Where to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota | Amazing Locations in 2024
Minnesota’s North Shore is absolutely stunning. It is one of the best destinations to stay at due to the exceptional views and long list of outdoor activities. With some much coastline, you are probably wondering, where is the best place to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota? I’ve got you covered with plenty of options.
Sitting next to a cozy fireplace and listening to the waves splash up on the shores of lake superior is one of my favorite things to do. There is nothing like some of these amazing lakeside suites and lodges.
There is no shortage of accommodations, but I’ve found you want to plan ahead as these places fill up fast. I’m going to share with you some of the best places for a family vacation, a romantic retreat, or just an escape from everything on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
The North Shore of Minnesota is one of the best places to escape. Personal opinion, but it is the quintessential MN Vacation Destination.
Sitting along the edge of the Superior National Forest, there is so much to see and do. It starts out at Duluth and makes its way up to the Canadian border.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the north shore. What I love is most of the resorts offer pet-friendly accommodations or family-friendly guest rooms.
Quick Guide: $ = 100 and under, $$ = $101 – $150, $$$ = $151 – $250, $$$$ = over $250
North Shore Hotels
Hotels and resorts are great places to stay, especially if you don’t like roughing it! Find some of these cozy hotel rooms with outdoor pools, fireplaces, fine dining, and everything else you need for a great trip.
Grand Superior Lodge
Location: 2826 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Price: $$$
Reservations: Click Here
The Grand Superior Lodge is a great place to stay. It’s situated in Two Harbors MN. Just far enough on the shore to be considered north shore, but close enough to Duluth to have the city you are craving.
Two Harbors is a great place to stay with tons of great amenities nearby. Plus they have dog-friendly accommodations!
The Grand Superior Lodge has about every type of accommodation imaginable. From a standard room with a mini fridge to luxury cabins and home rentals that come with complete kitchens and fireplaces.
All of their rooms mix modern styling and comfort with the north shore feel. Make us roe to get a lakeside room!
The rooms all include access to the Indoor Pool, Sauna, and Fitness Center, Board Games, DVD Movies, and free Wi-Fi. If you are looking to take an adventure, rent one of their bikes or a pair of snowshoes! They also offer complementary S’mores!
Need to refuel? Bring with you any of your favorite treats and store them in the mini-fridge or cook in your rental. Otherwise, they also have a restaurant and bar onside. The Grand Superior Grill with lakeside dining.
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
Location: 7192 MN-61, Tofte, MN 55615
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Click Here
Tofte is in-between Grand Marais and Two Harbors, making it a great place to stay if you want to explore more of the north shore. The resort is actually three different properties.
First is Bluefin Bay, the primary guest room and suite located on the shore of Lake Superior. Surfside is a variety of Townhome rentals. And Temperance Landing is where you can rent Luxury Log Homes. Both Bluefin Bay and Surfside are pet friendly!
They have a variety of different room types bunch all of their rooms are upscale lodging with amazing views of Lake Superior. Look for rooms with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces.
Each of the rooms has min fridge and microwaves. Some of the larger rooms and townhomes have wood floors, living spaces, balconies, and full kitchens. It all depends on what you are looking for!
Bluefin Bay has an outdoor heated pool and hot tub overlooking the lake. Inside there is another pool and whirlpool with two saunas.
If you are looking to relax, schedule a treatment at their Spa, take a Yoga Class onside, or stop into their fitness center. Take a stroll along their lakewalk. It passes along the rocky shoreline through the property and down to Tofte Park.
Need a bite to eat? There are a couple of options inside Bluefin Bay Resort. The first is the Bluefin Grille. It’s located at the Surfside end of the resort. They serve seasonal favorites from 9 am – 6 pm.
For something for Breakfast, Lunch, or dinner check out the Coco Café & Bakery. You’ll find quick bites like scones and pastries, or sit-down breakfasts. Get sandwiches and pizzas for lunch and salmon and other favorites for dinner time!
