Minnesota’s North Shore and Gunflint Trail Are Open for Adventure

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minnesota’s North Shore and Gunflint Trail Are Open for Adventure  

Plan your summer road trip today - Cook County is ready for you!

Grand Marais, Minn. (May 29, 2025) - As summer kicks into high gear, Minnesota’s North Shore and Gunflint Trail are open, accessible, and bursting with outdoor adventure. From hiking and paddling to exploring waterfalls, enjoying local shops, and dining, there’s never been a better time to plan your trip to the edge of the wilderness.

Current Conditions & Webcams
Did you know that Visit Cook County tracks both summer and winter trail conditions? We also get updates on fishing, wildlife sightings, upcoming events, and more. And don’t forget our collection of live webcams on our website, featuring the popular rotating Harbor Camera, which serves up daily doses of Grand Marais beauty, and the Dark Sky Camera at Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center, showcasing the night sky activity from the previous night. Call our information center at (218) 387-2524 or visit our Current Conditions page on our website to learn more about what's happening locally. 

Wildfire Safety 
While wildfires further south have raised concern, we’re happy to report that there is no impact on visitation to Cook County. The trails, lakes, businesses, and communities are ready for your next getaway. At this time, campfires within designated fire rings remain allowed. However, it is imperative to practice extreme fire safety techniques due to dry conditions. Avoid campfires during strong winds, never leave an active fire burning unattended, and thoroughly extinguish fires before leaving the site. 
Conditions may change rapidly, so it is encouraged to check the latest fire updates and restrictions through the Minnesota DNR and Superior National Forest Service. 

Planning a BWCAW Adventure? New Permit Pickup Options Available
If you're dreaming of paddling the Boundary Waters this summer, take note: the U.S. Forest Service has transitioned away from issuing permits at the Grand Marais and Ely ranger stations this year. But don’t worry—getting your permit is easier than ever thanks to a network of authorized local outfitters. These expert outfitters not only issue permits, but also offer gear rentals, expert advice, and the warm Northwoods welcome we’re known for. And they have done this for years. It’s as simple as selecting or changing your permit pick-up at one of the Cook County locations. 

Adventure Awaits in Every Direction
Cook County is your basecamp for summer exploration. Whether you're hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail, canoeing in the BWCAW, or strolling the harbor in Grand Marais, you’ll find cool breezes, wide open spaces, and unforgettable views around every bend.

Whether you are coming from the north in Canada or the Twin Cities metro and beyond, Highway 61, the Gunflint Trail, and all major routes are open and scenic as ever. Local businesses, lodging, restaurants, and outfitters are excited to welcome you—so now’s the time to book that cabin, plan your paddle route, and get outside!

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.

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