With hundreds of miles of trail systems, thousands of lakes and rivers, millions of acres of public land, and four distinct seasons, Minnesota’s Arrowhead is your destination for adventure. Paddle a quiet waterway, relax on the beach in a harbor town, bike the Iron Range, hike to a waterfall, explore ATV and snowmobile trails, and camp under the stars. But we’re more than just the outdoors! You’ll find distinct communities with rich histories, locally made goods, fabulous dining options, and plenty of events and entertainment. All at a pace that encourages you to slow down and stay awhile.
MINNESOTA ARROWHEAD
Vacation Guide
Discover the Magic of:
COOK COUNTY
CRANE LAKE
THE ELY AREA
GRAND RAPIDS
THE IRON RANGE
LAKE COUNTY
RAINY LAKE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MINNESOTA ARROWHEAD COMMITTEE
MINNESOTA’S ARROWHEAD: An Unforgettable Journey Through the Northland
With hundreds of miles of trail systems, thousands of lakes and rivers, millions of acres of public land, and four distinct seasons, Minnesota’s Arrowhead is your destination for adventure. Paddle a quiet waterway, relax on the beach in a harbor town, bike the Iron Range, hike to a waterfall, explore ATV and snowmobile trails, and camp under the stars. But we’re more than just the outdoors!
International Falls
Ranier
VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
RAINY LAKE
CANADA
KOOCHICHING STATE FOREST
THUNDER BAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - 55 MILES
CRANE LAKE
KABETOGAMA STATE FOREST
Gunflint Trail
BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS
Grand Portage
ELY
COOK COUNTY
Grand Marais
Virginia
Embarrass
Biwabik
GEORGE WASHINGTON STATE FOREST
SNF
Lutsen
Isabella
SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST
Tofte
Chisholm
Hoyt Lakes
Schroeder
IRON RANGE
Mt. Iron
Aurora
Buhl
Gilbert
Finland
LAKE COUNTY
Hibbing
Eveleth
LAKE SUPERIOR
Silver Bay
Beaver Bay
GRAND RAPIDS
Two Harbors
Meadowlands
DULUTH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
CLICK A DESTINATION ON THE MAP OR SCROLL THROUGH THIS GUIDE TO LEARN MORE!
= STATE PARK
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - 160 MILES
WINTER IN THE ARROWHEAD ►
OUR DARK NIGHT SKIES ►
UNIQUE EVENTS ►
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MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
Photos: International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
You’ll find distinct communities with rich histories, locally made goods, fabulous dining options, and plenty of events and entertainment. All at a pace that encourages you to slow down and stay awhile. The Arrowhead is a true all-season destination. Summer is ideal for camping, paddling, and trail exploration. Autumn brings vibrant colors and cozy campfires. In winter, snow- covered trails and ice-covered lakes host skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Spring is a time for wildlife, rushing waterfalls, and a return to open water fishing. Every corner offers something different—wilderness solitude, high-paced adventure, small-town charm, or a glimpse into Northern Minnesota’s past. Take the time to explore more than one place, and you’ll experience just how much the region has to offer. From a lakeside cabin to a scenic overlook, from a national park trail to a small-town festival—each stop adds something special. However you travel, the Arrowhead Region offers space to explore and reasons to come back in every season.
Photo: Discover the Range
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Photo: Visit Grand Rapids
Photo: Visit Cook County
“Everything else just kind of melts away. I’m there. I’m with the stars. And that’s all there is.” - TRAVIS NOVITSKY IN ‘NORTHERN NIGHTS, STARRY SKIES ►
’ Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region offers some of the darkest skies in the U.S., making it an incredible destination for stargazing. With most areas located far from city lights, remote forests and wide-open lakes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting constellations, meteor showers, and the glow of the Milky Way. With minimal light pollution washing out the night sky, you’ll get a rare, breathtaking view of the cosmos from anywhere within the Superior and Chippewa National Forests. The region is also one of the best places in the world to witness the aurora borealis. Thanks to its northern latitude and exceptionally dark skies, there are regular chances to see the northern lights dance across the horizon. The BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park are designated International Dark Sky Sanctuaries—recognizing their unmatched quality of natural darkness and community efforts to preserve them.
