Cliff Dweller's Most Frequently Asked Questions

September 2026

1. Where is the closest place to eat?

Bluefin Bay and Coho Café & Bakery are both nearby in Tofte. You’ll also find Moguls Grille & Tap Room and Charlie’s Alpine Bistro at Lutsen Mountains.

2. What is the best place to eat nearby?

We often recommend Cascade Restaurant & Pub. The menu has something for everyone, the atmosphere is comfortable and casual, and the Lake Superior setting is hard to beat. Plus, Cliff Dweller guests receive a 10% discount.

3. What is there to do around here?

Plenty! You’re in a great spot for exploring the North Shore. Hike to a waterfall, bike or walk the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, visit Lutsen Mountains, explore the Superior Hiking Trail, spend an afternoon in Grand Marais, or simply find a quiet spot along Lake Superior and enjoy the view. Tell us what you like to do and how adventurous you’re feeling, and we’ll gladly point you in the right direction.

4. Where can we get an actual sit-down breakfast?

Cascade Restaurant & Pub is one of our favorites for a good sit-down breakfast. There are also breakfast options in Grand Marais, but Cascade is closer and comes with a pretty Superior view. Pun intended.

5. Is there a short, easy hike nearby?

Absolutely. For the easiest option, step right onto the Gitchi-Gami State Trail from Cliff Dweller. It’s paved, relatively flat, and you get to choose your distance since the trail continues in both directions. It’s perfect for a morning walk, an easy bike ride, or simply stretching your legs. A short walk east on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail will lead you to the Onion River and Ray Berglund State Wayside, which has some great trails!

6. Is there anything within walking distance?

Yes. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail is accessible right from the property, and there are a few short walks and Lake Superior access points nearby. Ask us at the front desk and we can help you choose an option based on how far you’d like to go.

7. Where is the best place to see the stars or Northern Lights?

On a clear night, you may get a great view right around Cliff Dweller. For even darker skies, heading a little farther inland can help get you away from lights along Highway 61. Look for a safe, public place to pull over and be respectful of private property. Northern Lights are never guaranteed, but when conditions line up, the North Shore can put on quite a show.

8. Where are the best waterfalls nearby?

You have several great choices. Cascade River State Park is one of our favorites and is conveniently located between Cliff Dweller and Grand Marais. Temperance River State Park is another excellent option nearby. If you’re up for a longer day trip, you can continue up the shore toward Judge C.R. Magney State Park and Devil’s Kettle. Water levels change throughout the year, so every season offers a slightly different experience.

9. Do you allow pets?

Yes, we welcome dogs. There is a $20 per night pet fee. Please contact us if you have any questions about bringing your dog or which rooms are pet friendly.

10. Do you offer AAA, Good Sam, senior, or military discounts?

We offer a 10% veterans discount. At this time, we do not offer AAA, Good Sam, or senior discounts.

11. How far are you from Lutsen Mountains?

Lutsen Mountains is about a 10-minute drive from Cliff Dweller, making us a convenient home base for a day on the slopes or a trip up the mountain during the warmer months.

12. How far are you from Grand Marais?

Grand Marais is about 26 miles away, or roughly a 30-minute drive depending on road and weather conditions. It’s close enough for an easy day trip while letting you come back to a quieter spot on the lake at the end of the day.

13. How far is Cascade Restaurant & Pub?

Cascade is about 13 miles from Cliff Dweller, roughly halfway between us and Grand Marais. It makes a great breakfast stop on your way into town or a relaxing dinner stop on your way back.

14. Do you offer a shuttle service?

Unfortunately, we do not offer shuttle service from Cliff Dweller. If transportation is going to be part of your trip, please plan accordingly since options can be limited along the North Shore.

15. My cell phone isn't working. What should I do?

Cell service can be spotty along the North Shore. We recommend connecting to our Wi-Fi and turning on Wi-Fi Calling on your phone. Once it’s set up, calling and texting are usually much easier when cell coverage is weak.

16. Can we hang out in the sunroom?

Of course. The sunroom is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and guests are welcome to relax there. Grab a book, play a game, plan tomorrow’s adventure, or simply enjoy a little extra room to spread out.

