Grand Marais, Minnesota
Grand Marais | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Lake Superior harbor in downtown Grand Marais | |
 Location of the city of Grand Marais within Cook County, Minnesota | |
| Coordinates: 47°45′14″N 90°20′7″W / 47.75389°N 90.33528°WCoordinates: 47°45′14″N 90°20′7″W / 47.75389°N 90.33528°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Minnesota |
| County | Cook |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.91 sq mi (7.53 km2) |
| • Land | 2.91 sq mi (7.53 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 617 ft (188 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 1,351 |
| • Estimate (2019)[5] | 1,357 |
| • Density | 466.48/sq mi (180.12/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code | 55604 |
| Area code(s) | 218 |
| FIPS code | 27-24992[3] |
| GNIS feature ID | 0656425[4] |
| Website | www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us |
Grand Marais (/ˌɡrænd məˈreɪ/) is a city in Cook County, Minnesota, United States, on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It had a population of 1,351 at the 2010 census.[6] It is the county seat and sole municipality of Cook County.[7] Before it was settled by French Canadians and before Minnesota's statehood, Grand Marais was inhabited by the Anishinaabe indigenous people, also known as the Ojibwe. The Ojibwe name for the area is Gichi-biitoobiig,[8] which means "great duplicate water," "parallel body of water" or "double body of water" (like a bayou), a reference to the two bays that form this large harbor of Lake Superior.[9]
The area was a bustling fur trading station in the 1700s, and the French Canadian Voyageurs termed the settled village "Grand Marais" ("Great Marsh"), referring to a marsh that, in early fur-trading times, was 20 acres (8.1 ha) or less in area, nearly at the level of Lake Superior, and at the head of the little bay and harbor that led to the settlement of the village there. Another small bay on the east, less protected from storms, is separated from the harbor by a slight projecting point and a short beach. "Grand Marais" also may mean "sheltered water area", as the harbor has natural breakwall rock outcroppings, providing a natural safe harbor for early Lake Superior explorers.
To the east of Grand Marais is Chippewa City. Chippewa City thrived in the 1890s, with about 100 families living in the village. Francis Xavier church still stands slightly north of town, just off Highway 61. The church began as a Jesuit mission from Fort William, Ontario, in 1855 to minister to the Ojibwe in the area. The permanent structure was built in 1895 and was used until declining attendance forced it to close in 1936. The Cook County Historical Society restored the site between 1970 and 1974 and it was added to the National Register in 1986.
Grand Marais is a gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), via the Gunflint Trail, historically a footpath for travelers and fur traders from inland lakes to Lake Superior. It is now County Road 12, a paved National Scenic Byway that begins in Grand Marais and ends at Saganaga Lake in the BWCAW, near the U.S. border with Ontario. It provides access to many of BWCAW's entry points.
The area is home to several nonprofit educational institutions, such as the Grand Marais Art Colony and the North House Folk School, and art galleries featuring the work of local and regional artists.[10]
On April 13, 2020, a large fire swept through downtown Grand Marais, destroying three buildings: The Crooked Spoon Cafe, White Pine North, and Picnic and Pine. The fire burned for over three hours in intense winds.[6]
Geography[]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 2.90 square miles (7.51 km2), all land.[7] Grand Marais is on the northwestern shore of Lake Superior. It is an entry point for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, at the beginning of the Gunflint Trail. The Superior Hiking Trail passes near Grand Marais, and Judge C. R. Magney State Park is nearby.
The land surrounding Grand Marais slopes up to form the Sawtooth Bluff, a dramatic rock face visible from nearly any vantage point in the city. Adjacent to the bluff is Pincushion Mountain, a large bald monolith with views of Lake Superior and the inland wilderness.
