Cook County's Blueberry Bucket List

Blueberries are the forest fruit that people associate most with canoe country. They’re plentiful throughout the region and a favorite among locals. That’s why you’ll find people foraging during the summer months as well as blueberries and blueberry flavored items on menus across the county. For…

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The 5 Sensory Experiences of Lake Superior

Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, offers visitors an experience that goes far beyond its breathtaking views. Here in Cook County, Minnesota, we’re lucky to live alongside this incredible body of water, which captivates all five senses. Whether you’re visiting for the first…

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7 Ways to Celebrate International Dark Sky Week

International Dark Sky Week returns April 21-28, 2025 and is once again aimed at raising awareness about the negative impacts of light pollution, the solutions that exist while simultaneously celebrating the night. In 2023, the Cook County Board of Commissioners and The Grand Portage Band of Lake…

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Fishing in Cook County

Fishing on the North Shore Cook County, Minnesota, offers some of the state's most diverse options of angling opportunities, with numerous inland lakes and rivers, as well as the mighty Lake Superior and its tributaries. Whether your passion lies in tempting walleye from a serene inland lake…

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Paddle and Play on the Gunflint Trail

Canoeing is a sport that can be intimidating. There are rules about boats, PFD’s, and a lot of flak from experts on how to hold your paddle correctly. But once you know what you’re doing, paddling through the BWCAW can be one of the most memorable and influential experiences of your life. To get…

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2025 Waterfall Season is Making a Splash!

Every year, hundreds of thousands of acres of melting snow and ice finds its way into Lake Superior down beautiful North Shore streams and rivers, creating quite the show. This spring melt in Cook County typically lasts about three weeks and could begin as soon as early April. Photo by David…

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The Best Snowshoe Trails in Cook County MN

Winter is full of magical experiences and snowshoeing in Cook County is one of the most incredible ways to explore our dramatic landscape. Our favorite time to get out on the trails is early in the morning after an overnight snowfall, just as the sun rises above the horizon. The utter silence you’ll…

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How to plan a trip around the night sky

If you've ever looked up on a clear, moonless night far from city lights, you know the awe-inspiring power of a star-filled sky. For those who find wonder in the twinkle of distant stars and the shimmer of the Milky Way, planning a trip specifically around stargazing can be an extraordinary…

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