Craving remote wilderness, rich Native history, and sweeping views of Lake Superior? Visit Grand Portage! Located near Minnesota’s northeast tip, Grand Portage offers unspoiled beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure on the edge of the U.S.–Canada border. It’s a haven for hikers, history buffs, and nature lovers alike.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Grand Portage is in the summer and early fall (June–September). Expect mild temperatures, accessible hiking trails, and spectacular views of fall foliage. Winter offers solitude and snowshoeing but limited access to some attractions.
How to Get There
- By Car: Grand Portage is located along MN-61, about 2 hours northeast of Duluth and 45 minutes from Grand Marais, near the Canadian border.
- By Plane: The nearest commercial airport is Duluth International Airport (DLH), with rental cars available for the scenic North Shore drive.
- By Ferry (seasonal): The Isle Royale Queen IV departs from Grand Portage Marina to Isle Royale National Park (May–October).
Where to Stay
- Grand Portage Lodge & Casino – Lakeside hotel with modern rooms, an on-site casino, dining, and easy access to nearby parks and trails.
- Camping at Grand Portage State Park – Primitive campsites near trails and waterfalls, with peaceful forest surroundings.
- Vacation Rentals or Cabins – Scenic lodges and lakeside cabins are available in the area, including near nearby Grand Marais.
Top Attractions
1.See the view from Mount Josephine
Hike to a breathtaking overlook, admire panoramic lake views, and explore scenic trails.
© Courtesy of AVTG - Fotolia.com
Mount Josephine is a majestic summit in the Sawtooth Mountains that overlooks Wauswaugoning Bay, Isle Royale, Grand Portage Bay of Lake Superior, the Susie Islands, and Pigeon Point. Located on the Grand Portage Reservation, the mountain offers visitors a moderately strenuous hike to its peak, with an elevation of approximately 1,342 feet. Visitors can access the main trail from the side of Highway 61. However, hikers who want a less vigorous or time-consuming trek can choose to ascend from the small parking area in the village of Grand Portage, taking the assigned trail up approximately 656 feet to an area where an old fire tower and several lookout points are situated.
170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN, Phone: 218-475-0123
2.Hike to Middle Falls in Grand Portage State Park
Walk along lush trails, admire cascading waterfalls, and explore a beautiful nature escape.
© Courtesy of sgtlorentzen - Fotolia.com
Grand Portage State Park is comprised of 278 beautiful acres of land in the northeastern part of Minnesota, at the very tip where the United States and Canadian borders meet. The park’s flora consists of mixed hardwood that includes mostly quaking aspen and paper birch, with occasional eastern white pine, white spruce, northern white cedar, balsam fir, and black ash. Visitors may see a few animal species roaming the grounds when visiting the park, including moose, white-tailed deer, red fox, black bear, beaver, and river otter. Visitors can enjoy a 3.5 mile hike to Middle Falls, explore the 120-foot cascading waterfall, or simply take in the breathtaking views over Isle Royale National Park and Lake Superior.
9393 East Highway 61, Grand Portage, MN, Phone: 218-475-2360
If you are traveling with kids:
3.The hike to the Grand Portage National Monument is well worth it
Discover historic trails, explore Native American heritage, and admire stunning landscapes.
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Visitors will find the Grand Portage National Monument situated along Lake Superior’s north shore in Grand Portage, Minnesota. The monument preserves vital Anishinaabeg Ojibwe heritage along with history regarding the area’s fur trade activity. The 8.5-mile footpath that bypasses rapids and waterfalls on the Pigeon River’s last 20 miles is the area’s historic Grand Portage. Visitors can enjoy a hike along a trail surrounded by hardwoods and evergreens as it switchbacks up Mount Rose; at the top they can take in breathtaking views over the historic depot, meadows, and shimmering Grand Portage Bay. Highlights include the Great Hall, Historic Gardens, the Canoe Warehouse, and Ojibwe Village.
170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN, Phone: 218-475-0123
4.Admire birch, aspen and spruce trees in Grand Portage State Forest
Walk through dense woodlands, explore peaceful hiking trails, and see diverse wildlife.
© Courtesy of Jacob - Fotolia.com
Grand Portage State Forest is a beautiful state forest situated near the Hovland and Grand Portage communities in Cook County, Minnesota. The forest is made up of 99,200 acres of picturesque landscape, perfect for several different forms of outdoor recreation. Much of the forest’s flora consists of paper birch, quaking aspen, white spruce, eastern white pine, black ash, and northern white cedar. The forest is loaded with a variety of animal species that include black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, red fox, red squirrel, and much, much more. Visitors can enjoy fun outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, camping, canoeing, and fishing.