Grand Marais Harbor is protected by Artist's Point, a barrier island formed by lava that was connected to the mainland by gravel deposited by lake currents, forming a tombolo. An Arctic–alpine disjunct community survives there.[8][9]
Road access to Grand Marais is by Minnesota Highway 61, which follows the shore of Lake Superior, and is known as the North Shore Scenic Drive. The Gunflint Trail (Cook County Road 12) begins in Grand Marais and heads northwest, away from the lake and into the Boundary Waters region.
Grand Marais is 110 miles northeast of Duluth and 38 miles southwest of the Canada–US border.
Climate[]
Grand Marais has a warm-summer humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb), like the rest of northern Minnesota. Because of the moderating influence of Lake Superior, summer temperatures are cooler, winter temperatures warmer, and the seasonal temperature difference is smaller than locations farther inland. With average highs of a little over 70 °F (21 °C) in July and August, Grand Marais has the coolest summer temperatures of any weather station in Minnesota. The difference between the temperature of the warmest and coldest months is only 47.6 °F (26.4 °C), significantly smaller than 58.9 °F (32.7 °C), the seasonal temperature difference in Tower, about 90 miles (140 km) to the west.[10] Despite being significantly farther north, Grand Marais lies in USDA hardiness zone 4b like Duluth and Minneapolis,[11] with an average yearly minimum temperature of −23 °F (−31 °C).[12]
| hideClimate data for Grand Marais, Minnesota (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1897–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 52 (11) |
58 (14) |
67 (19) |
83 (28) |
88 (31) |
93 (34) |
99 (37) |
100 (38) |
90 (32) |
77 (25) |
67 (19) |
69 (21) |
100 (38) |
| Average high °F (°C) | 21.4 (−5.9) |
24.7 (−4.1) |
33.3 (0.7) |
43.5 (6.4) |
53.4 (11.9) |
61.2 (16.2) |
69.2 (20.7) |
69.5 (20.8) |
61.9 (16.6) |
49.7 (9.8) |
36.6 (2.6) |
26.3 (−3.2) |
45.9 (7.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 13.5 (−10.3) |
16.2 (−8.8) |
25.6 (−3.6) |
36.1 (2.3) |
45.4 (7.4) |
52.6 (11.4) |
60.4 (15.8) |
61.8 (16.6) |
54.6 (12.6) |
43.0 (6.1) |
30.5 (−0.8) |
19.5 (−6.9) |
38.3 (3.5) |
| Average low °F (°C) | 5.7 (−14.6) |
7.7 (−13.5) |
17.9 (−7.8) |
28.7 (−1.8) |
37.4 (3.0) |
44.0 (6.7) |
51.7 (10.9) |
54.0 (12.2) |
47.3 (8.5) |
36.4 (2.4) |
24.4 (−4.2) |
12.6 (−10.8) |
30.7 (−0.7) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −34 (−37) |
−34 (−37) |
−24 (−31) |
−8 (−22) |
17 (−8) |
25 (−4) |
28 (−2) |
33 (1) |
23 (−5) |
6 (−14) |
−14 (−26) |
−34 (−37) |
−34 (−37) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 0.99 (25) |
0.72 (18) |
0.95 (24) |
1.84 (47) |
2.61 (66) |
3.55 (90) |
3.39 (86) |
2.56 (65) |
2.83 (72) |
3.04 (77) |
1.81 (46) |
1.46 (37) |
25.75 (654) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 15.6 (40) |
8.7 (22) |
6.0 (15) |
3.3 (8.4) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
3.8 (9.7) |
13.4 (34) |
50.9 (129) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 6.9 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 6.5 | 9.1 | 10.5 | 10.3 | 8.6 | 10.2 | 9.4 | 7.1 | 7.3 | 96.5 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 6.5 | 4.8 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 2.4 | 5.6 | 23.7 |
| Source: NOAA[13][14] | |||||||||||||
Recreation[]
There are numerous hiking trails in and around Grand Marais, including the Grand Marais breakwater trail, which leads to the Grand Marais lighthouse. Area fishing lakes are also said to be some of the best in the state.