Photo: Travis Novitsky
MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
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Photo: Rainy Lake Houseboats
Photo: Visit Ely, MN
Photo: @CorvidImages
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VISIT COOK COUNTY: Where Adventure Lives and the Wild Roams
At the tip of Minnesota’s North Shore lies Cook County, a place where rugged beauty and small-town charm come together in unforgettable ways. From the harbor town of Grand Marais to the Sawtooth Mountain peaks
of Lutsen, to the captivating community of Grand Portage, and the pine-lined serenity of the Gunflint Trail, Cook County is a destination that invites you to slow down, explore, and reconnect. Plan your vacation today ►
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MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
VISIT COOK COUNTY, MN
Photo: Per Breiehagen
Photo: Katie Mumm Slanga
Photo: David R. Johnson Photography
Photo: Travis Novitsky
LUTSEN, TOFTE, SCHROEDER | GRAND MARAIS GUNFLINT TRAIL | GRAND PORTAGE
VisitCookCounty.com fb.com/VisitCookCountyMN
@DoNorthMN @VisitCookCountyMN
Framed by Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters, this is a land shaped by water, stone, and sky. Outdoor adventures abound—hike to waterfalls, paddle remote lakes, ski the Midwest’s largest ski resort, join in the revelry of an event, or simply gaze up at some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Each community is unique: Grand Marais offers a vibrant arts scene and epic views, Tofte and Schroeder are gateways to quiet beaches and state parks, Grand Portage brings the past and present together, and the Gunflint Trail offers deep-woods solitude and wildlife encounters. Find your adventure in Cook County!
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RELAX, RECHARGE, AND RECONNECT IN GRAND RAPIDS, MINNESOTA
Surrounded by over one million acres of publicly accessible forest, Grand Rapids offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. Within these forests, there are 1,400 lakes and 2,000 miles of designated recreational trails. The mighty Mississippi River runs right through historic downtown. Outdoor splendor is enhanced by indoor area attractions, boutique-style shops, craft breweries, bars and restaurants, art and performance centers, and a wide variety of cozy lodging. Plan your vacation today ►
MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
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VISIT GRAND RAPIDS
VisitGrandRapids.com
@VisitGrandRapids fb.com/GrandRapidsMinnesota
@VisitGrandRapids
Photos: Visit Grand Rapids
This small town boasts lots of welcoming charm through its cozy lodging options. There are in-town hotels, motels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals within walking distance of trails, shops, and restaurants. Outside of town, you’ll find resorts and vacation rentals on beautiful, clean lakes that offer many on-site amenities. These lodging properties are locally owned and operated to ensure your stay is unforgettable. While being outdoors is the number one reason visitors come to Grand Rapids, there’s so much more to do and see while vacationing here. There are family-friendly historic attractions like the Judy Garland Museum, Forest History Center, and the
Itasca Historical Museum and Escape Room. Try new bites and sips at craft breweries, locally owned restaurants, and unique eateries with amazing nature and lake views. Live entertainment and memorable arts & culture experiences are plentiful. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect with loved ones in the natural beauty of the Northland.
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RAINY LAKE, MINNESOTA: Adventure at the Edge of the Map
Tucked along the U.S.–Canadian border, Rainy Lake is your gateway to Voyageurs National Park—Minnesota’s only national park and a year-round playground for outdoor lovers. In summer, explore by boat, paddle, or houseboat. Cast a line, hike trails, camp under the stars, or stroll the Tilson Creek Bogwalk. Don’t miss a lakeside meal at one of the resort
restaurants with a view that’s hard to beat. Come winter, explore hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile trails, go ice fishing, or snowshoe through quiet forests. And after dark? Rainy Lake doesn’t dim— it shines. Voyageurs is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary and one of the best places in the lower 48 to catch the northern lights. Plan your vacation today ►
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MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
RAINY LAKE
Photos: International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau
Head into International Falls to snap a photo with the iconic Smokey Bear statue and explore shops, dining, and local history at the Koochiching Museum. Just minutes away, Ranier offers lakeside charm and award-winning spirits at Cantilever Distillery. Rainy Lake is an unforgettable adventure with endless fun. From hotels to resorts and vacation rentals, there’s lodging for everyone. See you at the lake!
