The Quiet Fishing Town In Minnesota That Seems Frozen In Time

In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we're bound to have an abundance of fishing in Minnesota. We've got more picturesque villages and cute small towns in Minnesota than you can shake a stick at - and more than a few of them were built around a fishing heritage. And with all the quiet towns in Minnesota that dot the shores of Lake Superior, it's no wonder that some are still as quaint now as they used to be. Grand Marais stands out as a town that has preserved its fishing past after all these years. It's one of the most lovely and quiet places in Minnesota.

A lot of people may not know that Grand Marais was once part of a lucrative commercial fishing industry on Lake Superior. While commercial fishing has faded in the region, it has still left its stamp on the area.

Fish houses were built on dock-like platforms on the lake to allow skiffs to come close.

The original fish houses are gone, but today a replica fish house sits near where a few others were originally located. The replica is based on a 1930s structure and includes typical fishing tools of the time. Two locally built boats are also on the premises.

But there are plenty of authentic old buildings in Grand Marais, like this ramshackle structure right by the lake.

There is also the Cook County Historical Society Museum. This place is housed in the lighthouse keeper's former residence. The house was built in 1896.

Grand Marais also houses the sprawling Lake Superior Trading Post. You'll find whatever you need - and some that you didn't - when you step in.

And of course, plenty of non-commercial fishing happens in Grand Marais. The colorful Beaver House - complete with giant fiberglass fish - has been a Grand Marais institution for almost 50 years. It sells bait, rods, and plenty more - including the signature Beaver Flick lure.

It wouldn't be a trip to a fishing town without eating some fish, right? Right on the harbor in Grand Marais is the Dockside Fish Market. It opened in 1998, but it carries on the century-old tradition of fresh-caught Lake Superior fish. Pick up fresh bluefin herring, lake trout, whitefish, or Canadian walleye. Smoked fish is also available, along with fish and chips baskets.

Since its commercial fishing days, Grand Marais has become an art hub. Places like the North House Folk School offer classes in traditional crafts such as basketry, boatbuilding, blacksmithing, and more.

Of course, when it's time to take a rest from exploring the history of this fishing village, there are plenty of places to relax.

You can even try your hand at doing some fishing of your own.

Check out some spectacular views of this gorgeous little town:

Have you ever fished in Grand Marais? Or maybe you have a favorite fishing town of your own? Let us know in the comments. After your stay in Grand Marais, be sure to check out some of the other charming small towns in Minnesota.