Planning a trip with tweens and teenagers can feel like a daunting task. What’s the right balance of adventure, downtime, and family activities (that actually earns their approval)? We know this is a tough job! And, that’s where Cook County comes in. We are made for unplugged adventure!
Nestled on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior, Cook County offers rugged outdoor adventures and small-town charm that is sure to impress even the persnicketyest of teens. When you take a North Shore family getaway, your vacation is filled with waterfalls, scenic trails, big lake views, and plenty of teen-approved things to do near Grand Marais and Lutsen. This guide to Cook County with teens will help you plan cozy family meals, photo-worthy stops, and screen-free ways to keep tweens and teens engaged (without the eyerolls, or, at least, with fewer of them!). Best of all, Cook County invites families to unplug, connect, and let your kids take the lead in shaping an unforgettable family trip.
Why is Cook County Teen Approved?
Cook County isn’t your average Minnesota getaway. In many ways, we are unlike any other destination across the state. Cook County is where the wilderness of the Boundary Waters and the Sawtooth Mountains of Lutsen meet the vibrant, walkable downtown of Grand Marais and the cultures and traditions of Grand Portage.
Tweens and teens can safely wander downtown Grand Marais. Along the way, they can browse in our many cute shops and grab a treat (like ice cream or fresh pastries!). Afterward, they can meet parents on the harbor beach to show off their new treasures. You can feel at ease knowing our friendly locals are here to welcome them and encourage their independence.
Beyond town, the landscape is pure adventure. Tweens and teens need nature, just as they did when they were little. But now, added challenges help them embrace the world around them. Across Cook County, you can discover hidden waterfalls together. Embark on winding trails through Superior National Forest. Paddle along pristine inland lakes in search of moose and loons. Each adventure is another opportunity for families to connect and create shared memories.
Cook County is both untamed and accessible for families. It is the ideal place for a North Shore family weekend getaway. With endless outdoor adventures in Cook County, it’s no wonder that teens give our destination a resounding thumbs-up!
Give Them a Voice
One of the easiest ways to make your next North Shore trip successful is to let your tweens and teens feel like they have a say. Give them a voice! Let them advocate for activities they know they will enjoy.
When visiting Cook County with teens, invite them to be part of the planning from the start. Hand over a list of activities you’ve found. Or, let them research us online or on social media. Encourage them to share hikes, activities, or restaurants that sound fun to them. Incorporate those ideas into your family’s itinerary!
Even small choices, like timing when you hit the trail or deciding where to lunch, will let them feel invested. And don’t stress if their idea of vacation includes a little extra sleep or slow mornings. Cook County is best in our simple moments. Building flexibility into your schedule makes planning a Cook County weekend itinerary with teens smoother, while also giving everyone a better chance of enjoying the adventure.
Build an Itinerary with Teen-Approved Things to Do
When it comes to keeping tweens and teens engaged, a little challenge goes a long way. Luckily, there’s no shortage of things to do in Cook County with teens that push them just enough to spark excitement (and confidence!).
Tackle a hike up to Devil’s Kettle in Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Here, the mystery of the disappearing falls is sure to capture their imagination. Or, take on the rugged Magnetic Rock Trail. Not only will you get sweeping views just off the Gunflint Trail, but your budding scientists and engineers will marvel at the monolithic rock at the end of the trail. And, yes, it’s actually magnetic!
If your family loves being on the water, outfitters across Cook County can set you up for kayaking, canoeing, or even a taste of the Boundary Waters. Teens may especially love the chance to sea kayak on Lake Superior!
Back in Grand Marais, explore local art galleries or grab a sweet treat before heading to Artists’ Point. This is a great spot to let them explore freely. Not to mention, the perfect place for a sunset or family photo. With so many ways to explore Grand Marais and the surrounding area with teens, you’ll find adventures that truly let them shine.
Social Media-Worthy Places to Take a Family Photo (Without the Complaining)
While we think all of Cook County is social media-worthy, there are several unique places to take a family photo that even your teens will approve of! If you have photographers in the family, let them take the lead in deciding where to get the best shot. Make it even more fun by letting them choose coordinating family outfits or poses.
