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WELCOME TO

Lake County

Adventures from Minnesota's
North Shore to the Boundary waters

From the Minnesota North Shore to the pristine Boundary Waters Wilderness, you’ll find infinite adventures in Lake County, MN. Just 20 miles north of Duluth, you’ll discover four gorgeous state parks, including Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and George Crosby-Manitou State Park

Explore breathtaking views of  Lake Superior and scenic hiking trails featuring rivers, waterfalls, and deep forests.

Additionally, Lake County offers excellent Lake Superior resorts, family-friendly hotels, North Shore campgrounds, and endless outdoor adventuresWe welcome you to Lake County.

merry christmas graphic

GB Leigton Lifts Spirits at Julebyen: A Scandinavian Christmas festival

The Julebyen Christmas Village & Scandinavian Festival is a cherished Nordic tradition on the North Shore. The Norwegian term “Julebyen” (pronounced YOOL-eh-BEE-en) means “Christmas Village.” This festive event, held in Knife River, MN, brings centuries-old Scandinavian and German traditions to life with ethnic foods, handcrafted items, holiday decorations, children’s activities, and lively music. 

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.

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 Winter ADVENTURES

snowshoeing at shovel point tettegouche state park

The Best North Shore Winter Weekend Getaway

Experience the best North Shore Winter Activities in Lake County, MN. Winter in Lake County, Minnesota, is more than just a season — it’s an ...
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snowmobiling north shore state trail

Lake County Winter Adventure Guide

When the snowflakes fall, Minnesota’s North Shore bursts with outdoor adventures! From Lake Superior to the Canadian border, Lake County offers cozy winter getaways with ...
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Winter biking in Lake County

Winter Fat Biking Minnesota’s North Shore

Fat biking on Minnesota’s North Shore has become a popular winter sport for biking enthusiasts. Fat biking makes a great workout and offers a significant ...
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north shore winter lodging specials

North Shore Winter Lodging Specials

The Best North Shore Late Fall & Winter Lodging Deals North Shore winter lodging specials allow visitors to enjoy Lake Superior’s beauty at a discounted ...
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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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cozy socks, fire, hygge

10 Ways to Get Hygge in Lake County

You’re probably familiar with Hygge’s famous Danish lifestyle trend (pronounced “Hyoo-guh”); the Scandinavian term embraces feelings of coziness, happiness, and comfort by appreciating the simple ...
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Featured events

    2025 Two Harbors Winter Frolic
    Feb 7 25
    Downtown Two Harbors in Two Harbors

      The 2025 Two Harbors Winter Frolic is a festive winter celebration in the heart of Minnesota's North Shore. This annual event features activities for [...]
    WinterFest 2025 – A Scandinavian Celebration
    Feb 15 25
    Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay

    Join us for a day of winter magic with a Scandinavian twist! This free event offers something for everyone. Outdoor Activities: Play traditional games like [...]
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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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, ...
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