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WELCOME TO

Lake County

Infinite adventures from
the North Shore to the Boundary waters

Lake County in Minnesota sits along the Lake Superior North Shore from Knife River to Little Marais. It extends north to the Canadian Border, near Ely, MN, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Lake County boasts four gorgeous state parks, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and George Crosby-Manitou State Park. Our state parks offer many miles of scenic hiking trails featuring rivers, waterfalls, and deep forests. You’ll find breathtaking views of the Lake Superior shoreline, excellent lakeshore resorts, hotels, campgrounds, and endless outdoor adventures! We welcome you to Lake County

Fall Adventure Guide

Roadtrip to adventure on Minnesota’s North Shore! Surrounded by breathtaking fall colors, explore the scenery via miles of ATV, hiking, and biking trails along Lake Superior or through the Superior National Forest. Discover why so many outdoor enthusiasts “fall” in love with Lake County.

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hike, Bike, or Ride: Just get outside!

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leave no trace lake county mn people picking up trash
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Leave No Trace Logo

Everyone can do their part to Care for Lake County by following our Leave No Trace principles.

Take the Pledge and receive a free sticker and a mini North Shore hiking guide!

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North Shore ADVENTURES

Illgen Falls

Explorer’s Guide to Waterfalls in Lake County

In early April, the spring melt gives way to raging waterfalls that start to erase the last remnants of winter. Although several outdoor activities halt ...
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silver creek tunnel

Ultimate North Shore Road Trip

Plan the Ultimate North Shore Road Trip through Lake County, MN, this summer and be wowed by its ancient cliffs, hidden beaches, and stunning vistas. ...
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woman standing atop the high falls at tettegouche state park in the fall

10 Stunning North Shore Fall Color Hikes

Ask anyone who lives near the North Shore about their favorite season, and you’ll most likely hear, “Fall!” Sure, you can take a gorgeous North ...
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Featured events

Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting
Nov 10 24
Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors

This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the total loss of the 29 crew members aboard on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse, fog signal building, and visitor center will be open to [...]
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Explore Our Communities

Beaver Bay

Beaver Bay

Beaver Bay The oldest settlement on the north shore Beaver Bay (pop. 121) was founded in 1856 by German immigrants. Visit the Tourist Information Center on the east end of town, operated by the Bay ...
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man with canoe on a pristine lake in the boundary waters canoe area

Fall Lake Township and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

In the northern region of Lake County (just east of Ely, MN) you’ll find Fall Lake Township which encompasses a large portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
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finland historical site

Finland/Isabella

Finland & Isabella Rugged Wilderness & a Captivating History Finland From MN-61, just over eight miles north on Highway 1, you’ll find the community of Finland, Minnesota, nestled in the Baptism River Valley and surrounded ...
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Knife River

Knife River

Knife River, MN, was settled by Captain Charles Anderson, a Norwegian seaman born in Oslo in 1840, and his wife Serene. Following the arrival of the Alger-Smith Duluth & Northern Minnesota Railroad, the tiny settlement ...
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Black Beach from Above

Silver Bay

Silver Bay, Minnesota A north shore gem Silver Bay, nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains, was homesteaded by fisherman Oscar Pederson in 1920; the captain of the steamship America gave the town its name, who thought ...
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Ship watching on Lake Superior

Two Harbors

Two Harbors, Minnesota In the late 1800s, the area of Two Harbors was actually divided into two separate communities, Agate Bay and Burlington. In 1907, the two communities merged together and became incorporated and were ...
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