Lutsen
Location: 5700 West MN-61, Lutsen, MN 55612
Price: $$$
Reservations: Click Here
Lutsen Resort is like nothing you’ve seen. Their resort sits in the sawtooth mountains with tons of property. Choose to stay along the Poplar River or lakeside. The historic lodge with lakeside views.
Get some privacy in the spacious cliff house Townhomes or the Log Cabins. You can stay in a spacious townhouse if you’d like your own private place to call your own or to stay with family.
The historic Lutsen Lodge was designed by renowned architect Edwin Lundie. They have classic Scandinavian styling. Staying in the loge you’ll be close to all the amenities.
The Cliff House Townhomes have a modern field with views of the lake. They are two stories with three bedrooms each. Make sure to ask about pet-friendly accommodations.
This Log Cabins are a short trail away from the main lodge and provide all the privacy you need. The cabins have a lakeside deck!
Lutsen has tons of great places to explore. Listen to the live music, and enjoy a beach bonfire. Rent Bikes, Snowshoes, and Sea Kayaks. Do some fly-fishing or ice skating. Head onto their cross-country ski trails.
Take a guided hike or waterfall tour. Recharge at the spa. Or chill in their indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna. Lutsen Mountains complimentary ski shuttle.
Fuel up at the Strand Waterfront Dining & Wine Bar. The dining room has an incredible view of Lake
Superior and the Poplar River. The menu is traditional north shore favorites and contemporary twists. They serve breakfast, brunch, dinner, and more!
Cove Point Lodge
Location: 4614 MN-61, Beaver Bay, MN 55601
Price: $$$
Reservations: Click Here
Cove Point Lodge is a beautiful place to stay on Minnesota’s North Shore. Their hotel is located in a quiet cove. The shoreline views are absolutely stunning.
There is plenty to see and do on the property and a lot of room options. They are ever-expanding and will be offering Glamping options in 2023.
The main log has a mix between north woods and Scandinavian styling. This luxurious hotel has everything you need. Each of the rooms comes with mini frigs, a microwave, Keurig coffee, and free Wi-Fi.
The Superior lodge accommodations have living space and more room for you to stretch out!
Swim in their indoor pool, and stop at the sauna and hot tub. Enjoy campfires and hiking trails. Rent a Trek bike from them and head over to the Gitchi-Gami Bike trail.
Cove Point Lodge has a variety of different dining options onsite. Start off with the complimentary continental breakfast for all lodge guests. It’s Scandinavian-style buffet.
For dinner head over to the Lodge Dining room. Open to the public they featured check inspired local fair. The Cove Crossings Bar and Grill with American-style food can be sent directly to your room. Cove point lodge is an amazing place to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota.
East Bay Suites
Location: 21 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Price: $$
Reservations: Click Here
You can’t get much closer to the water than East Bay Suites. They are a modern choice on the North Shore. Located in Grand Marais, you are just on the edge of downtown, within walking distance of all of your favorite places to see. Step out from the hotel to the soft pebble beach and into the water.
Their rooms are modernly styled. With one to three-bedroom suites. They all have fireplaces, full kitchens, and excellent views. Some even have in-floor heat and walk out to the water or balconies. Ask about their dog-friendly rooms.
East Bay Suites is perfect for anyone wanting to stay further up on the north shore. The resort has easy access to 2 state parks and plenty of fun activities. The resort offers all kinds of guided experiences you can reserve from beautiful hikes to golfing or skiing.
With the fully stocked kitchen, you don’t need to dine out but in case you do, the resort is within walking distance of all the great restaurants in downtown Grand Marais. I recommend the World’s Best Donuts for breakfast and Gunflint Tavern for dinner!
Don’t forget to explore the other great things to do in Grand Marais MN
VRBO Home Rentals
For cozier experiences with a little more privacy, you need to check out the great VRBO’s. Find amazing accommodations in Northern Minnesota that are complete with fire pits, great bedding, and lakeshore access.