Demographics[]
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1910 | 355 | — | |
| 1920 | 443 | 24.8% | |
| 1930 | 618 | 39.5% | |
| 1940 | 855 | 38.3% | |
| 1950 | 1,078 | 26.1% | |
| 1960 | 1,301 | 20.7% | |
| 1970 | 1,301 | 0.0% | |
| 1980 | 1,289 | −0.9% | |
| 1990 | 1,171 | −9.2% | |
| 2000 | 1,353 | 15.5% | |
| 2010 | 1,351 | −0.1% | |
| 2019 (est.) | 1,357 | [5] | 0.4% |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 census[]
As of the 2010 census,[2] there were 1,351 people, 673 households, and 331 families in the city. The population density was 465.9 inhabitants per square mile (179.9/km2). There were 863 housing units, with an average density of 297.6 per square mile (114.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 93.4% white, 0.4% African American, 2.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.6% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic and Latino residents of any race were 1.6% of the population.
There were 673 households, of which 21.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.1% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.7% had a male householder with no wife present, and 50.8% were non-families; 43.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.94 persons, and the average family size was 2.67.
The median age in the city was 48.4 years; 18.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 30.8% were from 45 to 64; and 23% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.9% male and 54.1% female.
2000 census[]
As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 1,353 people, 645 households, and 341 families residing in the city. The population density was 506.7 people per square mile (195.7/km2). There were 722 housing units, with an average density of 270.4 per square mile (104.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.97% white, 2.81% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 0.07% from other races, and 1.85% from two or more races. Hispanic and Latino residents of any race were 0.74% of the population. According to the census, 23.3% were of Norwegian, 20.2% German, 11.8% Swedish, 7.0% Irish and 6.1% English ancestry.
There were 645 households, of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.9% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.1% were non-families; 42.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.01 and the average family size was 2.73.
In the city 18.8% of the population were under the age of 18; 6.1% were from 18 to 24; 25.9% were from 25 to 44; 22.8% were from 45 to 64; and 26.3% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45. For every 100 females, there were 83.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $33,493, and the median income for a family was $46,563. Males had a median income of $31,500. The median income for females was $23,393. The per capita income for the city was $21,863. About 7.4% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.9% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.
Politics[]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third parties |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 27.0% 241 | 69.8% 623 | 3.2% 29 |
| 2016 | 30.5% 242 | 60.1% 477 | 9.4% 75 |
| 2012 | 33.3% 265 | 62.9% 500 | 3.8% 30 |
| 2008 | 40.9% 296 | 56.3% 407 | 2.8% 20 |
| 2004 | 45.0% 382 | 52.7% 447 | 2.3% 20 |
| 2000 | 44.7% 371 | 46.7% 388 | 8.6% 71 |
| 1996 | 43.8% 344 | 46.6% 366 | 9.6% 76 |
| 1992 | 36.4% 302 | 36.4% 302 | 27.2% 226 |
| 1988 | 49.7% 431 | 50.3% 437 | 0.0% 0 |
| 1984 | 55.8% 501 | 44.2% 397 | 0.0% 0 |
| 1980 | 57.5% 514 | 33.4% 299 | 9.1% 81 |
| 1976 | 53.5% 416 | 43.1% 335 | 3.4% 26 |
| 1972 | 62.6% 438 | 36.3% 254 | 1.1% 8 |
| 1968 | 55.8% 384 | 40.3% 277 | 3.9% 27 |
| 1964 | 45.9% 332 | 54.1% 391 | 0.0% 0 |
| 1960 | 63.5% 443 | 36.5% 255 | 0.0% 0 |
Education[]
All of the county is zoned to Cook County ISD 166.[17]
Arts and culture[]
Due to the pleasant summer climate with Lake Superior's cooling and temperature moderating effect, and due to the lake-effect snow in winter, tourism is a large component of the town's economy. Grand Marais hosts numerous festivals. They celebrate the history and culture of the North Shore and the city itself.
