The Poplar River Condos at Lutsen photo shoot was amazing for multiple reasons. First, I spent time in an incredibly beautiful location with one of my favorite people. Sitting on the private deck in the crisp air with Lutsen Mountain behind us and Lake Superior in front of us was a top ten moment.
Second and more, the sub-zero temps allowed Mother Nature to put on a show for us. We got bluebird skies, sea smoke, crashing waves, and one of the best sunsets that I’ve ever seen. The sunset was so bright and colorful. It seemed to last forever in the North Shore’s never-ending sky.
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Lodging on the North Shore in Lutsen, Minnesota
Poplar River Condos at Lutsen are something special. You know how sometimes it’s hard to put an experience into words; it’s a feeling, a vibe. That is Poplar River Condos.
Location, location, location. Poplar is located at the base of Lutsen Mountain. Just 20 miles southwest of Grand Marais and 8 miles northeast of Bluefin Bay Resort (your stay includes access to Bluefin’s activity program). In the winter, the moment you turn into the property, you can see Lake Superior in her grandeur. Once you arrive at your condo, each unit has a unique and beautiful nature and Lake Superior view.
My favorite feature of the condos is the windows and the abundant natural light. It feels like you are connected to nature even while staying cozy by the fireplace. And what a sight to wake up to!
You can choose from one-bedroom to three-bedroom options when combining the units, offering something for everyone. Each unit has a private deck, kitchen or kitchenette, fireplace, and access to trails and Lake Superior.
🐾🐾 Some of the Poplar River Condos are pet-friendly!
It’s been a long time since I spent time on the shore in the winter. To my surprise, I can’t recommend it enough! It was such a cozy and relaxing stay. Plus work-wise, the internet worked great. Treat yourself to a change of scenery and enjoy.
Thank you for having me, Poplar River Condos! I can’t wait to visit again. ❤️
For more adventures on the North Shore, see below for the best stops when driving from the Twin Cities, things to do on the Gunflint Trail, and hear an interview with Bluefin Bay’s marketing manager, Katie.
It has been far too long since we visited the North Shore in our home state of Minnesota. As with most of the country, it’s been sweltering in Minneapolis, so we couldn’t wait to feel the cool air by beautiful Lady Lake Superior. And, the best part, I got to visit my long-time friend, Sara, with Urban Wild Media. We hit the popular spots on our way to Grand Marais and found some hidden gems too.
We’ve never been to the New Scenic Cafe or the world-famous Betty’s Pies, so those were both high on our list! We enjoyed the burrata with roasted tomatoes as an appetizer from the New Scenic Cafe. The cafe is so cozy and they also have tons of outdoor seating, which is really nice when traveling with our dog, Allen. He loved all the space to walk around and stretch his legs.
Then it was off to Betty’s for some burgers. We didn’t get any pie. I know, I know, we’re crazy, but we will try it next time. The burgers were fantastic and they offer gluten-free buns. Thank you, Betty! We laughed so hard when we saw the staff wearing t-shirts that said “I’m not Betty” – I’m sure they get asked that question ALL THE TIME.
Things to Do and See on the North Shore Minnesota
We tried stopping at Gooseberry Falls along the North Shore, but it felt too busy and chaotic with the dog. So, we headed to Iona’s Beach to see the pink/red rocks (watch for Iona’s Beach at mile marker 42). Then, Sara recommended that we drive up to see the Palisade Head overlook. We are so glad that she did! It is technically in Tettegouche State Park but has its own turn-off and signage, so keep a lookout for that – it can sneak up on you. This is a definite must-do. The steep hill going up to the overlook is fun and exciting; you can either walk or drive -it’s only about 1/2 mile. The views are spectacular.
We were so excited to arrive in Grand Marais, our final destination for a few days. This was the first time visiting for both of us. In fact, before this trip, the furthest we had driven up the North Shore was Lutsen. We fell in love with Grand Marais. Again, I know, I know – who doesn’t, right? We stayed at the Best Western Plus – Superior Inn. This location is excellent, everything we needed was within walking distance, and the lake views are unbeatable. Allen loved our little patio.
