WELCOME TO

Lake County

wild. rugged. north.

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.

There's snow place like lake county.

When the snow falls, northern Minnesota transforms into a winter wonderland. From snowshoeing or hiking through our scenic state parks, blazing new trails on a sled, or simply soaking in the magical beauty of new-fallen snow, Lake County makes the ultimate winter adventure destination.

Browse our Winter Adventure Guide for winter activity recommendations and tips for a grand up-north getaway.

Bike, Ride, or ski: Just get outside!

leave no trace lake county mn people picking up trash
lnt-logo-white

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!

trending adventures

cozy socks, fire, hygge

10 Ways to Get Hygge in Lake County

You’re probably familiar with the famous Danish lifestyle trend of Hygge (pronounced “Hyoo-guh”); the Scandinavian term embraces feelings of coziness, happiness, and comfort by appreciating ...
read more
fall fishing in lake county mn near ely mn

Fall Fishing in Lake County

By Joe Shead for Lovin’ Lake County Fall needs to be longer. There’s just too much to do at that time of year. Leaves are ...
read more
lake superior north shore gales of november

The Gales of November on Lake Superior

Jump to November Lodging Specials “When the Gales of November came slashin’.” The Gales of November — as most famously illustrated in Gordon Lightfoot’s song, ...
read more

Upcoming Events

Featured events

Voyageur Artists Winter Market
Dec 1 23
Voyageur Artists Art Center in Two Harbors

This holiday season, shop for unique gifts or something special for yourself at the Voyageur Artists Winter Market! It's a great way to support local artists and shop for the holidays! The dates and hours will be: Friday, December 1st: 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, December 2nd: 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, December [...]
Naughty but Nice Gin Tasting and Food Pairing
Dec 1 23
The Tipsy Mosquito in Two Harbors

Head to the Tipsy Mosquito for a festive and indulgent evening with two amazing cocktails and food pairings! Tickets are $45 per person and must be ordered ahead of time. This event is on Friday, December 1st, and goes from 6 pm to 8 pm.
Julebyen
Dec 2 23
Knife River Recreation Center in Knife River

Come visit us on December 2nd and 3rd for the annual Julebyen! Julebyen (pronounced YOOL-eh-BE-en) means "Christmas Village".  Julebyen is a centuries-old Scandinavian and German tradition celebrated with ethnic foods, crafts, holiday decorations, and music. You'll find local vendors to shop from, train rides, great food, and plenty of activities for the whole family!   [...]
Voyageur Artists Winter Market
Dec 1 23
Voyageur Artists Art Center in Two Harbors

This holiday season, shop for unique gifts or something special for yourself at the Voyageur Artists Winter Market! It's a great way to support local artists and shop for the holidays! The dates and hours will be: Friday, December 1st: 10 am to 6 pm Saturday, December 2nd: 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, December [...]
Meat Raffle Fridays - American Legion Post 109
Dec 1 23
American Legion Post 109 in Two Harbors

Join us every Friday night for a meat raffle at American Legion Post 109!   Click here for more information!   Click here for other events in Lake County!    
Naughty but Nice Gin Tasting and Food Pairing
Dec 1 23
The Tipsy Mosquito in Two Harbors

Head to the Tipsy Mosquito for a festive and indulgent evening with two amazing cocktails and food pairings! Tickets are $45 per person and must be ordered ahead of time. This event is on Friday, December 1st, and goes from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Explore Our Communities

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 ...
VISIT
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).
VISIT

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 ...
VISIT

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 ...
VISIT

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 ...
VISIT

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 ...
VISIT

Follow Us

Ready to VISIT?

Get the guide

We’d love to send you our full-color travel guide filled with awesome content to guide you on your trip to Lake County.

VISITORS GUIDE

Request the 2023 Lake County Visitor Guide Today!
Get the Guide