As you’re planning a Cook County weekend itinerary with teens, mix in a few of these epic photo ops that feel like adventures in and of themselves (because they are!). For an easy start, the Grand Marais Lighthouse is one of the best family photo spots. Here, Lake Superior’s endless horizon and our spectacular sunsets practically beg for a photo or two. Families who regularly visit Cook County take their family photos here year after year. Exploring Grand Marais with teens has never looked so good!
There are plenty of other photo-worthy places across Cook County. Head to High Falls in Grand Portage State Park to take a picture with Minnesota’s tallest waterfall. For sweeping panoramas (especially in the fall), ride the Lutsen Mountains gondola. Looking for something a little more rugged? Snag a family photo with views of Hungry Jack and Bearskin Lakes along the Honeymoon Bluff Trail. Or, let your tweens and teens discover the secret beach at Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center. It’s the perfect spot for skipping stones and snapping selfies! Of course, Oberg Mountain delivers 360 degrees of photo-worthy angles. Here, nine breathtaking overlooks of the Sawtooth Mountains guarantee a photo they’ll actually want to share (and maybe even pack with them to college!).
Lean into Analog Fun & Unplug as a Family
Part of the magic of visiting Cook County with teens is just how easy it is to step away from screens and lean into the simple joys of life. Of course, there are many ways for families to do this. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Keep them in mind as you plan things to do in Cook County with your tweens and teens.
Leave the devices at the cabin and encourage everyone to sketch on the beach. This might be tricky to start with some teens. But after a while, we promise the creativity will flow! Artists from around the world are inspired to create here. It’s no different for teens! Share stories as you hike. Don’t be afraid to keep it light and silly. Embrace your inner child and role model storytelling along the trail. Back at the cabin, challenge each other to a round of cards or a board game. Many local restaurants are excellent places to spend afternoons playing games together (Voyageur Brewing Company or Java Moose, to name just two).
Pack a few analog favorites. You know, cherished activities from the good ol’ days? Think chapter books, crossword puzzles, a deck of cards, or even a step-by-step watercolor notebook. These things are easy to pack and pull out in the downtime between activities. And if you forget or need something new in a pinch? No worries. You’ll find many shops in Cook County stocked with everything from art supplies to puzzles. We try to make it easy to add unplugged fun into your trip! Sometimes the best things to do in Cook County with your family aren’t planned at all. They’re the slow, screen-free moments that bring everyone closer.
Gather at Teen-Approved Eats
After a day of hiking, kayaking, or exploring, there’s nothing better than gathering the family around a cozy table. In Cook County, local eateries are ready to welcome you and your teens! Dinner is the perfect time to debrief the day, hear about their favorite adventures, and enjoy a meal together. Make a “no devices at the table” rule for your visit. Don’t be afraid to pull out those analog favorites we mentioned. Cards or a quick crossword can be a great way to pass the time while waiting for food.
There’s no shortage of teen-approved eateries to suit every taste in Cook County. We’ll offer just a few suggestions to get you started. Grab a social-media-worthy latte and croissant at Crosby Bakery. Sit right on the water at Angry Trout. You can watch seagulls and other birds over the waves while you munch on hearty fish dinners. Try the unique loaded tots and fries or fish tacos at Fisherman’s Daughter. Pizza night at My Sister’s Place is a crowd-pleaser, too! Of course, no one can resist sampling World’s Best Donuts! From trendy food trucks to upscale dining, you’ll find something for everyone in your family to enjoy at mealtime (even the pickiest of tweens and teens!).
Encourage Your Teens to Explore Cook County with the Family and On Their Own
A North Shore family weekend getaway works best when tweens and teens have a mix of structure and freedom. Plan a few teen-approved things to do near Grand Marais, like hiking Oberg Mountain or kayaking on Lake Superior, and give them space to meander through town on their own. Let them discover a favorite shop, grab an ice cream with new friends, or snap photos of the harbor. Balancing family adventures with independent exploration helps teens feel trusted and engaged. It can also lead to unexpected moments that become the highlight of the trip! We promise, Cook County is a Minnesota destination that everyone in your family will adore—including your tweens and teens.