View of Artist’s Point
The first night we had trouble finding food-to-go. Across the country, the restaurants are short-staffed, so if they are slammed, don’t expect to-go food. A reminder to think ahead and be respectful, hospitality teams are working so hard and doing their best.
These are always the fun moments that I remember because we end up doing something different. The Cook County Co-op is right next to the Best Western. We went there for some snacks (local insider tip from Sara – they have the best cookies!), and then we remembered that the hotel offers a nightly happy hour with pizza, salads, and more. They even have gluten-free crusts. This pizza was delicious!!
Grand Marais Things To Do
The next day, we explored the town, and Sara took me to some of her favorite spots. Did you know that this lighthouse was constructed and first lit in 1922? There is so much history here and a lot to learn about Minnesota’s roots. I loved the views of the Sawtooth Mountains from the lighthouse. Well, I should say ALL the views. The town, Lake Superior, each direction offers a beautiful view. The town is filled with charming local shops and art galleries. Plus, so many unique historic buildings and fun murals.
Of course, I had to stop at World’s Best Donuts. They have yummy gluten-free muffins and one of the best gluten-free trail cookies I’ve ever tasted. Plus, they make cute tail waggin’ dog treats! I was over the top excited when I saw that Java Moose had huckleberry lemonade. If you read my Glacier National Park blog post, you know how I feel about huckleberries. 😉
A few other favorite restaurants – Gunflint Tavern (awesome ribs and mouthwatering mashed potatoes) and Sydney’s for frozen custard (Thank you, Sara!). Next time, I want to try the wood-fired pizza at Sydney’s – it looked amazing.
Before we left the next morning, I had to get one more cup of Alakef Coffee (locally roasted in Duluth) from Java Moose and take in this beautiful sunrise over Lake Superior. I miss her and Sara already!
It’s time for Explore Local Together Episode 7! We are taking you to Minnesota’s iconic North Shore and Bluefin Bay. If you’re visiting from the podcast, thank you for listening. If not, please join us! At Explore Local Together, we share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. You will see links throughout the blog post to click and listen to the podcast while you read.
Find your favorite stops along the North Shore from Duluth to Bluefin Bay and click the links to hear an informative interview with Bluefin Bay’s marketing manager, Katie. She shares lodging options, Memorial Day weekend activities, and more!
We highly recommend leaving early and taking your time driving along the North Shore. There are so many interesting places to stop and beautiful things to see. My favorite is when you hit Duluth and see the big lake for the first time! Your eyes have to adjust when you see just how far Lake Superior spans. At nearly 32,000 square miles, it is the world’s largest freshwater lake. The North Shore Scenic Drive runs 154 miles between Duluth and Canada, following Lake Superior, and is designated as an All-American Road.
While driving the North Shore, you will see water that melts into the horizon, forests, wild flowers, pebbled beaches where you can search for beach glass, agates, and fossils, you’ll find lighthouses, high rocky cliffs, and 8 state parks! Make sure to watch for wildlife.
The Aerial Lift Bridge and Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota. Hang out, stretch your legs, and watch the ships come through.
Brighton Beach Park has been there since 1922 and is a great spot to rock hunt or have a picnic. The park is also the start of Duluth’s Lakewalk. An 8 mile paved trail that will take you to Bayfront Park, mostly along the shore.
New Scenic Cafe is a cozy cafe with delicious high-end food and tons of outdoor seating.
Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen offers a ton of yummy candy! They are 3rd and 4th generation candy makers using 100 year old family recipes. There is a short fun bear trail, outdoor art, and picnic tables.
Russ Kendall’s Smoke House – we LOVE their specialty sugar-cured salmon!
Castle Danger Brewing offers delicious craft beer. Grab a growler to enjoy with your smoked salmon. We love hanging out here, plenty of space, dog-friendly, and outdoor games. Favorites Beers include George Hunter Stout and the Lager Royale!
After stopping at Castle Danger Brewing, take a walk at Agate Bay Trail.
Ready for coffee? Stop at Cedar Coffee Company. Not too far off 61 and tucked in the woods; it’s a fantastic escape. Their coffee, teas, and food are fantastic! Plus a dog-friendly patio.
Betty’s Pies OR Rustic Inn Cafe – Betty’s is famous but we really love the pies at Rustic Inn! Betty’s is a place that you have to experience but make sure to try the pie at Rustic too.