17. Can we use the sunroom after 8 p.m.?

We can generally allow guests to enjoy the sunroom until quiet hours begin at 10 p.m. We simply ask that you keep noise to a minimum out of consideration for the guests staying nearby and the housing below. No loud music or parties, please.

18. What is there to do in Grand Marais?

Grand Marais is an easy place to spend a few hours or an entire day. Walk around the harbor, visit Artist's Point and the lighthouse, browse the downtown shops and galleries, grab coffee or a meal, or head up the Gunflint Trail for a scenic drive. If you tell us what you enjoy, we can help narrow down the options.

19. Can we get down to Lake Superior from the hotel?

Cliff Dweller sits right on the shore of Lake Superior, so you're never far from the water and those incredible views. The North Shore is rugged, though, and shoreline conditions can change with waves, weather, ice, and water levels. Ask us about the safest nearby access during your stay.

20. Is there a bike trail nearby?

Yes, and this is one of the best things about our location. The Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs right by Cliff Dweller, giving you convenient access for biking, walking, and exploring without having to drive somewhere first.

21. Where should we go for a good hike?

That depends on how much hiking you want to do. Oberg Mountain is a North Shore favorite for big views, while Cascade River State Park offers trails, waterfalls, and plenty of scenery. There are also sections of the Superior Hiking Trail throughout the area. Stop by the front desk and tell us how many miles, how much elevation, and how muddy you're willing to get. We'll help you find a good fit.

22. What can we do if it's raining?

Rain doesn't have to ruin a North Shore day. Take a scenic drive, explore the shops and galleries in Grand Marais, settle into the sunroom with a book, grab a long breakfast or lunch, or throw on a rain jacket and go waterfall hunting. Waterfalls can be especially impressive after a good rain.

23. What should we do in winter besides ski?

There's much more to winter on the North Shore than downhill skiing. Depending on conditions, you can snowshoe, cross-country ski, winter hike, explore Grand Marais, look for frozen waterfalls, or simply enjoy a quiet winter day beside Lake Superior. Winter is also a wonderful time for stargazing and watching for the Northern Lights.

24. Where can we see wildlife?

Wildlife can turn up almost anywhere on the North Shore. Deer, foxes, eagles, beavers, otters, and other animals call this area home, and you may occasionally spot moose or even a black bear. Your best bet is to explore quietly, especially early or late in the day. Always give wildlife plenty of space and never approach or feed wild animals.

25. Where is the nearest grocery store?

The closest option is Tofte General Store; about 4 miles SW on Highway 61. The town of Grand Marais will have the largest selection. If you tell us what you're looking for, whether it's a few snacks, drinks, picnic supplies, or groceries for your stay, the front desk can point you toward the most convenient option.

26. When is the best time to see fall colors?

Fall color timing changes a little every year, but September into early October is generally the heart of fall color season along the North Shore. Colors can also vary between the Lake Superior shoreline and the higher elevations inland, which means there's often somewhere beautiful to explore even if one area has already peaked.

27. When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

There's no guaranteed night or season for the Northern Lights, but the darker months offer longer viewing opportunities. Late August through early spring can be especially good because of the longer nights. Check the aurora forecast, find a dark location, give your eyes time to adjust, and be patient. Sometimes the best show starts after everyone else has gone to bed.

28. Is there a good scenic drive nearby?

You're already on one. Highway 61 along Lake Superior is one of the great scenic drives in Minnesota. Head toward Grand Marais for waterfalls, overlooks, shops, and restaurants, or travel south toward Temperance River, Tettegouche, Split Rock Lighthouse, and other classic North Shore stops. The Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marais is another beautiful option if you'd like to head inland.

29. What should we make sure we don't miss while we're here?

If it's your first North Shore trip, we'd make time for at least one waterfall, one good Lake Superior overlook, a walk or bike ride on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, and a few hours exploring Grand Marais. Beyond that, don't feel like you have to fill every minute. Some of the best North Shore vacations include plenty of time to simply sit by the lake and enjoy being here.

30. What is your favorite thing to do around here?

That depends on who's working the front desk, so ask us! We live and work here because we love the North Shore, and everyone has their favorite trail, waterfall, restaurant, overlook, or quiet place. Tell us what kind of day you're hoping for and we'll help you find something you'll enjoy.