This post, featuring my top picks for the best Grand Marais hotels for families may contain affiliate links + hosted stays—all thoughts and opinions about the stay are my own. For more, please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy (linked below).
Planning a weekend getaway in Grand Marais with kids? You’re in the right place! As a Minnesota mom who’s been traveling to this charming harbor town for nearly 20 years—first as a couple, now with our young daughter—I’ve stayed at (and scouted!) some of the best Grand Marais hotels for families.
Whether you’re dreaming of cozy North Shore cabins, walkable downtown locations, or spacious vacation rentals with room to roam, I’ve got your family’s needs covered. These kid-friendly Grand Marais hotel picks are based on real family stays, real snacks packed, and real memories made. Plus, a few more vetted favorites to help you find the perfect spot to rest your heads after a day of skipping rocks and chasing sunsets. Here’s where to stay in Grand Marais with your kids!
Thomsonite Inn on Lake Superior
Just outside downtown Grand Marais, Thomsonite Inn offers kid-friendly accommodations and postcard-perfect views of Lake Superior. It’s one of our favorite Grand Marais hotels for families, especially if you’re looking to balance adventurous days with cozy lakeside nights by the fire. We loved the recently renovated rooms (most with kitchens!), the lakeside bonfire ring, and the wood-fired sauna overlooking the water—yes, really!
With room sizes compatible for families of 2–6, complimentary bikes in summer, snowshoes in winter, and access to the Bluefin Bay Activity Program, there’s something here for every season. Plus, in-room kitchens make it easy to start the day with pancakes or your own coffee brew. Of course, the sauna is perfect for chilly evenings. You can use it whenever you want, though you’ll want to mind the sign-up sheet during the high season.
Kids will also love the s’mores kits and the open space to run around. Meanwhile, grown-ups will appreciate the North Shore vibes and thoughtful touches. Plus, it sits on a stretch of shoreline known for Minnesota’s state gemstone, Thomsonite—a cool extra detail that makes this spot even more special. When it comes to kid-friendly places to stay in Grand Marais, Minnesota, this one’s a gem (literally!).
Snapshot of Family Amenities for Thomsonite Inn
Here’s a quick rundown of all the family amenities you can expect at Thomsonite Inn:
- Sleeps 2 – 6
- The property is located on the Lake Superior shoreline
- Wood-burning sauna
- Nightly bonfires (s’mores included!)
- Complimentary use of road bicycles (summer)
- Complimentary use of snowshoes (winter)
- Access to the Bluefin Bay Activity Program
- Some rooms include amenities like decks and full kitchens
Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
Waking up to the sound of Lake Superior’s waves is pure magic, and Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts in Tofte makes it even better with its range of amenities for all ages. On a recent family getaway with our daughter, we found everything we needed for a fun, relaxing family stay right on site. Bluefin Bay is about 30 minutes from downtown Grand Marais. Its location still gives you excellent access to everything there is to love about exploring Cook County, with unparalleled family amenities right on site.
Our two-bedroom suite had plenty of space to spread out. It included a cozy wood-burning fireplace and unbeatable lake views. We loved starting our mornings with pastries from Coho Café and ending the day with s’mores by the bonfire. Of course, you can’t beat a dip in the outdoor pool or hot tub! Our daughter bounced between the pools, hot tubs, and playground. As parents, we appreciated the convenience of having dining, play, and rest all in one beautiful place. They even have complimentary daily activities like crafts and guided hikes.
From seasonal gear rentals to family-friendly dining and roomy accommodations, Bluefin Bay truly checks every box for a wholesome North Shore getaway. It’s now one of our top picks for the best hotels near Grand Marais for families. It is especially great for multi-family or multi-generational travel parties.
Read more about our experience here: My Complete + Honest Review of Bluefin Bay in Tofte, Minnesota, for Families
Snapshot of Family Amenities for Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts
Here’s a quick view of the kid-friendly amenities found at Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts:
- Bluefin Bay (where we stayed) offers guestrooms, suites, condos, townhomes, and more that sleep up to 8 people
- Surfside offers suites and 2- to 3-bedroom condos that sleep up to 8 people
- Temperance Landing offers 3-bedroom log homes that sleep up to 8 people
- Some rooms include kitchens, private outdoor seating, wood-burning fireplaces, lake views, multiple bedrooms, and other family-friendly amenities
- Indoor pool and hot tub
- Indoor sauna and fitness facilities
- Outdoor pool and hot tub (for Bluefin Bay Resort guests only)
- Outdoor fire pits (complimentary s’mores kits are available, too!)
- Complimentary activities and guided hikes for all ages (some may require reservations)
- Complimentary recreational equipment (like kayaks, ice skates, snowshoes, etc.)
