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
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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Upcoming Events

Featured events

09 Dec
Dec 9 23
Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors

Have you ever wanted an epic backdrop for your family photos with Santa Claus? Do you like donating to a worthy cause? On December 9 and 16, you can do both. With an item donation, you can get your photo taken with Santa against the backdrop of a wintry Split Rock Lighthouse. On both days, [...]
Christmas Tea on the Edna G
Dec 10 23
Paul Van Hoven Park in Two Harbors

The Christmas Tea on the Edna G is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Edna G, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the tug, Edna G, which was built in 1896 for the D.M.& I.R. railroad.   The tea starts the day after Thanksgiving, Nov 24th, and is held every weekend [...]
Christmas Tea on the Edna G
Dec 17 23
Paul Van Hoven Park in Two Harbors

The Christmas Tea on the Edna G is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Edna G, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the tug, Edna G, which was built in 1896 for the D.M.& I.R. railroad.   The tea starts the day after Thanksgiving, Nov 24th, and is held every weekend [...]
North Shore Pancake 10 And Under Spiel
Dec 8 23
Two Harbors Curling Club in Two Harbors

Pancakes and curling - the perfect thing to do on a December weekend! Gather your team and register below. There is a guarantee of three games. Games will be played Friday through Sunday!   Learn more here!
Brunch with Santa
Dec 9 23
The Tipsy Mosquito in Two Harbors

Head to the Tipsy Mosquito for brunch on December 9th. Santa will be there! Call 218-595-1174 to get your tickets! Please bring a non-perishable food item they can donate to the local food shelf! Click here to learn more! 
09 Dec
Dec 9 23
French River Lutheran Church in Duluth

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS ON THE SHORE   We will have fresh baked breads, fancy baked goods, lefse, candy and canned goods available for you to purchase.  Local Artisans and Crafters will have their items available for your Christmas shopping pleasure.  Our "FIKA Cafe" will be serving soups, sandwiches and desserts for you to enjoy.  Come stop by [...]

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

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VISITORS GUIDE

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