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 those who just can’t get enough blueberries in their life, here is Cook County’s blueberry bucket list.

 

The Gunflint Trail’s Biggest Blueberry Contest

Every July brings the start of the Gunflint Trail’s Biggest Blueberry Contest. For about three weeks, blueberry pickers can enter their largest wild berry into the contest by finding a participating weigh station along the Trail. With prize packages for the top three biggest blueberries, serious pickers won’t want to miss this!

 

Blueberry Dishes Not To Miss

 

Blueberry Pancakes

Is there anything better than fresh blueberries in your pancakes? Stop in at Blue Water Cafe, Cascade Lodge Restaurant, Coho Cafe, Trail Center Lodge to get your blueberry flapjack fix. 

Blueberry Pie

A blueberry bucket list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning pie. Sink your teeth into a slice at Blue Water Cafe, Justine’s Dining Room at Gunflint Lodge or Lockport Marketplace (flavors rotate).

Cocktails & Beverages

Sample the Blueberry Moscow Mule at Moguls Grille & Tap Room, the Açai Berry Blend smoothie and Purple Rain shake from Shook, as well as the Raven Lemonade from Gun Flint Tavern.

Donuts

It can be tough to pass on the renowned cake donuts, but blueberry fans can get their fix with a mini jelly donut with blueberry filling at World’s Best Donuts. Also try the blueberry bran muffin and turnover.

Salads with Blueberries

Fresh blueberries and a salad make an excellent pairing. Try the Minnesota Bleu at Justine’s or the Watermelon Salad at Moguls.

Other Can’t-Miss Blueberry Items

  • The Blueberry Monte Cristo, Blueberry Brioche French Toast and the Kurbota Pork Chop cooked in a wild blueberry and birch syrup demi glace from The Strand Waterfront Dining & Wine Bar at Lutsen Resort.

  • World’s Smallest Sundae and a malt or shake from My Sister’s Place.

  • Blueberry Fields Forever, a "northern taco" with apple smoked pork, blueberry BBQ sauce, jalapeños and hippie slaw from Hungry Hippie Tacos.

  • Brazilian Moose smoothie bowl from Shook.

  • The blueberry malt or shake from Trail Center Lodge. In the winter, also try the homemade blueberry pop-tart.

  • Bourbon Blueberry Chicken Wings from Justine’s. A blueberry, mango and maple walleye dish is also available once a week.

 

Berry Picking

There’s nothing quite like picking your own wild berries. It can make a fun afternoon adventure and is great to do with kids. While Cook County has plenty of blueberries, you can also find many other berries in the region. See our berry hunting tips.

 

Is your favorite blueberry dish or activity on the list? Share your blueberry favorites with us on social media.