To the End of the Road and Beyond
It’s clear Stone Harbor is proud to be in Grand Marais, and Cook County in general. We are grateful for, enjoy, and promote all it has to offer. But a question Jack often has for visitors is, “did you bring your passport?”
We love when people come from great distances to visit us, but we think Grand Marais shouldn’t be as far as you come. Grand Portage is located 35 miles to the east up Highway 61. Here’s why we think it’s worth the trip. Let’s start with the High Falls of the Pigeon River. That is a great, short hike on the border in Grand Portage from the State Park. Most of the one mile, out and back trail is paved, which makes it accessible for a broad range of people. Besides the stunning waterfall it has a nice interpretive center with facilities and a little gift shop.
High Falls on the Pigeon River, as seen from Grand Portage State Park
From there you can go into town and visit the trading post and the National Monument center. Learn more about the Anishinaabe, who were here long before the first Europeans, and who drank tea from China in the late 1700s during the height of the fur trade. You can make a day just doing that.
Grand Portage fort dock on Lake Superior
But what if you crossed the border? Almost immediately you’ll see an information center where you can park. Take a short walk alongside Highway 61 and hit the trail to hike to High Falls from the Canadian side. This trail is not paved like the one on the US side, but it is quite beautiful. And when you get to the falls you will be a little closer and a little higher with your view. Don’t get too excited, I said a little bit not a lot closer and higher.
High Falls on the Pigeon River, as seen from the Canadian border
High Falls on the Pigeon River, as seen from the Canadian border. Yes, from the same point as the previous picture, but a different year. This is why we return here time after time!
After you do that hike you can return toward the information center and take a little detour for the hike to the Finger Point Overlook or just head back to Grand Portage. Stop and have lunch at the casino before heading back to Grand Marais.
Finger Point Overlook
Stay tuned and I have another suggestion for another day.