Grand Portage, Minnesota is located at the northeastern tip of Minnesota, where Lake Superior’s North Shore Scenic Drive meets the international border with Canada.
There are plenty of memorable things to do in Grand Portage! Discover Lake Superior views, hiking, history, culture, gaming, or simply slowing down and taking in the peaceful beauty of this remote destination.
It’s about 2.5 hours northeast of Duluth, Minnesota, along the breathtaking North Shore Scenic Drive.
For Canadian travelers, it’s an easy getaway – less than an hour from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Cross the border for a day of sightseeing, plan an overnight stay, or make it the beginning of a longer North Shore adventure.
Here are 13 things to do in Grand Portage so you can explore our beautiful border:
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See High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
Grand Portage State Park is home to High Falls, the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. The Pigeon River plunges 120 feet over a rocky cliff here, forming a dramatic natural boundary between the United States and Canada.
A paved trail and boardwalk lead approximately one-half mile from the visitor center to three viewing decks overlooking the falls. The one-mile round-trip walk is relatively easy and accessible, with benches along the way.
High Falls is beautiful in every season. Fall brings colorful foliage, spring produces powerful water flow, and winter transforms the falls into an ice wall that is very cool to see!
Inside the visitor center, enjoy exhibits and artwork depicting the history and culture of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and their lands.
At Grand Portage State Park, you can also hike to Middle Falls, take a selfie with Canada in the background, have a picnic in the outdoor pavilion, and much more.
You can even see High Falls from the Canadian side! Cross the border and go to the Pigeon River Provincial Park.
Explore Grand Portage History and Culture
The Grand Portage National Monument preserves an important place in the history of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and the North American fur trade.
Begin at the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center, which is open year-round. Exhibits, films, and interpretive displays share the stories of the native people and the traders and voyageurs who traveled through the region.
Its indoor galleries make the Heritage Center one of the best rainy-day things to do in Grand Portage.
During the summer and fall seasons, the outdoor historic depot and living-history encampment bring the past to life.
Costumed interpreters demonstrate the skills and routines of an active fur-trade post from the late 1800’s. See cooking over open fires and working with traditional tools. Hear stories of the Voyageurs who transported goods across these very lands and waters.
The monument is especially lively during the annual Rendezvous Days and Powwow, which takes place the 2nd weekend in August.
The festivities bring indigenous culture and its pivotal role in the fur trading era to life in a remarkable way!
Because the historic buildings, encampment, and programs operate seasonally, check current hours and event dates before visiting.
Stay, Play and Unwind at the Lodge & Casino
After a day of exploring, Grand Portage Lodge & Casino offers a comfortable place to relax, play and stay overnight.
The lodge features rooms and suites, a welcoming lobby with a three-story fireplace and convenient access to the area’s attractions.
Some of the biggest perks are the expansive Lake Superior front lawn with bonfire and playground, on-site restaurant and pub, and entertainment lineup.
You’ll also love the the indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, arcade, and fitness center.
The casino provides year-round entertainment, making it especially appealing when Lake Superior brings rain, wind or freezing weather.
Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for an overnight stop near the Canadian border, the lodge makes it easy to experience more of the beautiful border.
Noteable Events at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino:
- February: Snowarama for Easter Seals Kids snowmobiling event.
- February: Super Bowl Party
- Rock The Lake 4th of July Festival. This event is featured in the article Best Summer Events on the North Shore.
- August: Rendezvous Days and Powwow.
- August: Lake Superior Fishing Contest.
- September: Classic Car Show.
- October: Halloween Party
- December: Christmas Craft Show.
- December: New Year’s Eve Party
Enjoy a Meal with a Lake Superior View
A day of North Shore exploring calls for a good meal. The Island View Dining Room at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with comfort food and views overlooking Lake Superior and Pete’s Island.
Be sure to check out the daily Dinner Menu to see the featured buffet. A favorite is the Saturday night crab legs and prime rib buffet!
Additional food and beverage options may be available at the casino and Antlers Lounge. Check current dining hours and menus when planning your visit.
Take in the Susie Islands Overlook
You do not have to take a long hike to find an unforgettable Lake Superior view. The Susie Islands Overlook along Highway 61 offers a sweeping view of Lake Superior, surrounding forest, and the cluster of islands offshore.
The overlook is especially beautiful during fall, when the changing leaves add vibrant color to the shoreline. On other days, shifting clouds, mist and Lake Superior’s constantly changing moods create their own kind of scenery.
Bring your camera and take a few minutes to appreciate how wild and expansive the North Shore becomes as you approach the border. It is a quick stop, but it may become one of the most memorable views of your adventure on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior.
Hike Mount Josephine
For a more challenging outdoor adventure, hike Mount Josephine for far-reaching views of Grand Portage Bay, Wauswaugoning Bay, the Susie Islands and Isle Royale National Park.
The trail becomes steep and strenuous as it approaches the summit, so this hike is best for experienced hikers who are prepared for rugged conditions. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes and using hiking poles for extra support when going up and down hill.
The payoff is one of the most remarkable overlooks on the North Shore, MN. From the top, you can see how Lake Superior, the islands, bays, forests and international border come together to form the unique glacially carved landscape.
Limited parking is available at the Mt. Josephine hiking trail. Stay on established routes and recreate respectfully on Grand Portage lands.
