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

Trees, Trains, & Traditions
Nov 25 23
Knife River Depot in Knife River

Begin a family tradition with this new excursion from the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Travel up the North Shore to the small village of Knife River, where fresh-cut North Shore Christmas Tees await from our friends at Northern Connections. Pick your favorite, have it bailed and loaded onto the train for you while you enjoy [...]
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!   [...]
Drop-in Pool & Puzzle Time
Oct 30 23
North Shore Area Partners in Silver Bay

Drop in between 9 am and 1 pm Mondays to use our pool table or pick a puzzle to put together! We'll save your progress on a puzzle in a safe spot until you come in again.
Drop-in Pool & Puzzle Time
Nov 6 23
North Shore Area Partners in Silver Bay

Drop in between 9 am and 1 pm Mondays to use our pool table or pick a puzzle to put together! We'll save your progress on a puzzle in a safe spot until you come in again.
Drop-in Pool & Puzzle Time
Nov 13 23
North Shore Area Partners in Silver Bay

Drop in between 9 am and 1 pm Mondays to use our pool table or pick a puzzle to put together! We'll save your progress on a puzzle in a safe spot until you come in again.

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
kawishiwi falls neary ely mn

Fall Lake

Fall Lake Township & the Boundary Waters the World’s Most Pristine Wilderness 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 ...
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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, 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 ...
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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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VISITORS GUIDE

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