- Fisherman's Picnic is held in Grand Marais during the first weekend in August.[18] It originated in the days when the area's economy was based on logging and commercial fishing, and the community gathered for a shoreline potluck picnic featuring a fish fry of fresh Lake Superior herring. The tradition continues with the Lions Club's Famous Fishburger Stand. Herring, still provided by local commercial fishermen, is dipped in coating, fried golden brown and served piping hot on a hot dog bun. Each year, Fisherman's Picnic features fireworks over the harbor, contests, and a parade.[19]
- Moose Madness is held the third weekend in October. It celebrates the area's moose population, and is a family-themed event with games, prizes, and activities.
- Grand Marais Arts Festival. This longstanding event is held in early July along Lake Superior's North Shore, in town, with over 70 local and regional artists, live music, and art demonstrations. It is hosted by the Grand Marais Art Colony.
- Summer and Winter Solstice Festivals, hosted by the North House Folk School.
- Le Grand Du Nord. This race takes place on Memorial Day weekend, and is a gravel course that starts in the village's harbor area. The route than climbs to a view of the U.S./Canada border, with almost 6,000 feet of climbing.
- Lake Superior Storm Fest, sponsored by Visit Cook County, celebrated the gales of November and stormy season of Lake Superior.
Media[]
Newspapers
- Cook County News-Herald
- Northern Wilds Media is a monthly magazine that covers the lifestyle of Lake Superior’s North Shore, the BWCAW and northwestern Ontario with news, events, features, and columns.[20]
Radio
- WMLS FM 88.7, Minnesota Public Radio classical
- WLSN FM 89.7, Minnesota Public Radio news and talk
- WTIP FM 90.7, North Shore Community Radio
- K220BI FM 91.9, simulcasting Duluth's Christian talk and teaching KDNI owned by the University of Northwestern – St Paul
- WFNX FM 95.3, local independent broadcaster. Broadcasting a AAA format.
- K288BF FM 105.5, simulcasting Duluth's Contemporary Christian KDNW owned by the University of Northwestern – St Paul
See also[]
References[]
- ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 26, 2020.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
- ^ Jump up to: a b "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". United States Census Bureau. May 24, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
- ^ Silence, Rhonda. "Mayor talks about COVID-19, downtown fire". wtip.org. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ "US Gazetteer files 2010". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2012-11-13.
- ^ "Planning Framework: North Shore Scenic Drive: All-American Road" (PDF). Center for Changing Landscapes. University of Minnesota.
- ^ "Appendix: North Shore Scenic Drive: All-American Road" (PDF). Center for Changing Landscapes. University of Minnesota.
- ^ "Temperature Summary for Station USC00218311 - TOWER 2S, MN". Midwest Regional Climate Center. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map". Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. 2012. Archived from the original on 27 February 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "GRAND MARAIS, MINNESOTA (213282): Monthly Minimum of Minimum Daily Temperature (Degrees Fahrenheit)". Western Regional Climate Center. Retrieved 14 August 2016.
- ^ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ "Station: Grand Marais, MN". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved June 23, 2021.
- ^ "Minnesota Secretary of State-Election Results". Minnesota Secretary of State. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "Presidential General Election Results". Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
- ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Cook County, MN" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 2021-08-12.
- ^ Accessed 06/27/11."Grand Marais Fisherman's Picnic August 4–7, 2011"
- ^ http://www.eastbaysuites.com/activities-and-events/events/fishermans-picnic.php Archived 2012-01-16 at the Wayback Machine East Bay Suites Website
- ^ http://northernwilds.com/
External links[]
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Grand Marais, Minnesota. |
Grand Marais travel guide from Wikivoyage- City of Grand Marais
- Grand Marais Chamber of Commerce
- Grand Marais Area Tourism Association
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