Plan an Unforgettable Family Vacation

They’re only little for a while. Make big memories on family vacations in Cook County. On our trails, kids of all ages become naturalists and explorers, investigating, taking in all the details and asking great questions about the environment. These experiences are eye-opening, transformative and, most importantly, fun. Strengthen your family unit with time spent together in Cook County.

This family-focused itinerary is designed for all ages and interests — from gentle outdoor adventures and hands-on cultural experiences to cozy rainy-day retreats. Whether you’re seeking a breezy lakeside picnic, a creative art workshop, or a moose-spotting drive through the forest, this guide will help you craft a trip that’s as relaxing as it is memorable. Let the North Shore’s natural beauty and welcoming communities inspire your next family getaway.

1.) Get Outdoors!

Plan a scenic drive and picnic: Cruise the North Shore Scenic Drive from Grand Marais to Grand Portage. Along the way, you'll find scenic wayside rests, playgrounds, and sites to explore.
Take a hike: With over 400-miles of hiking trails to discover, there are limitless options. For a stroller-friendly hike, check out Grand Portage State Park. The paved trail to High Falls, Minnesota's tallest waterfall, is perfect for kids and easy to navigate and features an epic waterfall reward at the end.
Hunt for agates: Challenge kids (and adults) to find agates and other local rocks on the shoreline of Lake Superior. From basalt and beach glass, to the sought-after gems like agates and thomsinite. Also, keep your eyes open for the perfect skipping stones and see who can get the furthest!
Go berry-picking: From June through August, forage for wild blueberries, raspberries & thimbleberries—timed perfectly for self-guided berry adventures with the kids. Don't miss the annual Biggest Blueberry Contest on the Gunflint Trail, it's just for fun and 100% delicious!

2.) Explore History, Culture & Creativity

Visit Chik-Wauk Museum & Nature Center: This stop should go to the top of every family vacation list! Open seasonally from May - October, Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center has something for everyone. Interpretive nature trails, history of the lodges and people on the Gunflint, naturalists classes and events, and so much more.
Art Exploring in Grand Marais: Wander local galleries, take kids’ art workshops, or visit the Grand Marais Art Colony to see what is upcoming for short drop-in sessions.
Discover Craft and Traditions: Sign up for a family-friendly class at North House Folk School, from candle making to nature journaling, where parents and kids learn together. Or stop by campus to watch artisans at work and ask questions about their process.
Explore our History & Culture: Did you know that there is a rich history dating back to the early 1800s in Cook County? For an interactive immersion into history, check out Grand Portage National Monument to explore the partnership between the Grand Portage Anishinaabe and the North West Company during the North American fur trade. Learn about the early industries that shaped the area at the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum in Tofte, and while you are in the neighborhood, check out the rotating exhibits at the Cross River Heritage Center in Schroeder. And do not miss a stop at the Cook County History Museum, the Lighthouse Keeper's home has the old lighthouse lens and fascinating stories about local history.

3.) Get Playful!

Spend a day at Lutsen Mountains: In the summer and fall, enjoy breathtaking views from the Gondola and ride the thrilling Alpine Slide. In the winter, plan a day to ski or snowboard at the midwest's largest ski resort!
Fly above the trees: Towering Pines Canopy Tour at Gunflint Lodge is a treetop ropes course with zip lines—designed for families, with safety gear guided by instructors.
Go for a bike ride: Bring a bike (or rent one) and go for a ride on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, a paved bike trail along Lake Superior. Want to take it to the next level? Check out the single-track mountain biking at either Britton Peak or Pincushion, managed by the Superior Cycling Association.
Explore a new playground: in addition to nature's outdoor playground, there are dozens of public playgrounds for kids to enjoy.

4.) Water & Wellness

Try a day trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW): Truly immerse your family in nature, book a short, family-friendly canoe trip just inside BWCAW. For more experienced paddlers, plan a multi-day overnight trip.
Book a guided experience: plan a partial for full day kayak or SUP adventure on an inland lake where you can see the sites and cool off in an inland lake. Hot tip: many lodges and resorts offer complimentary boats with your stay, check with your front desk or host to see what is available.
Embrace sauna culture: Saunas are a way of life year-round in Cook County. Many lodging properties have personal or shared saunas, but you can also rent a sauna experience or visit the local YMCA.

5.) Indoor Relaxation & Rainy-Day Suggestions

Grand Marais YMCA: Splash in the pool, enjoy gym time, and let the kids burn energy indoors.
Grand Marais Public Library: Cozy up with a book, catch children’s story time, or watch a free film screening.
Cozy Cabin Downtime: Come evening, enjoy board games, s’mores around the fire, and family storytelling at your cabin or lodge.
Start a Family Book Club: Pick a book for the whole family to read during your trip and plan to have daily discussions and/or readings depending on ages.

While we can’t promise the kids will behave 100% of the time, we can promise so much family fun that they won’t run out of things to do on vacation. That’s the beauty of traveling to Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder, Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and Grand Portage: there’s something fun for every family at any time of the year.

We invite you to unplug, reconnect and recharge in a place where the tweets come from actual birds.