In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we’re bound to have an abundance of fishing in Minnesota. We’ve got more picturesque villages and cute small towns in Minnesota than you can shake a stick at – and more than a few of them were built around a fishing heritage. And with all the quiet towns in Minnesota that dot the shores of Lake Superior, it’s no wonder that some are still as quaint now as they used to be. Grand Marais stands out as a town that has preserved its fishing past after all these years. It’s one of the most lovely and quiet places in Minnesota.

A lot of people may not know that Grand Marais was once part of a lucrative commercial fishing industry on Lake Superior. While commercial fishing has faded in the region, it has still left its stamp on the area.
Pete Markham/Flickr
Fish houses were built on dock-like platforms on the lake to allow skiffs to come close.
Cook County Historical Society/Facebook
The original fish houses are gone, but today a replica fish house sits near where a few others were originally located. The replica is based on a 1930s structure and includes typical fishing tools of the time. Two locally built boats are also on the premises.
Grand Marais MN/Facebook
But there are plenty of authentic old buildings in Grand Marais, like this ramshackle structure right by the lake.
Anthony Auston/Flickr
There is also the Cook County Historical Society Museum. This place is housed in the lighthouse keeper's former residence. The house was built in 1896.
Anthony Auston/Flickr

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Grand Marais also houses the sprawling Lake Superior Trading Post. You'll find whatever you need - and some that you didn't - when you step in.
David Adolphson/Google
And of course, plenty of non-commercial fishing happens in Grand Marais. The colorful Beaver House - complete with giant fiberglass fish - has been a Grand Marais institution for almost 50 years. It sells bait, rods, and plenty more - including the signature Beaver Flick lure.
Mr. Outdoor Guy/Flickr
It wouldn't be a trip to a fishing town without eating some fish, right? Right on the harbor in Grand Marais is the Dockside Fish Market. It opened in 1998, but it carries on the century-old tradition of fresh-caught Lake Superior fish. Pick up fresh bluefin herring, lake trout, whitefish, or Canadian walleye. Smoked fish is also available, along with fish and chips baskets.
Patty Carlson/Flickr
Since its commercial fishing days, Grand Marais has become an art hub. Places like the North House Folk School offer classes in traditional crafts such as basketry, boatbuilding, blacksmithing, and more.
Steven Mosborg/Google
Of course, when it's time to take a rest from exploring the history of this fishing village, there are plenty of places to relax.
Scott Schumacher/Flickr
You can even try your hand at doing some fishing of your own.
djvass/Flickr

Check out some spectacular views of this gorgeous little town:

Have you ever fished in Grand Marais? Or maybe you have a favorite fishing town of your own? Let us know in the comments. After your stay in Grand Marais, be sure to check out some of the other charming small towns in Minnesota.

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More to Explore

The Best Small Towns In Minnesota

Will Suphan | January 11, 2024

What are the most charming small towns in Minnesota?

The most charming small towns in Minnesota include:

  • Askov. Not only is it the Rutabaga Capital of the World, but the street signs have names listed in Danish and English.
  • Cosmos. With a cool-looking space water tower and an annual Cosmos Space Festival, this is quite a lovely place to visit.
  • Blue Earth. This place is best known for its 55-foot-tall Jolly Green Giant statue.
  • Pine City. There’s a ton of natural beauty to explore as well as some excellent restaurants in its downtown area.

Learn more about the most charming small towns in Minnesota. 

What are the most peaceful small towns in Minnesota?

The most peaceful small towns in Minnesota include:

  • Holdingford. The state’s largest covered bridge can be found here. It is affectionately called “The Gateway to Lake Wobegon.”
  • Wabasha. A quiet town on the banks of the Mississippi River that is perfect for a quiet riverside stroll.
  • Harmony. An aptly-named town that has Amish culture everywhere as it is Minnesota’s largest Amish community.
  • Two Harbors. With a lovely lighthouse and tons of natural beauty, this is a great place to come and relax.

Discover more of the most peaceful small towns in Minnesota. 

What are the most historical small towns in Minnesota?

The most historical small towns in Minnesota include:

  • Pipestone. With deep Native American history, this area is still in use for harvesting the stone for peace pipes.
  • Hastings. Railroad history abounds here as it was where the Hastings & Dakota Railway and the Stillwater & Hastings Railway were started.
  • Winona. Ancient Native American villages can be found here and musicians will recognize the Hal Leonard Corporation as it makes the most sheet music in the world.
  • New Ulm. Filled with German culture, this was the site of two battles in the Dakota War of 1862. 

Find out more about the most historical small towns in Minnesota. 

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Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA