Cascade Vacation Rentals Blog | A Guide to all things North Shore

5 03, 2025

Erin Aili Wins the 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Erin Aili Wins the 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Erin Aili Wins the 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Jaye2025-03-05T16:38:57+00:00Events & Holidays, News & Updates|

In a remarkable display of endurance and skill, Erin Aili from Ray, Minnesota, clinched her second title at the 40th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon concluded at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino, where Aili and her team of eight dogs crossed the finish line just after 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning. A Challenging Race The 2025 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon presented unique challenges for the teams. The course was shortened to 267 miles due to the lack of snow between Duluth and Two Harbors. Temperatures during the race also exceeded [...]

22 01, 2025

Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium
Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium

Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium

Velena Addams2025-02-20T18:22:10+00:00Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Step into Scruffy Dog Vintage Emporium, and it’s like opening a treasure chest full of stories located in Grand Marais. Nestled at the edge of town, the shop might be easy to miss—but for the curious and nostalgic, it’s a haven. Owner Annette Block-Valdivia has traveled miles across the country, most recently exploring Vermont. Her latest trip was so fruitful that her friend is shipping home an overflow of treasures she couldn’t fit in her car. Annette has a knack for spotting the extraordinary. Guided by her keen eye, she curates a collection that feels like a journey through [...]

8 01, 2025

The History of the Gunflint Mail Run
The History of the Gunflint Mail Run

The History of the Gunflint Mail Run

Velena Addams2025-01-08T18:28:44+00:00Activities & Attractions, Animals, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, History|

The Tradition of Dog Sledding on the Gunflint Trail In winter, the boreal forest along the Gunflint Trail transforms into an enchanting wonderland. Towering pines and spruce stand cloaked in shimmering snow, their heavy branches bowing gracefully under its weight. The forest floor lies beneath a flawless white blanket, and the snow-covered landscape exudes a hushed stillness. This tranquility is occasionally broken by the distant calls of wildlife or, in the early months of the year, the energetic sounds of sled dogs launching eagerly into the trails. This is the land in which the Gunflint Mail Run was born [...]

8 01, 2025

Trail Center Lodge
Trail Center Lodge

Trail Center Lodge

Velena Addams2025-01-08T18:02:45+00:00Activities & Attractions, Dining and Food, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, Local Businesses|

Located on the stunning shores of Poplar Lake, Trail Center Lodge has been a beloved landmark on the Gunflint Trail since 1938. Originally built as a logging camp, this versatile destination has transformed over the decades into a hub for adventurers, locals, and visitors alike. Today, it serves as a restaurant, gas station, gift store, grocery shop, and information center—a one-stop shop for anyone exploring the Northwoods. Under the ownership of sisters Anna and Sarah Hamilton, Trail Center Lodge has gained a reputation for its delicious home-style cooking, warm hospitality, and rustic Northwoods charm—and I have to say, their [...]

30 12, 2024

Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge
Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge

Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge

Martha Finley2025-01-08T18:13:53+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, History, State Parks|

One of the most iconic structures in Jay Cooke State Park is the Swinging Bridge, a historic landmark that has withstood numerous challenges from both nature and time. This beloved bridge has undergone multiple reconstructions, surviving floods, repairs, and restorations. The Original Construction In 1924, the Forest Service constructed the first version of the Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge using logs and rope. This simple yet functional bridge provided a way to cross the St. Louis River, offering visitors a scenic view of the river below. By 1934, the bridge had undergone its first major upgrade. Between 1934 and 1935, [...]

30 12, 2024

Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park

Martha Finley2025-01-08T18:37:04+00:00Activities & Attractions, Duluth, State Parks|

History of Jay Cooke State Park Jay Cooke State Park, located just 10 miles from Duluth, ranks among the 10 most visited state parks in Minnesota. Named after Jay Cooke, a Pennsylvania financier who developed a nearby power plant still in operation today, the park holds a rich history. In 1915, the St. Louis Power Company donated the first 2,350 acres of land to the state, establishing what would eventually become the park. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) set up camp at the site and played a pivotal role in shaping the park. The CCC built the second [...]

6 11, 2024

A Dining Room with a View
A Dining Room with a View

A Dining Room with a View

Jaye2024-11-07T16:47:33+00:00Everything Else|

The Holiday Season is upon us, and with that comes plans for many dinners shared together. Where better to share those special dinners than on the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior, gathered around a dining room with a view? We've compiled a list of our favorite dining rooms around the North Shore where you can gather to enjoy a holiday feast, celebrate a birthday, or enjoy a lovely vacation together. Restaurants Dining Rooms With A View - When You Don't Want to Cook for Yourself New Scenic Cafe - French River Located on the Scenic Drive between Duluth and [...]

22 10, 2024

Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore
Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore

Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore

Jaye2024-12-30T17:39:28+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail/BWCA, Local Businesses, Lutsen, Schroeder/Tofte|

Discovering the Best Coffee Shops on the North Shore If you’re heading to Northern Minnesota along Lake Superior, either for skiing at Lutsen Mountains or to explore the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, one thing’s for sure: You’ll need a good cup of coffee to fuel your adventures. This scenic area may be known for its outdoor beauty, but it also boasts some fantastic local coffee spots. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cafe after a day of exploring or simply want to experience local Minnesota coffee, this guide will introduce you to some of the best coffee [...]

15 10, 2024

Sauna Season on the North Shore
Sauna Season on the North Shore

Sauna Season on the North Shore

Jaye2024-10-21T18:50:40+00:00Activities & Attractions, Events & Holidays|

Embrace Sauna Season on the North Shore this November November on Minnesota’s North Shore offers a unique charm. As the bright autumn colors fade and winter begins, the crisp air and tranquil atmosphere set the perfect stage for a peaceful getaway. Imagine yourself relaxing in a cozy sauna, steam rising around you as the sounds of Lake Superior enhance the experience. Or, imagine stepping out of your sauna experience surrounded by the beautiful boreal forest. After a relaxing sauna session, sink into a jetted soaker tub at your private vacation rental, or even take a leap into an early-winter [...]

26 06, 2024

Objects to Crave
Objects to Crave

Objects to Crave

Jaye2024-07-02T19:28:17+00:00Hovland/Grand Portage, Local Businesses|

Objects to Crave isn't your average North Shore gift shop. You won't find a store filled with "Lake Superior" and "North Shore" merchandise here. Instead, Objects to Crave is a one-of-a-kind eclectic mix of fun and interesting found items curated by owners Shel and Bob. From unique old-timey photographs to mossariums to incense to handmade soaps to record albums, this unique gift shop has them all and more! Located in Hovland, Objects to Crave also stands out in its unique location between Grand Marais and Grand Portage. From the Past to the Present The story of Objects to Crave [...]