Take the Ferry to Isle Royale National Park
Grand Portage, MN, is an important mainland gateway to Isle Royale National Park. While Isle Royale is only about 20 miles offshore of Grand Portage, Minnesota, although the park is actually within the state of Michigan.
This remote island wilderness is the least visited National Park in the lower 48 States, but it is the most revisited park of them all (TheGreatestRoadTrip.com).
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines operates passenger ferry service from Hat Point Marina. Depending on the vessel and itinerary, travelers can take a day trip to Windigo or use the ferry to begin a longer hiking, camping or lodging adventure on Isle Royale.
A ferry to Isle Royale is not a year-round activity. Sailings are seasonal, and schedules vary throughout the operating season. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during popular summer travel periods.
Review current schedules, rates and reservation information through Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines.
Stay by Lake Superior
There are several places to stay in Grand Portage, from full-service lodge rooms to rustic cabins and seasonal campsites.
The Cabins at Hollow Rock offer a quieter Lake Superior lodging experience near one of the area’s most recognizable shoreline formations. These cabins are a good fit for travelers who want a peaceful home base on the shore of Lake Superior. There is convienient access to snowmobile trails and other things to do in Grand Portage. Enjoy limited access to phone or internet service.
Grand Portage Lodge and Casino offers a variety of hotel rooms and suites, with Lake Superior views and lots of great amenities.
During the warmer months, the Marina and RV Park offer additional ways to stay near the water. The marina has a boat launch that serves boaters and fishermen heading to Isle Royale or exploring Lake Superior near the U.S.-Canada border.
Stop at the Grand Portage Trading Post
The Grand Portage Trading Post is a useful stop for travelers who are exploring the beautiful border. It’s a convenient stop when traveling between the U.S. and Canada through the Grand Portage Port of Entry.
The store carries groceries, snacks, beverages, food to go, sporting supplies and a variety of travel necessities. Fuel and other practical services make it a convenient place to stock up before exploring the area.
Rainy-Day Things to Do in Grand Portage
Rain does not have to derail a trip to Grand Portage. In fact, moody skies and mist over Lake Superior can make the landscape even more dramatic.
When the weather turns cool or wet, you can:
- Explore the exhibits and films at the Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center. Sit by the large stone fireplace, which is a featured attraction in the Cook County Hygge Festival Fireplace Tour.
- Try your luck at Grand Portage Casino.
- Stay at the Grand Portage Lodge and relax in the lodge’s indoor pool, hot tub or sauna.
- Enjoy a leisurely meal overlooking Lake Superior.
- Grab a coffee and a snack at the Grand Portage Trading Post.
- Admire the indigenous artwork and exhibits at the Grand Portage State Park Visitor Center.
- Throw on a raincoat or a parka and and walk the paved trail to High Falls at Grand Portage State Park to see what the weather is doing to the waterfall.
- Watch the weather move across the lake from the comfort of the lodge.
A mix of indoor and outdoor attractions makes Grand Portage a rewarding destination even when the forecast is unpredictable.
Explore Grand Portage by Snowmobile
When snow covers the forests and ridgelines on the North Shore, Grand Portage, Minnesota, becomes an exciting destination for a winter getaway. More than 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails wind through remote forests, past scenic overlooks and near the Canadian border.
The Grand Portage trail system connects riders to hundreds of miles of regional trails extending toward Grand Marais, the Gunflint Trail and the rest of Minnesota’s North Shore.
Snowmobilers can make Lodge and Casino their home base, and sled right from the lodge!
Trail conditions, grooming schedules and permit requirements can vary. Check current snowmobile trail conditions before your trip, and remember that a Minnesota state trail permit may be required when riding beyond the Grand Portage Reservation trail system.
Plan a Grand Portage Getaway from Thunder Bay, Canada
For travelers from Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, Grand Portage offers waterfalls, hiking, cultural experiences, dining, gaming and Lake Superior lodging—all within an easy drive of the border.
Come for a day trip to High Falls at Grand Portage State Park and the Grand Portage National Monument.
Make it an overnight getaway with dinner, entertainment and a stay at Grand Portage Lodge & Casino.
In winter, Canadians make the short drive for incredible skidooing on more than 100 miles of groomed snowmobile trails on the Grand Portage Reservation.
The Pigeon River border crossing is open 24 hours a day, year-round. Canadian visitors should bring a passport, NEXUS card or another approved border-crossing document.
If traveling with a dog, be sure to fill out the required CDC Dog Import Form before you get to customs (vaccination records are not usually required).
Because requirements can change, review the latest border information before traveling.
Canadian currency exchange is available at Grand Portage Casino during casino hours. Duty-Free is available at the Ryden’s Border Store on the U.S. side.
Discover More on Minnesota’s Beautiful Border
Grand Portage rewards travelers who venture a little farther. Here, powerful waterfalls, Lake Superior views, Ojibwe culture and welcoming places to stay come together in one remarkable destination.
Make it a day trip, plan a weekend getaway or add an overnight stay to your North Shore journey. With outdoor adventures, fascinating cultural experiences and year-round indoor activities, there is always a reason to slow down and explore.
Follow Highway 61 to the edge of Minnesota—and discover everything waiting for you at our beautiful border.
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