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!

Learn more from the Grand Marais Historical Society

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!

Yes, we get a lot of snow in da' U.P... but don't let that stop you from coming to Grand Marais in winter!

Groomed locally by the Grand Marais Sno-Trails club, snowmobilers enjoy miles of beautiful trails, laid out by the DNR. For more information about snowmobiling in the area and trail reports visit:  Grand Marais Sno-Trails  Beach Park motel is a popular location for snowmobilers, has plenty of room for trailers, and is close to the trail in town.

Try your hand at ice-fishing on the bay and maybe you will land a tasty meal or two of fresh-caught fish.

Ski groomed cross country ski trails, or snowshoe, through School Forest or the Sable Falls area for a beautiful, peaceful experience - really get away from it all!

Scheduled for February 16-19 in 2017, check out the annual UP 200 Dog Sled race that comes through Grand Marais. Cheer competitors as they arrive at the Grand Marais checkpoint. This event is a qualifying race for the Iditarod. Local events at the community center often include a pie sale and a silent auction.