Whether a sudden cloudburst or days of downpours, rain can dampen your vacation. So, what do you do? The North Shore has lots of things to do that can be enjoyed on a rainy day. Here’s some rainy day ideas for families, couples, friends:
Train museums, lighthouses, historical societies, history museums, heritage centers, fishing museums and a national monument. All are interesting and indoors.
You will find well-stocked libraries offering books, multimedia items, and sometimes events in Two Harbors, Silver Bay and Grand Marais.
View the animal mounts, ask questions and learn something new at the Tofte Ranger Station and Gunflint Ranger Station.
Drive the original Highway 61 – aka Scenic 61 -from Duluth to Two Harbors, any part of Highway 61, an All American Road, the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway or grab a map and head out on a backcountry tour looking for moose in swamps.
Fiction, non-fiction, YA books and picture books. North Shore authors have you covered. Find books at local bookstores and gift shops.
Get in out of the rain and shop and explore. North Shore state park visitor centers offer gifts, exhibits, displays, naturalist information and events, restrooms and you can buy your permit and outdoor licenses, too!
Sample local smoked fish and choose a favorite. Go on a brewery/winery tour. Eat ice cream. Try a coffee shop, deli or bakery. Yum!
Stop at one, several, or all 32 Lake Superior public access spots along Highway 61. Hang out in your and watch the big lake change.
Stop and ask the helpful staff at area visitor centers for ideas, information and directions. From Duluth northeast, find centers at Lester River (seasonal), Two Harbors, in Silver Bay, Schroeder, and Grand Marais.
Each North Shore community hosts a unique collection of locally owned shops and galleries. Find art and art supplies, rain gear, gifts, clothes, local souvenirs and more.
Relax and let someone else do the bodywork for you.
If you’re lodging doesn’t have facilities, check out Nordic Saunas and the YMCA in Grand Marais.
Find out who is playing where, then head over for live entertainment.
Ask for one at the front desk or pick one up. Buy a puzzle and build it.
Write them, address them, stamp them, mail them.
Visit another lodge, resort, hotel and book your next getaway.
Stand with the sun to your back and look into the rain. This works when the sun is low (your shadow will be longer than your height). Now, where to find a pot of gold, that's another story.
