Every year, the Visitor Guide conversation starts the same way: with someone saying, “We should probably make this thing a little smaller.” Every year, that idea lasts about five minutes. The brand-new 2026/2027 Visit Cook County Visitor Guide is officially here, and once again, it’s packed with…
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Fishing in Cook County comes with a certain amount of unpredictability. Some days, the lakes are glass calm. Other days, the wind reminds you that Mother Nature is very much in charge. You might spend the morning catching walleye and the afternoon wondering how a salmon managed to steal your…
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If you’re from anywhere south of Duluth, MN, you may be thinking, “It’s late April, of course there’s no ice on the lakes. It’s almost summer for crying out loud.” While that line of thinking is logical, the inland lakes in Cook County would like to have a word. There’s a quiet competition that…
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After a long, snowy season in Cook County, winter is officially in the rearview. As the North Shore trails clear and the Sawtooth maple forests begin to pop with new green, Cook County is waking up in a big way. From single-track mountain bike sessions to the first wildflower hikes of the season…
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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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You know the classic TLC song that goes “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls,” right? We politely disagree. They obviously didn’t know about the stunning waterfalls of Cook County, Minnesota! If they had seen what a spectacular show the local rivers put on in the spring, they might have changed their tune…
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Imagine a world where your kids are free to roam, explore and discover without the distractions of screens or the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Nature in Cook County offers just that—wild spaces where curious kids can investigate their surroundings and thrive. From the rustling leaves of a…
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Enjoying "Mud Season" in Cook County: A Practical Guide to the Messy Middle! There’s a stretch of time in the spring when winter fades, but doesn’t fully leave. Snow lingers in the shady areas, trails soften, creeks awaken, and yes, things can turn a bit muddy. As a result, some folks around here…
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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, beginning early to mid-April. Photo by David Johnson A…
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Enjoy the fine art of Hygge at its finest. Through the month of February, you can cozy up by a roaring fire with your nearest and dearest at some of the most spectacular fireplaces in the region. Take the Cook County Fireplace Tour this February and discover the best winter vacations. Hygge…
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