INTERNATIONAL FALLS | RANIER | RAINY LAKE
RainyLake.org fb.com/RainyLakeMN
@RainyLakeMN @VisitRainyLake @RainyLakeMN
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MINNESOTA’S IRON RANGE: A PLACE LIKE NO OTHER
One hundred and forty years of iron ore mining and Mother Nature’s handiwork have carved a landscape that to this day accommodates mining and a whole lot more. Here, the hills, valleys and many of our lakes owe their start to mining. But thanks to nature- loving locals, this land is also woven with trails, golf courses, 400-foot lakes filled with clear
spring water, beaches and even ski hills. Come for world-class recreation on the paved Mesabi Cycling Trail, Redhead Mountain Bike Park, our ATV trails, or golf and skiing at Giants Ridge. Stay to learn about our storied history, contributions to American manufacturing, the hockey legends we’ve nurtured and celebrate, and much more. Plan your vacation today ►
MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
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DISCOVER THE RANGE
AURORA | BIWABIK | BUHL | CHISHOLM | EMBARRASS | EVELETH | GILBERT HIBBING | HOYT LAKES | MEADOWLANDS | MOUNTAIN IRON | VIRGINIA
IronRange.org fb.com/DiscovertheRange @Discover_the_Range @DiscovertheRange @Discover_the_Range
Photos: Discover the Range
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ELY, MINNESOTA: Your Perfect Northwoods Getaway
With nearly 20 entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness—over one million acres of pristine forest and waterways—the Ely area is your headquarters for adventure. Experience the magic of the Northwoods as you hike, bike, or ski through
towering pine forests; enjoy a sunset paddle complete with a loon serenade, and sleep under the stars in one of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Sanctuaries. You may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights if you’re lucky! Plan your vacation today ►
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MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
VISIT ELY, MN
Photos: Ely Area Tourism Bureau
Ely.org fb.com/VisitElyMN
@VisitElyMN @WeLoveEly
Visit area museums and educational centers, indulge in delicious food, shop for locally-made goods, and prepare for an expedition into the wild with one of the many local outfitters. Summer is magical, with thousands of lakes to explore, stunning sunsets, and endless camping options. Autumn features dazzling
colors, breathtaking hikes, scenic drives, and ATV rides. Winter in Ely offers unique activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Spring bustles with wildlife, open water fishing, and roaring waterfalls. Ely is the perfect vacation destination all year round!
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CRANE LAKE, MINNESOTA: YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
It’s time to discover what makes Crane Lake a unique, all-seasons destination for families, anglers, and adventurers alike. We are not only the southernmost gateway into Voyageurs National Park; we offer easy access into the BWCAW, Canada, and Quetico Provincial Park. With access to over a million acres of breathtaking waterways, quiet coves, and pristine wilderness, we have limitless
adventures for everyone. Spend your days boating, hiking, relaxing, fishing, riding, paddling and so much more. When the sun sets your day isn’t over; our protected dark sky comes to life with some of the most spectacular northern lights displays and stargazing in the nation. Lifelong memories are waiting to be made on the shores of Crane Lake. Plan your vacation today ►
MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
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CRANE LAKE
VisitCraneLake.com @VisitCraneLake fb.com/VisitCraneLake @VisitCraneLake3474
Photos: Visit Crane Lake
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EXPLORE LAKE COUNTY, MINNESOTA: Infinite Adventures from the North Shore to the Boundary Waters
Lake County delivers a unique blend of breathtaking natural beauty and classic up- north charm. Whether you’re here for a week, a weekend, or just a day, the possibilities are endless. Embark on a journey through the woods on foot, bike, or boat. It’s a paradise for fishing, hunting, boating, and paddling.
of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, a warm small-town welcome, and a diverse range of outdoor activities to suit any adventurer. Catch the Fresh Coast vibes of Lake Superior’s North Shore—one of Minnesota’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Dip your toes, skip rocks, and hold hands. Rent kayaks. Stroll the shore and watch the large iron ore ships from the pier. Plan your vacation today ►
Here, you’ll encounter three of the state’s top five state parks, the remote sanctuary
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MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
LOVIN’ LAKE COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Photos: Lovin’ Lake County
Conveniently located just northeast of Duluth, let the renowned Highway 61 guide you along the breathtaking great-lake shoreline in Lake County. With Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche, and the famed Split Rock Lighthouse as your playground, you can tick off multiple bucket list destinations within a 30-mile radius.
