110 mi · 2-hour scenic drive from the hostel
Grand Marais
The artsy harbor town at the top of the shore.
Grand Marais is the jewel at the top of Minnesota’s North Shore — a small harbor village with a big reputation for art, food and access to the wild. It’s a two-hour scenic drive from Duluth, and the drive itself, hugging Lake Superior the whole way, is half the reason to go.
The town
The harbor is the heart of it, with Artist’s Point — a rocky, wave-washed peninsula you can walk out onto — framing the little bay. Downtown is packed with galleries, shops and cafés, anchored by the North House Folk School and the famous World’s Best Donuts. It’s the kind of place people plan a whole trip around.
Gateway to the wild
Grand Marais is also the jumping-off point for the Gunflint Trail, which climbs inland toward the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — a paddler’s paradise of interconnected lakes. Even if you’re not headed into the backcountry, the town makes a spectacular turnaround point for a North Shore road trip.
From the front desk
- The drive up Highway 61 is a destination in itself — allow extra time.
- Walk out onto Artist’s Point for the harbor’s best views.
- It’s a long day trip; some travelers make it an overnight.
Good to know
Grand Marais — FAQs
How far is Grand Marais from Duluth?
About 110 miles — roughly a two-hour scenic drive up Highway 61 along the Lake Superior shoreline from Hostel du Nord.
What is Grand Marais known for?
Grand Marais is known as an artsy harbor town — home to Artist’s Point, the North House Folk School and World’s Best Donuts — and as the gateway to the Gunflint Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Is Grand Marais a good day trip from Duluth?
It makes a long but rewarding day trip, with the scenic North Shore drive as part of the experience. Some travelers prefer to make it an overnight to enjoy the town and the Gunflint Trail without rushing.
Keep exploring
Nearby & related
Book Direct & Save
Sleep 10 minutes from the trailhead.
Downtown Duluth — where the Lakewalk, the breweries and Highway 61 all begin.
7+ nights or groups of 8+ save 15% booking direct