Some of these lake homes are close to small towns making them easy to get access to all your favorite things to do.
Two Harbors Home
Location: 1st Street, Two Harbors, MN
Sleeps: 8
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Click Here
You can’t get much close than this. This beautiful two-story home in Two harbors is right in downtown with waterfront views. It has a 14x 44 full deck perfect for entertaining. Because of its position on Brislington Bay, you actually get a view of the lake in every room in the house.
The home is fully furnished with all the conforms you expect. It’s beautiful inside with great lighting thanks to its large windows.
The home is a short walk over to the Two Lighthouses and Agate Bay. You can easily walk into town for any of the great dining options too! I absolutely love this place to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota.
Stony Bay Lodge
Location: CSAH 61, Palmers, MN
Sleeps: 4
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Click Here
This two bed 1 bath home features all the great things you love about the north shore. It has 160’ of private waterfront, a fire pit circle perfect for entertaining and free WiFi.
The kitchen is well-equipped with plenty of counter space. There is breakfast bar seating and everything you need to make a great meal. Sit by the gas fireplace indoors to warm up during winter, or on a cold fall night.
There is plenty of fishing, hiking, boating, and site seeing to do in the area. What I love about the location of this place is that it’s 15 minutes from both Duluth or Two Harbors and off of the old Scenic Road, so you won’t be dealing with all the traffic.
Terrace Point
Location: 11 Terrace Point Rd, Grand Marais, MN, 55604
Sleeps: 2
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Click Here
Looking for a shoreside stay? Terrance Point rental is part of a condo but this one is on the end, giving you more privacy.
The luxury property is a modern Frank Lloyd Wright/John Howe-inspired condo with over 26’ of floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you amazing views of Lake Superior.
This unit has a king-size bed, a private cedar sauna for two, gas fireplace framed with north shore ledge rock. The kitchen is fully stocked for all your cooking needs. There are radiant heat floors and comfy seating.
Outside you’ll have your own private patio and be able to walk right down to the shoreline. This amazing property is nearby Grand Marais, with tons of great entertainment options. Enjoy some time dining or exploring the shoreline.
Lake View Cabin
Location: Larsmont Rd, Larsmont, MN
Sleeps: 6
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Click Here
This spacious cabin has everything you need for your North Shore vacation. It’s newly remodeled with a well-equipped kitchen for entertaining, free Wifi, and a beautiful outdoor firepit. Sit outside and roast marshmallows with stunning views of the Lake.
Inside the home has modern styling from top to bottom. With spacious rooms, and bathrooms. Enjoy the upstairs loft and game room.
The property is just south of Two Harbors, making it a quick drive into town. Or head south to Duluth and enjoy some time at Canal Park or visit some of the great things to do there.
Patagonia Cabin
Location: Voyageur Hwy, Colville, MN
Sleeps: 2
Price: $$$
Reservations: Click Here
Looking for a quiet romantic retreat? You gotta stay at the Patagonia Cabin. This cute cabin has everything you need, including great sunset viewing on the deck. The cabin sits on top of the hill making it a great vantage point for the Aurora Borealis.
Inside the cabin, you’ll have everything you need to cozy up to your partner. It’s got cathedral ceilings and an open floor plan. There is solar power for lighting, and charging electronics, a gas fireplace, and a stove. It’s completely green.
Borrow their snowshoes in the winter, or relax in the hammock. Have smores out by the firepit or jump on the Superior Hiking Trail right from the backyard. The walk to Lake Superior Beach is just two minutes away.
If you get antsy, they are only 10 minutes from Grand Marais. This cute cabin is a perfect place to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota for quick getaway.
Moose Hollow Cabin
Location: E Rosebush Ln, Grand Marais, MN
Sleeps: 4
Price: $$$$
Reservations: Click Here
Moose Hollow Cabin is a great retreat. It’s located on the shores of Lake Superior and tucket off the main road so you won’t have to deal with any traffic noises.
