Nina’s North Shore Guide

Big Lake, Big Woods, Big Fun

2004
Author:

Nina A. Simonowicz
Illustrations by Betsy Bowen

The handiest, most comprehensive guide to Minnesota’s vacation area—now fully updated!

This third edition includes new sections on historical societies and heritage centers, spas and wellness therapies, designated areas offering educational opportunities for nature observation, watercraft access points, and bike and kayak rental facilities. Detailed descriptions of where to stay and eat, what to do, and when to go to experience unique events tell North Shore visitors everything they need to know to plan their Superior trip.

This book accomplishes the near impossible: it’s attractive, well-organized, just about as complete as it could be, and at the same time it’s small enough to be quite portable. And did I mention readability? Nina’s personality shines through, making it a fun read as well.

Minnesota Monthly

Where is the best place to spot a moose along the Gunflint Trail? What are the lodging options in Grand Marais? Which trail to choose for a good day hike from Lutsen? What is there to do with the kids on a rainy day in Duluth?

Extensively revised since its last publication in 1999, this third edition of Nina’s North Shore Guide includes entirely new sections on historical societies and heritage centers, spas and wellness therapies (massage services, yoga classes, and saunas), recently designated areas offering educational opportunities for nature observation, watercraft access points to and from Lake Superior, and bike and kayak rental facilities. Information on trails has been substantially updated to provide the latest about all hiking, biking, snowmobile, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ski-joring trails, along with current accounts of the Lake Superior Water (Kayak) Trail and Gitchi Gami Trail projects. Web site addresses for accommodations, businesses, and activities have also been added.

The North Shore of Minnesota, following Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border, is a beloved destination for Midwesterners, and this invaluable guide compiles crucial information about this region in one handy resource. Detailed descriptions of where to stay and eat, what to do, and when to go to experience unique events tell North Shore visitors everything they need to know to plan their Superior trip.

Whether providing facts about well-known sites or presenting discoveries exciting even for the seasoned North Shore explorer, this new edition of Nina’s North Shore Guide covers the Lake Superior area through all seasons and for all budgets.


Nina A. Simonowicz owns a tourism marketing company in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

Betsy Bowen works from her studio in Grand Marais and has written and illustrated several books about northern Minnesota.

This book accomplishes the near impossible: it’s attractive, well-organized, just about as complete as it could be, and at the same time it’s small enough to be quite portable. And did I mention readability? Nina’s personality shines through, making it a fun read as well.

Minnesota Monthly

Content

Preface to the Third Edition

Introduction

In Days of Old: A Brief History
Shipwrecks of the North Shore
A Few of My Favorite
Good Times in Duluth: The Port City's Attractions
North Shore Attractions
Family Fun
Aaah ... Spas and Wellness
Rainy Days
Take aLook Around Of Rocks and Ridges: A Geology Lesson
Rivers and Waterfalls
Getting to Know Flora: Plants and Berries
Where the Wild Things Are: Animals and Birds
Oh, Heavens! Celestial Phenomena
Fall Colors and Suggested Tours
Green Spaced, Lar0e arib Small Duluth's Parks
State Parks and Waysides
Scientific and Natural Areas
National Parks and Monuments
Our Backyard: The Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Sunny/ 70°, ano the Fwl? Are Biting: Summertime Fun Out Walkin': Hiking and Walking Trails
Pedal Pushers: Biking Trails and Paths
What's Biting? Fishing Northern Waters
Sea Kayaking: The Lake Superior Water Trail
Superior Golfing
Nature's Balance: Hunting in the North Woods
Getting Outfitted: Finding a Canoe Outfitter
Wonderful white Winter River Skiing, Ice Fishing, Curling, Dogsledding, Ski Joring, Sleigh Rides,Sledding
Snowshoeing
Skinny Skiers Rejoice! Cross-Country Skiing
Midwest Mountain Skiing
Snowmobiling Up North
Blades of Silver: Ice Skating
Many Placet) to Stay Duluth Hotels and Motels
Bed and Breakfast: Duluth and the North Shore
North Shore Lodging
Daylight in the Swamps! Campgrounds
Out and About Good Eats: Dining
Local Wares: Shopping
Museums and Historic Sites
Arts and Culture
Beyond the Border: Thunder Bay and Canada
Generaf Information ano Service
VISITOR INFORMATION
EMERGENCY SERVICES
MEDICAL CARE
AUTO SERVICE AND TOWING
ROAD CONDITIONS
CLIMATE
MILEAGE FROM DULUTH
BANKING
CHURCHES
GROCERY STORES
LIQUOR STORES
PHOTO DEVELOPING
POST OFFICES

Suggested Reading
Index