski area and has been recognized by Midwest Living as a top ski destination for 2026. With sweeping views of Lake Superior, varied terrain across four interconnected mountains, and a long-standing reputation for reliable winter conditions, Lutsen continues to attract skiers and snowboarders from across the region and beyond. Additionally, it was just announced that Lutsen Mountains is joining the Ikon Pass for the 2026-2027 season.
Beyond winter, Lutsen also serves as a hub for year-round recreation, including scenic gondola rides, hiking, mountain biking, and fall color viewing along the Sawtooth Mountains.
“Whether it’s skiing above Lake Superior at Lutsen Mountains or watching the sunrise in Grand Marais, or in any part of our community, it is a place where the natural beauty meets creativity, hospitality, and adventure. This recognition reflects the people, businesses, and organizations that make this area such a special place to visit and live.”
Grand Marais has received numerous national travel accolades in recent years, with recognition from outlets such as USA Today, Outside, and Travel & Leisure. The latest honor from Midwest Living reinforces the town’s reputation as one of the Midwest’s premier small-town destinations.
ABOUT THE “BEST OF THE MIDWEST” AWARDS: Hand-selected by the editors of Midwest Living, this exclusive awards program recognizes nearly 150 established and emerging leaders in travel and hospitality in the Midwest and beyond, across 16 unique categories spanning hotels, resorts, restaurants, vacation destinations, and cruise lines.
Visit Cook County, Minnesota
Visit Cook County encompasses the northeastern Minnesota communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage, commonly referred to as “the Arrowhead” and the “North Shore of Lake Superior.” Grand Marais, Minn., has earned several national accolades — most recently, it was named America's Best Small Lake Town by Travel & Leisure Magazine, USA Today’s Best Midwestern Small Town, and Outside Magazine’s The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S. 2016. Rekindle your sense of adventure by exploring the Superior National Forest or paddling through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Discover what makes the communities of Cook County, Minn. “Naturally Unforgettable.” Connect on social media using #donorthmn, Twitter @CookCoVisitors, Facebook, or Instagram @donorthmn. Learn more at VisitCookCounty.com.
###
For interviews & more info, please contact:
Kjersti Vick Marketing & Public Relations Director
