This Minnesota Rock Formation Is The Coolest Thing You'll Ever See For Free
Betsy Rathburn
Author
Minnesota may not be known for any enormous mountain ranges, but as you make your way north, past the Duluth Depot to Lake Superior, things start to look up – literally. Thanks to the midcontinent rift and volcanic upheavals of basalt that occurred more than a billion years ago, the Land of 10,000 Lakes has its own little mountain region. What’s more, receding glaciers left behind many huge boulders and carved shallow valleys into the Earth. Along the North Shore, the area’s jagged cliffs offer some of the most breathtaking views in Minnesota. It is here that you’ll find what might just be the coolest thing you’ll ever see for free: Artist Point in Grand Marais.
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Another great way to explore all the fantastic rock formations along the North Shore is by train. After you leave Grand Marais and head back down the lake, hop aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth. You can catch the train at the Duluth Depot, where you can also explore the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, which is located right inside the depot.
Have you visited Artists Point? Do you have any other favorite rock formations in Minnesota? One of our favorites is Winona’s Sugar Loaf bluff.
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More to Explore
Vist Artist Point, Duluth Depot, And Other Interesting Places In MN
More To Do In Cook County MN
Apart from Artist Point, you'll find much to explore in Grand Marais and the rest of Cook County, Minnesota. Grand Marais is the beginning (or end, depending on your perspective) of the Gunflint Trail, which stretches from Lakes Superior, through the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, to the Canadian border. Hike to Magnetic Rock, or stay at the historic Naniboujou Lodge. In the winter, Cook County is home to some of the snowiest towns in Minnesota, like Lutsen, and it's an awesome place to visit for some winter adventuring.
Even outside of Cook County, you can find all sorts of things to do in Minnesota. Whether you love the outdoors or prefer a climate-controlled setting, you will not get bored in the North Star State. Here are a handful of ideas:
- Spend the night in a box car.
- Grab a drink in an igloo on a frozen lake.
- Go stargazing and watch for the northern lights.
- Sleep in a lighthouse overlooking Lake Superior.
- Explore the biggest bog in the Lower 48.
Other Interesting Places In Minnesota
There are plenty of interesting places in Minnesota. The best way to find them is to get out and see them. Here are a few road trips that will take you through some of the best places that the Land of 10,000 Lakes has to offer.