Awards & Accolades
The communities of Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, and the Gunflint Trail have earned numerous accolades, and for good reason! Not only is Cook County rich in scenery and natural beauty, it is even richer in local culture, with vibrant arts, music, entertainment, and theater scenes, and year-round festivals, events, and outdoor recreation.
Put all of these elements together, add a strong sense of community and caring, and you have just some of what makes Cook County such a special place, and so deserving of the awards and accolades highlighted below.
America's Best Small Lake Town
Travel & Leisure - America's Best Small Towns 2023
Grand Marais
Best Midwestern Small Town: Grand Marais, Minn.
USA Today 10BEST - Readers Choice 2017
Grand Marais
The 16 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
Outside Magazine 2016
Grand Marais
America's Coolest Small Town
Budget Travel - Reader's Choice 2015
Grand Marais
25 Amazing Journeys for 2022
National Geographic 2022
Northern Minnesota & Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Named the Largest Dark Sky Sanctuary
DarkSky International 2020
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The Chamber understands the value of recognizing the businesses and individuals that stretched the extra mile to deliver services and remain viable. Business awards are annually…