LovinLakeCounty.com fb.com/LovinLakeCounty
@Lovin_Lake_County @LovinLakeCounty
Find your adventure in the wild, rugged north of Lake County.
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Winter Wonderland Bucket List MINNESOTA ARROWHEAD
Photo: Per Breiehagen
DOWNHILL SKIING in Cook County Located on the slopes of the Sawtooth Mountains in Cook County, Lutsen is the Midwest’s largest ski resort with 95 runs and an annual snowfall of 10 feet. MN Mountains are calling, and you must go! ICE FISHING on Crane Lake At 3,088 acres and 80-foot deep, Crane Lake’s northern shore forms part of the boundary to Voyageurs National Park and offers some of the best ice fishing in northeast Minnesota.
Photo: Visit Crane Lake
DOGSLEDDING in Ely From beginner-style day-trips to
Photo: Visit Ely, MN
SNOWSHOEING in Grand Rapids Snowshoeing in Grand Rapids, MN offers a relaxing way to explore over a million acres of forested public land the winter. From in-town trails to rolling scenery, there’s terrain for every skill level. challenging hot-tent camping experiences, Ely has seasoned mushers offering treks for every adventure style. Dogsledding is a unique winter excursion for all ages!
Photo: Visit Grand Rapids
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MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
Photo: Discover the Range
SNOWMOBILING on the Iron Range Well-groomed and signed, Iron Range snowmobile trails get you away from traffic and out into the woods. All trails lead back to comfortable lodging, with bars and restaurants close at hand. FAT-TIRE BIKING in Lake County Lake County and the North Shore prove excellent places to fat-tire bike ride on groomed trails through beautiful forests offering various elevations and wide-open views of majestic Lake Superior. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING in Rainy Lake Exploring the Rainy Lake area and Voyageurs National Park on skis is a peaceful way to experience the snowy north woods. There are routes for all skill levels. Serene winter landscapes await!
Photo: Lovin’ Lake County
Photo: Voyageurs National Park
What will you check off your list this winter?
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There’s Something for Everyone! ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Every January
Most Thursdays • 4-8 p.m.
ICEBOX DAYS International Falls Icebox Days is a winter festival packed with events like frozen turkey bowling, smoosh racing, and the famous Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run. Embracing its title as the “Icebox of the Nation,” the town transforms frigid temps into frosty fun for all ages. More info ►
BANDS, BREWS & BBQS Iron Range Visit the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm for this popular event series! Enjoy free admission to the museum, plus local music and a summertime menu of delicious meal options. Trolley rides and mini-golf available at an additional charge. More info ►
First Saturday in March
Every February
CRANE LAKE CHALLENGE Crane Lake Snowmobile Racing at its Best! Bring your machines and see just how fast they can go on 1,000 feet of shaved ice. Races run from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. out on the ice with over 500 runs to watch. Food and drink specials inside and on the ice. More info ►
ELY WINTER FESTIVAL Ely Experience ten days of winter fun, highlighted by the world-famous Snow Sculpting Symposium. Watch international and local teams transform snow into interactive works of art, then explore a packed calendar of events around town. More info ►
MN ARROWHEAD VACATION GUIDE
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ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
First Weekend in August
First Full Weekend in December
TALL TIMBER DAYS Grand Rapids Get ready for an unforgettable festival celebrating the Grand Rapids area’s rich logging history with lumberjack-themed events and activities. The festival features log rolling, chainsaw carving, art and craft fairs, live music, a parade, and more. More info ►
JULEBYEN Lake County The Julebyen Christmas Village & Scandinavian Festival in Knife River is a magical Nordic tradition! Celebrate Scandinavian and German traditions with food, crafts, holiday decorations, children’s activities, music, and a scenic train ride from Duluth to the festival. More info ►
Second Weekend in December
DARK SKY FESTIVAL Cook County Calling all explorers, adventurers, artists, and photographers! Experience the night sky like never before. The festival features telescope viewing, night sky photography sessions, documentary screenings, and family-friendly indoor and outdoor activities. More info ►
Season icons created by Freepik - Flaticon
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See you soon!
Photos, left to right: International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau; Visit Ely, MN; Discover the Iron Range; International Falls, Ranier & Rainy Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau; Lovin’ Lake County x2; Visit Grand Rapids, Visit Cook County, MN. Cover photo: Visit Ely, MN.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MINNESOTA ARROWHEAD COMMITTEE
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