The cabin is fully equipped with a full kitchen, eating area, living room, and a breathtaking rock fireplace. There are two large bedrooms, walk-in shower, outdoor fire pit for roasting marshmallows. There is a also charcoal grill for you to use.
The retreat is just south of Grand Marais, making it a perfect place to explore. With great dining and shopping nearby.
Spend all your time at the property doing rock hunting, fishing, canoeing, and more. It’s also close to two state parks if you want to explore the hiking trails and waterfalls!
Camping
Camping is a great way to stay on the North Shore. There are so many great parks to choose from. In order to get a spot, you’ll need to plan ahead and get on the MN State Parks reservation system 90 days before your trip.
There are some private campgrounds on the north shore too, but I’ve had the best luck with the State Parks.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Location: 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Price: $
Full Review: Click Here
Gooseberry Falls is one of the most visited state parks in MN, thanks to its beautiful set of waterfalls. The park is considered a wayside, allowing visitors to stop in and view their park center for free. But they also have great trails and waterfront to explore.
The campground has 69 sites. The sites are just a short walk from the waterfront.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Location: 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Price: $
Full Review: Click Here
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is most well-known for its Lighthouse. The lighthouse is actually part of the Minnesota Historical Society. But staying here is where you can get some of the best lakeside camping spots.
Walk along the shoreline and take in the views. Paddleboard or kayak from the beach and find the shipwreck!
They recently added a new campground, Shipwreck campground with 46 electric sites. There are an additional 20 carts in sites along the shoreline.
Tettegouche State Park
Location: 5702 MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Price: $
Full Review: Click Here
The next state park on your way north is Tettegouche State Park. Most well known for Palisades Head. A stunning overlook just off the highway.
The actual state park is about another mile north. In the park, you’ll find many epic waterfalls, great shoreline hikes, and even a swinging bridge.
The campground has 52 sites spit between the upper and lower campground. A few of the lower campground sites have views of the lake and there are some electric sites in the upper campground.
Temperance River State Park
Location: 7620 West, MN-61, Schroeder, MN 55613
Price: $
Full Review: Click Here
Temperance River State Park may be my favorite park due to the river gorge running through the center of the campgrounds.
The campground has a few sites with views of the lake and easy access to a secluded bay. Make sure to do some hiking while you are there. There is also rock climbing at the park!
They have 52 drive-in sites, with 18 electric. A few cart-in sites and some amazing showers! Seriously some of the best in the state park system I’ve seen. This is an amazing place to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota.
Cascade River State Park
Location: West, 3481 Minnesota 61, Lutsen, MN 55612
Price: $
Full Review: Click Here
Cascade River State Park is a beautiful place to stay just south of Grand Marais. It’s most recognizable by the cars pulled off of the highway just outside the park, trying to take a look at the waterfalls.
Cascade Falls is a series of different overlooks and waterfalls. There is plenty of hiking to do as well as the amazing Lookout Mountain Overlook.
I love that Cascade River State Park is so close to Grand Marais, making it easy to see the town. You can even do your meal there!
The park has 40 wooded drive-in sites and five backpack sites. The sites are rustic and shaded!
Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Location: 4051 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Price: $
Full Review: Click Here
Most well known as home to Devil’s Kettle’s falls. This park has some great overlooks and hiking trails.
Located just north of Grand Marais, you’ll have a little more privacy at this park compared to Cascade River. There are only 27 drive-in sites, with no electricity.
Most of the people visiting are making a quick trip to the falls and back. There are a few that make their way through on the Superior Hiking Trail.
The north shore is filled with tons of fun things to do. Get your Step By Step Guide on my Favorite Things: 28+ Stops on the North Shore’s Highway 61
Where is the best place to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota?
That all depends on your budget and your favorite vacation style. I love snagging a campsite in a state park. Unless I’m looking for something a little more romantic, then it’s an authentic log cabin for me!
There is no shortage of options for places to stay on the North Shore in Minnesota, just a problem of them booking up!
