Arts & Culture In Cook County

Discover North Shore Art in Cook County

Artists and artisans thrive on the natural inspiration. The rugged northern Minnesota landscape nourishes the vibrant Ojibwe culture of Grand Portage, inspires the North Shore art for which Grand Marais and the rest of Cook County are renowned; creates a dramatic stage to the lively winter music scene in Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder and connects the past to the present just as the Gunflint Trail connects the North Shore of Lake Superior to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Typically, the history of a region is reserved for museums and history books. That’s not the case in Cook County. Here, our history is alive and well, and present to this day. Perhaps that’s why the historic hubs of trading and pioneer life are now vibrant centers of commerce, art and recreation. Our museums and galleries are just steps away from breathtaking lakes, waterfalls, mountains, Lake Superior vistas and miles of hiking trails.

Planning your trip for the Fall? Check out the Art Along the Lake: Fall Studio Tour

Check out the Public Art Tour

Looking For Inspiration?

Here are some ways to feed your own sense of inspiration and connection with North Shore arts and culture

CELEBRATE ART WITH ONE OF OUR ART EVENTS.

EVENTS CALENDAR

Celebrate Art Along the Lake with our Gallery Guide and Memorial Weekend Activities
Take a class or watch artists and crafters at work at North House Folk School or the Grand Marais Art Colony
Cook County Historical Society with multiple sites in the Grand Marais area
Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center at the end of the Gunflint Trail, formerly Chik-Wauk Lodge
Grand Portage State Park and Exhibit Hall and Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center: During the second full weekend in August, celebrate the rich heritage of the Grand Portage community with Rendezvous Days and the Rendezvous Powwow
Cross River Heritage Center in Schroeder brings local heritage and culture to life
For a glimpse into the past commercial fishing on Lake Superior: Tofte Commercial Fishing Museum
Drive the scenic Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway
Take the Cook County, Minnesota historical tour
Attend a play or musical at the Grand Marais Playhouse, or a festival or other arts and music event
Enjoy a concert or special performing arts group at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts in Grand Marais hosted by the North Shore Music Association
Listen to Cook County updates and stories on WTIP: North Shore Community Radio

Explore Arts, Culture, and Music Businesses and Organizations in Cook County, Minnesota

Special Offers

Don’t just visit Cook County. Experience it like a pro with the hottest deals in the state. We’ve worked with our local vendors, artisans and owners to curate the best prices and most unique packages for our out-of-town visitors. Check out our hot deals today.

Special Offers