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.

Artist Point is one of Grand Marais, Minnesota’s best known landmarks. It’s only a few blocks away from downtown Grand Marais, right on the shores of Lake Superior.

Tony Webster/Flickr

The area gets its name from its picturesque beauty. Painters, photographers, and other artists often make the point the subject of their work.

Roy Luck/Flickr

There is much to explore on Artist Point. A rustic boardwalk leads through part of the point. The trees and other foliage are very beautiful here.

Tony Webster/Flickr

But of course, Artist Point is most known for its jagged rock formations.

Roy Luck/Flickr

With the choppy waters of Lake Superior serving as a backdrop to the rocks, Artist Point is absolutely beautiful.

DGR33/TripAdvisor

Try going during different seasons and times of day for a uniquely magical experience every time. In the morning, fog over the lake is truly stunning.

laleemc/TripAdvisor

Also do yourself a favor and walk the concrete causeway to the lighthouse. It dates back to 1922!

laleemc/TripAdvisor

You could truly spend hours exploring this little treasure on Minnesota’s North Shore.

Kiki/TripAdvisor

From the rugged rocks themselves to the plant life to the endless waters of Lake Superior, Artist Point is unforgettable.

WisconsinKaasKop/Flickr

Best of all, this attraction is 100 percent free to visit! All it takes is a tank of gas to get up to Grand Marais. When you have the time, make sure you pay a visit to this spot.

WisconsinKaasKop/Flickr

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.

Tony Webster/Flickr

Roy Luck/Flickr

DGR33/TripAdvisor

laleemc/TripAdvisor

Kiki/TripAdvisor

WisconsinKaasKop/Flickr

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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Address: Artist Point, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Vist Artist Point, Duluth Depot, And Other Interesting Places In MN January 06, 2023 Trent Jonas 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. Things To Do In Minnesota 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.

Minnesota Highway 1 North Shore Scenic Byway Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway St. Croix Scenic Byway

The OIYS Visitor Center

Vist Artist Point, Duluth Depot, And Other Interesting Places In MN

January 06, 2023

Trent Jonas

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. Things To Do In Minnesota 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.

Minnesota Highway 1 North Shore Scenic Byway Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway St. Croix Scenic Byway

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

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.

Things To Do In Minnesota

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.

  • Minnesota Highway 1
  • North Shore Scenic Byway
  • Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway
  • St. Croix Scenic Byway