Rustic Inn Cafe Pie
Find the famous Black Beach in Silver Bay. Make sure to read and learn how it was actually formed!
Schroeder’s Baking Company has a lot of space to relax and enjoy a root beer floats. Don’t eat too much because you’re almost to Bluefin Bay!
You’ve arrived at Bluefin Bay! Bluefin Bay restaurants offer amazing views steps from the lake. Their 3 unique dining experiences include Bluefin Grille, Coho Cafe and Bakery, and Waves Cafe.
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a popular stop to see waterfalls. It is home to five spectacular waterfalls, along with scenic, accessible hiking trails. Explore the park’s rugged shoreline and the visitor center, including a theater, interpretive displays, a trail center, a nature store, modern bathrooms, and vending machines. This stop will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to hit the road again.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park feels like you stepped into a piece of art. The historic Split Rock Lighthouse has stood as a beacon of safety for ships and travelers along the shoreline since 1910. Tour the lighthouse, enjoy hiking trails, campsites and picnic areas, fishing docks, and pebble beaches.
Tettegouche State Park is filled with soaring views of Lake Superior including Palisade Head. Experience sea caves, a sea stack, trails, beaches, rivers, and waterfalls. You can walk just a few city blocks from the visitor center to a gravel beach where the Baptism River meets Lake Superior. Whether you love fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, or just enjoying nature, this is an unforgettable experience.
George Crosby Manitou StatePark is serene, with over 1,000 acres offering more beautiful views of Lake Superior and old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy the Cascades of the Manitou River after a gorgeous hike through a rugged landscape. Plus, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more.
Temperance River State Park is nestled among rolling hills, lush forests, and a winding river. Enjoy scenic overlooks along the river. Even if you only have an hour, you can hike riverside trails along the impressive Temperance River Gorge and see waterfalls. The park is home to various wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and deer.
Cascade River State Park is situated along the Sawtooth Mountains and is known for its breathtaking views of Lake Superior, the Cascade River gorge, and the surrounding forests. Discover the Cascades, a series of five small waterfalls, and the Cascade Falls on a half-mile hike on the Cascade River Lower Loop. Enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and photography.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is well known for its solitude and the famous Devil’s Kettle waterfall! The most popular hike follows the Brule River upstream to Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Do you know the mystery around Devil’s Kettle? There are also several trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The park also offers trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and access to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Grand Portage State Park is located on the Canada-United States border. It is also home to Minnesota’s highest waterfall! The High Falls Trail is an easy, one-mile round-trip hike to see the waterfall. The park features wild and beautiful landscapes, including the High Falls of the Pigeon River, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife habitats.
Happy travels to the North Shore and please let us know if you have questions.
Adopt a Rescue Dog – Ruff Start Rescue
We are partnering with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol.
Phyllis is a sassy senior! She is looking for that special someone who understands aging isn’t always easy, she may not feel the cutest and therefore needs plenty of alone time, lots of naps, and tons of good food and treats. I feel ya, Phyllis! 😉
Phyllis prefers short walks and easy access to her food and potty. She prefers to sleep near you so she knows you’re sticking around and likes to be tucked in. Phyllis does snore (as any self respecting bulldog does) so earplugs may be necessary if she sleeps right next to you. She likes to talk and will tell you when she wants attention, when she is hungry, when she has to potty and most importantly when she needs to be tucked in. Squeaky toys are her favorite!
She is part of their “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.
If you think you are that special someone for Phyllis – visit her profile HERE and fill out an application.
Pier B Resort Hotel is a top resort in Duluth, Minnesota. The location, amenities, and service are unbeatable. Recently, we stayed for one night on our way up from Minneapolis to explore the north shore. Pier B is situated on the edge of Lake Superior on 7.4 acres! This is what we liked the most, there is plenty of space to play and hang out without feeling like you’re right on top of the other guests. And, the fact that Pier B is dog-friendly.
Allen loved all the different areas to explore, walk, and meet other dog friends.
Best Location in Duluth for Ship Watching
The views from the rooms are amazing. I took the below photo of the kayakers from our room! Pier B is the best location (even from your room) for watching the ships come into the harbor and under the iconic historic aerial lift bridge. The Lakeside Patio gives you front row seats to listen to the ship horns and the aerial bridge. Plus you can watch the kayakers, sail boats, fishing boats, birds, and more.
