A much needed escape for the entire family!
July 2020
Our sons baseball tournament in Kentucky was cancelled due to COVID, so we decided to take advantage of the week and head north to Minnesota, the land of “10,000 lakes”. We had always wanted to visit Lake Superior, the North Shore and the surrounding area. Our friends Matt and Heather decided to join us, actually all the credit needs to go to Matt for putting this one together.
- Boating on Big Sandy Lake
- Tubing on Gull Lake
- River Rafting on the Lower St. Louis River
- Exploring the MN North Shore
We rented a 5 bedroom log home on the Prairie River in MN that had access to Big Sandy Lake (AirbnB or Vrbo have some great deals for big groups). There were 8 of us, so the 2 king, 13 queen and 11 double bed home had ample space for all of us to spread out in (we also had 3 dogs between both families). The home had a large floating dock that enabled us to get out onto the lake with the pontoon boat we rented from Big Sandy Lodge and Resort.
The approximately 8hour 30min drive from our home in Gurnee IL wasn't bad either, left early and stopped in Duluth for lunch at Sir Benedicts Tavern which has a great Lake Superior view, pet friendly and across the street from the lake walk that has access to Leif Erikson Park. I was amazed at how crystal clear the water of Lake Superior was and couldn't wait to explore the North Shore later in the week.
We arrived at our destination in McGregor along the Prairie river later that afternoon, it was a short one hour drive from Duluth. After arrival we decided to stock up with some groceries for the week from the ukuras supermarket on 65 (it was the closest). There is also a Dollar general and a Dairy Queen on 65 which we hit up a few times During the week as well.
It was then time to kick back with some beverages and throw some steaks on the BBQ (we brought dinner for the 1st night with us). The kids got a kick out of driving the golf cart around we had rented for the week and just hanging in the homes movie theatre. The adults spent the evening around the camp fire with a couple of drinks, conversation and a lot of laughs. Don't forget the bug spray, which is an absolute must if visiting MN in the summer. Horseflies are out and about this time of the year and they pack a mean bite. They will chase you down. They usually aim for the head and neck, so pack on the bug spray folks.
Day 2
Had a bit of a late start getting out on the lake due to rain, but that didn’t stop us as we were just happy to be on vacation. With most of the day spent getting the lay of the land, orientating ourselves and navigating the lake! we stopped for lunch at the Big Sandy Lake Resort and sat outside with the dogs on the 3 tiered deck. The afternoon weather was perfect and the kids were able to spend some time jumping on the water trampoline whilst we enjoyed a couple of cocktails. A real relaxing spot to catch your breath and unwind!
Day 3
Excited, we all headed out early, it was about a 40min drive to the Swift water Adventures meeting point in Carlton for our Whitewater Rafting Adventure. The lower St. Louis river trip was Approx. 2-2 1/2 hours which included a number of rapids, swimming in the river, great scenery and a ton of paddling, notably at the end of the trip when we needed to paddle directly into the wind and across what seemed like a never-ending ocean to get home. Although we were all really exhausted, it was a great time and a good way to get out side during the pandemic (although we discovered that paddling together was not our strong point).
After the morning on the river we couldn’t wait for lunch, we stumbled on a restaurant in Cloquet, Gordy’s Hi-Hat which was featured on the show diners drive-ins and dives. It was the perfect spot for the hungry crew. The kids of course spotted Gordys Warming House next door that has the Best ice-cream selection around.
As we left Cloquet we noticed an unusual gas station that was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright the R. W. Lindholm Service Station is a Historical landmark. I believe it’s the only gas station designed by the famous Architect. Definitely worth a look if passing through this town.
Day 4
The boys wanted bait for fishing so we stopped in at Willeys sports shop and spirits on route 65 to stock up before heading out on Big Sandy Lake for a day of lazing about, swimming at the sandbar and just hanging out - the kids and dogs had a blast.
Day 5
We packed a cooler and headed out to gull lake for tubing and water-skiing - a fun day enjoying the sunshine and being outside. Lunch was at Tanque Verde Cantina
Day 6
Woke up on the 4th of July early eager to explore the North Shore, our first stop was for a coffee at Caribou Coffee, and then onto the Two Harbors Lighthouse to stretch our legs and soak in the beauty of Lake Superior.
We then stopped at the Scenic Overlook to view Split Rock Lighthouse, if not paying attention you can definitely miss the sign signaling this amazing photo opportunity, there is even s selfie stand to position your phone on to get the shot.
A little further north on 61 you cross over Cross River Falls, it’s right on the road and parking is on either side of the river and you can walk back to view the water fall.
we arrived in Grand Marais around lunchtime and decided on the Harbor House Grille across the road from the harbor with a panoramic view, so beautiful and so relaxing.
After lunch we decided to head up Highway 12, also known as the Gunflint Trail, or County Road 12, a 57-mile paved roadway and National Scenic Byway in Cook County, Minnesota, that begins in Grand Marais and ends at Saganaga Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, near the U.S. border with Ontario. We didn’t go that far but did get to experience the shear beauty of being off the grid. Stopped at the Moose Viewing Trailhead, a nice little trail to a viewing platform. We Didn't see any moose, but that's how it goes and there is always a next time.
After a day of cruising the North Shore we head back the Big Sandy - Matt had found a restaurant for dinner , which he was told by the locals was the best place to watch the 4th of July fireworks over the lake. The Hillcrest resort restaurant right on the lake did not disappoint and was quite possibly the best 4th of July fireworks display I’ve ever seen. The tranquility of the boats on the water the sunset and then the show all blended together to form a perfect evening and end to fun filled week.
Day 7
Our last day was low key, the only activity on the agenda was to check out the Big Sandy Fire Tower, an historical landmark Constructed in 1933 by the Minnesota Division of Forestry, The tower is 94-feet tall and has a 7×7-foot viewing deck at the top. It is located in the Savanna State Forest, between Big Sandy Lake and Lake Minnewawa. This little known but very rewarding fire tower hike and climb was well worth it, just for the views of the lakes and forests that spread out in all directions. Park across the street at the town hall and walk over to the stairs that are across from the DNR buildings. We did struggle to find the steps that lead to the Trail, so keep your eyes peeled.
Day 8
we left Minnesota with a new found appreciation for the unspoiled beauty of the area, it truly is a land of “10,000 lakes” and we all can’t wait to return! Perhaps in the winter to view the northern lights and whatever else the North Shore has to offer.