116 W Highway 61, Grand Marais, MN, Phone: 218-475-2360
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5.Kayak on the Pigeon River
Paddle along scenic waters, explore rugged shorelines, and admire beautiful forested landscapes.
© Courtesy of Jacob - Fotolia.com
Pigeon River makes up part of the United States and Canada border between the province of Ontario and Minnesota’s Grand Portage territory. The river’s origin comes from a collection of lakes sprawled along the United States and Canada border. There are popular places along the river that include High Falls – a 120-foot high waterfall. Middle Falls, while not as impressive in size, is also still very beautiful. These falls are included within both the Grand Portage State Park in Minnesota, and the Pigeon River Provincial Park in Canada’s Thunder Bay District, Ontario. Visitors can enjoy fun river activities that include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting.
170 Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN, Phone: 218-475-0123
6.Go out on the water with Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines
Cruise across Lake Superior, admire stunning island views, and explore a remote national park.
© Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines
Grand Portage Isle Royale Transportation Lines is a water transportation service headquartered in Grand Portage, Minnesota. The gateway to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park, this transportation company is equipped with two boats, giving them the flexibility to offer several different travel options, as well as multiple drop-off and pick-up locations around the island. Day trip passengers will appreciate the short distance and fast trips to and from the island. During the trips visitors will see many points of interest that include the Spirit Little Cedar Tree – a white cedar over 400 years old, the 182-foot steamship America shallow water wreck, and the impressive Rock of Ages Lighthouse.
402 Upper Road, Grand Portage, MN, Phone: 218-600-0765
7.Have fun at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino
Play exciting games, explore local entertainment, and enjoy a fun weekend trip.
© Grand Portage Lodge and Casino
Visitors will find Grand Portage Lodge and Casino situated along State Highway 61 in Grand Portage, Minnesota. The casino features a 15,000-square-foot gaming area equipped with over 450 video, multi-game, and multi-line slot machines. Visitors can also try their luck at the casino’s adrenaline-pumping table games that include Blackjack and Progressive Three Card Poker. Players can grab a drink at the easy-going Antlers Lounge before heading to the Island View restaurant for a juicy steak cooked to perfection. Guests won’t want to miss the opportunity to get in a rigorous workout at the lodge’s state-of-the-art fitness facility, take a dip in the shimmering pool, or sweat out toxins in the rejuvenating sauna.
70 Casino Drive, Grand Portage, MN, Phone: 218-475-2401
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Mount Josephine Overlook – A short hike with panoramic views of Lake Superior, Isle Royale, and the Canadian border.
- Isle Royale National Park (via ferry) – Take a day trip or backcountry camping adventure to this remote, wildlife-rich island park.
- Grand Portage Marina – Scenic harbor with ferry service, fishing charters, and beautiful sunrise and sunset views.
Where to Eat
- Island View Dining Room – Casual restaurant at the lodge offering hearty Northwoods meals and lake views.
- Ryden’s Border Store Café (10 min north) – Known for comfort food and coffee, plus a unique roadside gift shop.
- Nearby Grand Marais (45 min) – For more dining variety, head south for options like The Crooked Spoon Café, World’s Best Donuts, and Angry Trout Café.
If you are interested in local events:
- Rendezvous Days & Powwow (August) – Celebrate Grand Portage’s fur trade past and vibrant Ojibwe culture with dancing, crafts, and reenactments.
- Heritage Center Talks & Tours (Summer) – Learn from local experts and tribal historians during scheduled programs at the monument.
- Isle Royale Opening Season (May) – First ferry crossings and hiking season kick off with excitement and spring blooms.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Grand Portage, Minnesota:
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park (25–30 min) – Famous for the mysterious Devil’s Kettle waterfall hike along the Brule River.
- Hollow Rock (10 min) – A rocky arch formation just offshore, perfect for photography and peaceful lakeside views.
- Pigeon River Border Crossing (5–10 min) – Cross into Canada (passport required) for scenic drives along Ontario Highway 61 and Thunder Bay area attractions.
- Grand Marais (45 min south) – Visit art galleries, grab ice cream, or stroll the scenic harbor in this artsy, laid-back town.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Question: Where is Grand Portage located?
Answer: Grand Portage is located on the northeastern tip of Minnesota along Lake Superior.
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Question: What natural features can visitors find in Grand Portage?
Answer: Visitors can explore winding rivers, picturesque shorelines, sprawling meadows, thick forests, and hilltops with sweeping 360-degree views.
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Question: Why is Grand Portage appealing to nature lovers?
Answer: Nature lovers will appreciate the flourishing flora and fauna, as well as the marvelous views of the area.
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Question: What is notable about the waterfalls in Grand Portage?
Answer: The waterfalls along Pigeon River include one that is an impressive 120 feet in height.
Plan Your Trip
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