Outdoors in Cook County

Seek Adventure in Minnesota

In Cook County, Minnesota you can enjoy Lake Superior – the world’s largest freshwater lake, visit Minnesota’s tallest mountain peak at Eagle Mountain, view the state’s highest waterfall in Grand Portage, ski the largest ski resort in the Midwest at Lutsen Mountains, largest wilderness area the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness officially designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and enjoy Minnesota’s longest and most scenic biking trails. Find your adventure in Cook County.

Click the Visit Cook County compass anywhere on the site to add ideas to your trip planner. You can find and review your trip planner anytime under Plan - Trip Planner.

See the full list of Cook County Adventures

Agate Hunting

Calling all agate hunting fanatics! Cook County, Minnesota is the perfect place to…

Alpine Slide

You’ll find one-of-a-kind thrills in Cook County, Minnesota—like the…

Berry Picking

Where can you find blueberries, strawberries, chokecherries, pin cherries…

Biking

When you find yourself asking: “where are the best bike trails near me?…

Birding

It’s no surprise why birding is one of the top things to do in northern…

Boating

Boating on lakes in Minnesota offers world-class fishing and sightseeing…

Canoeing

There’s a reason people have been canoeing and kayaking here for thousands of…

Fat Tire Biking

Biking isn’t just a warm weather pursuit anymore, and one of the fastest…

Fishing

Holding the Minnesota state fish record for largest Chinook Salmon, Pink Salmon…

Golf

Cook County offers award-winning play with spectacular surroundings…

Gondola

The Summit Express Gondola ride at Lutsen Mountains glides from summit to summit…

Hiking

You’ll find hikes to suit every taste, ability and timeframe, all within a…

Hunting

Hunting is a long-standing tradition for Cook County visitors and residents because…

Ice Skating

In Cook County, ice skating is just one of many winter adventures to be had. From…

Kayaking

You don’t have to travel to the ocean to have a kayak vacation. Try the…

Northern Lights

You don’t have to travel to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, also…

OHV & ATV

Experiencing the Superior National Forest with an ATV can be a great way to reach…

Picnicking

The quintessential summertime activity is picnicking in a scenic location…

Rainy Day Fun

In our area, every kind of weather has its own unique beauty! Relish a rainy day and…

Rock Climbing

Cook County, Minnesota is home to the lowest point (Lake Superior) and the highest…

Sailing

Lake Superior offers incredible sailing adventures – not to mention the most…

Scenic Drives

There are so many things to see and do in Cook County, MN you’ll want to make…

Snowmobiling

With 450 miles of snowmobile trails that wind through the wildest, most breathtaking…

Snowshoeing

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and go for a quick kid-friendly jaunt or a full-day…

Waterfalls

After the snow melts, experience the raw power of North Shore waterfall season…

Zip Line

The Towering Pines Canopy Tour at Gunflint Lodge, located 43 miles up the Gunflint…

State & National Parks

Marvel at Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, climb an anorthosite dome and peer into the mysterious Devil’s Kettle — all without the big…

Hiking

You’ll find hikes to suit every taste, ability and timeframe, all within a landscape beautiful enough to take anyone’s breath away. So…

Waterfalls

After the snow melts, experience the raw power of North Shore waterfall season – a fleeting yet unforgettable spring wonder.

Northern Lights

You don’t have to travel to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Thanks to our northern location and…

Water Activities

Water is a critical part of what makes Cook County so unique. Between Lake Superior and the thousands of inland lakes and streams, no visit is…

Winter Activities

With an average of 120 inches of snow annually and cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails, acres of alpine skiing and…

Lutsen Mountains

Once you hit Lutsen Mountains, you’re here. This unique area is the gateway to Cook County and is truly unlike any other area of the state…

Sports & Recreation

Visitors and athletes from around the world come to Cook County to experience our unsurpassed outdoor recreation opportunities.

Wildlife & Foraging

Life gets pretty wild in Cook County, Minnesota. Home to many wild boreal creatures, Cook County is best known as the place in the Midwest to spot a…

Scenic Drives

There are so many things to see and do in Cook County, MN you’ll want to make the most of every minute.

Boundary Waters

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is where silence and serenity are here for you to discover. You will hear no traffic, ringing phones…