grand marais mn
Great-Lakes-Sailing.com
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Grand Marais, MN Lat: 47° 44.689 Long: 090° 20.337 |
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DESCRIPTION Grand Marais MN is a community situated on the northwest coastline of Lake Superior, between Thunder Bay, ON and Duluth MN/Superior WI. This area has long been the traditional home of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) people. When French explorers pushed deeper into the heart of the country, they knew of this Indian village. As the fur trade grew and expanded, the village became an important fur trading depot. Each year, for two weeks the air resounded to the boisterous celebrations of the fur traders and merchants from the east as they met, bargained and exchanged furs for trade goods. By the mid-19th century, as the fur trade declined, new waves of settlers from the Scandinavian countries arrived. Fur trading was replaced by mineral prospecting, lumbering and fishing. Today, Grand Marais Minnesota has a vibrant tourism sector. It is a gateway to the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For years, a thriving artists community has flourished here as well. |
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APPROACHES This coastline of Superior is prone to fog and that, coupled with local magnetic anomolies demands caution as you approach Grand Marais MN. Maintain a distance off of 1-2 nm. There are two local obstructions to be aware of, both charted. Rock Island lies 3 nm SW, about .5 nm offshore. Five Mile Rock lies 4.25 nm NE, about .66 nm offshore. Give both of these wide berth. The harbor is formed by two breakwaters. The eastern breakwater is marked with a Fl WHITE light and horn, visible 8 nm offshore. The western breakwater is marked with a Fl GREEN light, visible about 6.6 nm offshore. The east breakwater shoals off to the SE about .2 nm. Keep well off as you make your way to the entrance. The harbor can be subject to strong currents in strong winds from the SW. Once inside the harbor, the marina lies on the north side, anchorage ground on the west side and the Forestry Dock on the east side, with a mooring ground in front of it. NOTE: The USCG station in Grand Marais MN responds to North Superior on VHF to avoid confusion with the station at Grand Marais, Michigan. |
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MARINAS, YACHT CLUBS, MOORINGS, ANCHORAGES Grand Marais MN is a small, popular harbor that can get quite busy during the summer. Grand Marais Marina (218) 337-1712 VHF 16 Grand Marais Marina has 19 slips and 9 mooring balls. They may be able to accomodate several transient boats. There is a fuel dock (diesel and gasoline) and a pumpout station. There are water and power hookups at the slips. Forestry Dock The Forestry Dock is located on the east side of the harbor. Visiting boats can tie up here. The northern half of the dock has quite shallow water so exercise caution. There is space for about 3-4 boats. There are no services here. Mooring There are mooring balls immediately in front of the Forestry Dock. Swing room is very tight. Anchorage There is an anchor ground on the west side of the harbor. However, the holding ground is poor and the area is open to SW storms and surges. There is a private marina adjacent to the USCG station but it is closed to transient sailors. |
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REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE, PROVISIONING, BANKS/ATM's There are no full-service maintenance or repair facilities in Grand Marais MN. A & E Marine, located in the village, may be able to help with engine repairs Gene's IGA in Grand Marais MN is located close to the marina. I can handle re-provisioning requirements. Security State Bank of Aitkin is the closest bank to the marina. It has counter service and ATMs. |
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MEDICAL SERVICES North Shore Hospital (218) 387-3040 is located in Grand Marais MN, about .5 mi/1 km from the marina. Grand Marais Pharmacy (218) 387-2110 is about .25 mi/.5 km from the marina. |
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PLACES TO EAT The Angry Trout Cafe is a popular seafood restaurant located right at the harbor. Its local fish come from the Dockside Fish Market right next door so you know its fresh. The Crooked Spoon Cafe is a well-regarded restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine. Chez Jude Restaurant and Wine Cafe has an excellent reputation and a nice selection of quality wines. Any restaurant called The Pie Place just begs to be explored and you'll be glad you did in this case. Start your morning with their Voyageur Breakfast and you're pretty much set for the day. BUT ..... don't forget dessert! They have 93 varieties of pies including 16 types of chocolate pie! Need I say more? |
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THINGS TO DO/SEE/VISIT Grand Marais MN has a very well-established artist community. The 60 year old Art Colony sponsors classes and exhibitions. During the summer, every Saturday they offer a free Community Art Program. Performing arts fans will find an excellent program at both the Grand Marais Playhouse and the Arrowhead Center For The Performing Arts. The North Shore Music Association sponsors performances and events. The North Shore Folk School offers public classes in a variety of crafts. There are also several art galleries and gift shops that are worth exploring. The area around Grand Marais MN is a hiker's paradise. There are a number of trails to enjoy ranging from easy walking to challenging. The Grand Marais MN community website will give you some ideas on how you can enjoy your visit. Return from Grand Marais MN to Lake Superior Return to Home Page |
