Things to Do
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Grand Marais is the eastern gateway to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The park extends 42 miles along Lake Superior and covers 73.236 acres. Start a day trip just a few minutes west on H-58 from Beach Park Motel, and explore Grand Sable Lake, Sable Falls, Sable Dunes, Hurricane River, AuSable Lighthouse, the Log Slide, 12 Mile Beach, and so much more! The picturesque drive is paved all the way to Munising, full of curves for motorcycle enthusiasts. Stop for a picnic... or a swim if you like cool water! H-58 is a seasonal road and is not plowed in the winter. It transforms into a beautiful snowmobile trail in the winter. A portion of the North Country Trail runs through the National Park, and travels through Grand Marais for excellent hiking!
National Parks Service - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | North Country Trails Association
Tour Historical Museums
Visit the historic Pickle Barrel Museum, built for William Donahey, creator of the Chicago Tribune cartoon story, the "Teenie Weenies." Tour inside the unique cabin and learn about its history from members of the Grand Marais Historical Society. The Pickle Barrel House is listed in the National Register of historic places.
See also the Lightkeeper's House Museum and the Old Post Office Museum!
Annual Seaplane Splash-In
Seaplanes start arriving the Friday of the second full week in June. Watch as pilots fly in and land in Grand Marais' beautiful bay, to participate in Saturday's contests and put on a show for spectators. Seaplanes buzz over Beach Park Motel as they make spot landings and compete in the balloon drop. Rooms fill up fast for this event, so if you would like to stay and watch from our deck, plan early!
Rock Hounding for Lake Superior Agates
Hunt for the prized Lake Superior Agate on miles of beaches or just enjoy the many varieties, shapes, and colors of stones decorating the beaches.
Grand Marais is home to the Gitche Gumee Museum, a must see for learning all about the history of agates.
Photography & Creative Arts
Grand Marais, Nature in Abundance, is known for its year-round beauty - the perfect media for both novice and accomplished photographers, and for artistic inspiration.
Visit several gift shops in the area and the Campbell Street Art Gallery, featuring local artisans' work, many within walking distance to Beach Park Motel.
Snow!
We get a lot of it in da' U.P., but don't let that stop you from coming up to Grand Marais this winter.
Snowmobilers can fly through miles of beautiful DNR trails groomed locally by the Grand Marais Sno-Trails club; if you're looking for a place to park the rig, Beach Park Motel is a local favorite with plenty of room for trailers and easy trail access.
For a change of pace, you can try your hand at ice-fishing on the bay for a fresh meal, or grab your skis and snowshoes to find some peace and quiet on the groomed trails through School Forest and Sable Falls.
You also won't want to miss the UP 200 Dog Sled race—it’s an Iditarod qualifier, and there’s nothing like cheering the teams at the checkpoint before heading to the community center for the silent auction and a slice of famous local pie.
Your Vacation Awaits