We enjoyed drinks on the patio while listening to live music. Then, we ordered dinner from Silos, the onsite restaurant, to take to our room. The Mushroom Swiss Burger with grilled mushrooms, caramelized onions, garlic and chive sour cream, and Swiss and Gruyere cheese is delicious. Terry had the Parmesan Herb Walleye, a pan-fried, parmesan panko crusted walleye, served with lemon caper aioli, wild rice pilaf, and seasonal vegetables, that he said was one of the best he’s ever had.
They offer a great new system for ordering breakfast (due to COVID) that the front desk thoroughly explains at check-in. It’s super easy, just checking off on a paper menu what you want to eat the next morning. Then, you pick it up at your designated time. We really liked this option. Our food was hot and tasty.
Best spot for sunrise photos of Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
Another favorite amenity at Pier B Resort Hotel is all of the patios and decks, each offering an incredible view and all are easily accessible. They are great locations to eat breakfast and take in the sunrise. An up-close and intimate view.
Because we were only there one night, we didn’t have time to check out all the amenities. There are so many fun things to do including the outdoor sport court, lawn games, electric scooters, biking, paddle boards, and boat rentals. Plus, the surrounding area offers endless recreation. There is shopping, breweries, Canal Park, museums, or driving up the north shore for scenic views and hiking like we did.
I can’t believe that I grew up in Minnesota and never experienced the Gunflint Trail! Anyone else? We spent most of our time in the Crosslake/Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota because that is where my grandparents lived. So, this was an exciting adventure after reading and hearing stories about the Gunflint Trail over the years. We had a blast exploring and can’t wait to go back.
The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway is one of three nationally designated highways that wind through the Superior National Forest. The drive is filled with views of lush trees, wildflowers (fireweed is my favorite), and breathtaking overlooks. The trail is about 57 miles long, starting in Grand Marais, and runs along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Pincushion Mountain Overlook – Views of Grand Marais
Our first stop was the legendary Trail Center Lodge (Home of Camp Chow). I had the BEST gluten-free salmon burger slathered in the perfect amount of tartar sauce. Thank you, ladies! As well as being a great spot for lunch, you will find groceries, gifts, gas, and firewood. The Trail Center’s history goes back to the 1930s. You can read about it here http://www.trailcenterlodge.com/history.html.
Traditions carry on in this small beautiful community on Poplar Lake.
After lunch, we hiked Honeymoon Bluff. This is a short hike (1 mile) but with a lot of stairs. The stairs are worth the views of Hungry Jack Lake. That small speck in the photo below is a pontoon boat – doesn’t that look amazing?
Lodging and Restaurants
Then, it was time to check into Poplar Haus! We stayed in the Northern Gnome Cabin. This dog-friendly historic log cabin, built in 1927, has two bedrooms, one bathroom, and is adorable. In addition, you have your own personal dock, fire pit, and picnic table. There is a full-service onsite restaurant, liquor store, and free use of kayaks and canoes. Plus, fishing and pontoon rentals. All of this, coupled with the Poplar Haus being located just outside the Boundary Waters Wilderness, means enjoying a little piece of heaven.
We took full advantage of the peace and quiet and panoramic views at the lake.
How cute are all the gnome decorations? Every day, I found a new one.
There’s a perfect spot to hang your hammock right by the water.
On the whole, this is a great spot to lodge if you want to be close to some modern conveniences or it’s your first time experiencing the Gunflint Trail. For example, if you’re in urgent need of ice cream. 😉 The Trail Center Lodge is only one mile down the road. After eating the Poplar Haus burger (which was excellent), we went back to the Trail Center for one of their malts. They have a ton of flavors and are HUGE. I suggest the rhubarb.
Allen loved hanging out by the lake and watching all the little animals, bugs, and butterflies. Thank you for being dog-friendly, Poplar Haus.
Last, there is so much more to do with endless trails, lakes, and nature to enjoy.
This is a tiny peek and I look forward to many more Gunflint Trail adventures. Visit the Cook County website for more information – https://www.visitcookcounty.com/.
