Many people ask ‘When is the best time to plan a summer vacation to the North Shore?’ The short answer? Anytime! It truly is spectacular all season long and each month has its own special highlights. Here, we’ll break down the main attractions of each month to help you plan your summer getaway.
June:
Wildflowers! The North Shore is treated to extra pops of color from late May through June with the blooming of wildflowers. Look for trillium, marsh marigold, wild columbine, bird’s-eye primrose, violets, and of course the famous (or infamous?) Lupine to be in bloom in June.
The Lutsen 99er bike race. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, this bike race is an epic event that creates a weekend full of camaraderie, great vibes, and time with outdoor enthusiasts.
Lodging offers at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts. This is a great time to take advantage of deals like the June 4 for 3 offer to experience outdoor adventure and relaxation at its best. Visit the Offers page HERE.
July:
Warmer weather! While there can be cool days anytime during the summer along the North Shore, July is typically a month where we’ll see consecutive days of summery weather. High 70’s and 80’s are common with cool mornings and evenings. Of course, temps right along Lake Superior can be at least 10-15 degrees cooler than inland locations. We suggest working up a sweat hiking or biking on an inland trail and then coming back to the resort to cool off by the lake. It really is the best of both worlds!
4th of July Festivities! Celebrations happen all along the shore during the 4th. Right here in Tofte, we have one of the biggest with a full day that starts with the Totfe Trek 10km wilderness run/walk. After that, get ready for the afternoon parade complete with food vendors, craft vendors, and kids activities. Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts also has fun activities planned all day long. The day is complete with a fireworks show over Lake Superior at Tofte Park. The towns of Grand Marais and Grand Portage also have fireworks displays.
The Grand Marais Arts Festival happens the weekend after the first full week in July. This popular event is a juried fine arts festival held by the harbor in downtown Grand Marais and is known for its high-quality exhibitors.
August:
The warmer days continue through August and by now Lake Superior has warmed up. A little bit. This is an ideal time to walk along the shore and immerse your feet or maybe take the big refreshing plunge all the way in! This is also a popular time to Sea Kayak on Lake Superior, a must-do complimentary activity at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.
Inland lakes are warm! During July and August paddleboarding, kayaking, and swimming on the inland wilderness lakes are some of our favorite activities. Check out our complimentary paddleboarding and inland kayaking activities during your stay.
The Fisherman’s Picnic takes place in Grand Marais on the first weekend of August. This 90+-year-old festival (yes 90+!) is full of fun for everyone. Street vendors, live music, food trucks, the famous fishburger stand, medallion hunt, kids activities, lumberjack contests, and more.
Labor Day Weekend. We never want to think about the end of summer but planning a trip on this long weekend can be the perfect last hurrah before we get excited for the fall colors.
For more planning resources, check out the Resort Activities page for a list of complimentary experiences included in your stay. In addition, visit the North Shore Area Attractions page with lists of other local attractions to check out complete with a handy interactive map.