- Tennis courts
- Winter ice skating rink
- Lakewalk along the shore of Lake Superior
- Multiple on-site restaurants
- Waves of Superior Spa (full spa experience + services)
- Playground for young kids
Timber & Tide Cabins
If you’re searching for the best Grand Marais vacation rental for families, look no further than Timber & Tide Cabins. Our recent stay at Tide Cabin felt like the perfect blend of everything we love about the North Shore—cozy cabin vibes, unbeatable lake views, and space to unwind and connect. Please note that most of my remarks relate to our stay at Tide Cabin (Timber has its own amenities, which I’ve listed below). Both cabins are open year-round.
As far as kid-friendly places to stay in Grand Marais go, this one is a standout amongst cabin rentals! The moment we arrived, we could hear the waves crashing against the shore. And, when I saw the view in the morning, I literally said, “holy shit!”. You are right on Lake Superior—you literally can’t get any closer.
Inside, the cabin oozes summer camp nostalgia with wood paneling, a record player, and a PAC-MAN machine (that kept our tween daughter entertained for hours!). We made pancakes in the cozy kitchen, played games as a family, and hiked nearby trails. The private wood-burning sauna was a favorite for all of us. The sauna is steamy and relaxing with a direct view of the water.
If you’re dreaming of North Shore cabins for families that invite you to slow down, soak up nature, and reconnect, Timber & Tide Cabin truly delivers. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a full-on experience we can’t wait to repeat.
Snapshot of Family Amenities for Timber & Tide Cabins
Both cabins are set on historic Croftville Road (just minutes from downtown Grand Marais). And, they offer vintage summer camp vibes. Cabins can be booked together or separately. Here is a quick list of the family-friendly amenities found at Timber & Tide Cabins:
Tide Cabin:
- 2-bedroom, 1-bath log cabin (sleeps 6)
- Panoramic Lake Superior views + 165 feet of shoreline
- Spacious living room with floor-to-ceiling windows onto the lake
- Office/game room with a dedicated workspace
- Well-stocked kitchen with a dining table
- Wood-fired barrel sauna facing the lake
- Kid-approved amenities like a record player, PAC-MAN, books and games for all ages, and more
Timber Cabin:
- 1-bedroom, 1-bath with a queen-size pullout couch (sleeps 4)
- Views of Lake Superior (across the road)
- Vintage books and games
Norfee Cottage
If you’re dreaming of North Shore cabins for families that offer both comfort and seclusion, Norfee Cottage is a hidden gem on the Gunflint Trail. Tucked among towering pines on Poplar Lake (about 45 minutes from downtown Grand Marais), this cozy log-sided retreat feels worlds away—in the best possible way. The cabin has three bedrooms and sleeps up to 6, making it one of the best vacation rentals for large families in Grand Marais.
From mornings spent sipping coffee on the lakeside deck to evenings by the wood stove playing board games, Norfee Cottage is all about slowing down and reconnecting. There’s a fully stocked kitchen, three comfy bedrooms (including a bunk room!), and excellent Wi-Fi. Summer brings opportunities for paddling, swimming, and berry picking on Poplar Lake. Meanwhile, winter is perfect for snowshoeing, hiking, and cozy fireside moments. The cabin is open year-round. Though, winter visitors should expect fewer restaurants and other closed establishments during the low season.
With direct access to the Boundary Waters, wildlife sightings, nearby trails like Honeymoon Bluff and Magnetic Rock, and even the northern lights on clear nights, this cabin is a true four-season sanctuary for families looking to unplug and make lasting memories. It is still one of our favorite stays in Minnesota!
Snapshot of Family Amenities for Norfee Cottage
- 3-bedroom, 1-bath (sleeps up to 6)
- Fully-stocked kitchen
- Waterfront cabin with private lake access
- Complimentary canoes (2) + a large floating dock
- Deck overlooking the lake
- Outdoor fire pit
- Wood-burning stove
- Books and games for all ages
- BWCA access
- Located on the Gunflint Trail
Read Next: 8+ Exciting Things to Do on the Gunflint Trail this Winter with Kids
A Few More Places to Consider
While we haven’t personally stayed at every lodging option in Grand Marais, several properties have come highly recommended by travel families we know and trust. Through a mix of firsthand stories and thoughtful research, we’ve identified a handful of additional recommendations that consistently deliver on comfort, convenience, and family-friendly amenities, making them well worth your consideration.
Here are a few more hotels in Grand Marais to consider in your search:
- East Bay Suites (downtown Grand Marais) offers 1- to 3-bedroom suites right on Lake Superior. Amenities include complimentary s’mores, painting kits, movies, and board games.
- Northern Goods Micro Hotel (downtown Grand Marais) has two rental units: a studio apartment and a 2-bedroom suite (sleeps up to 6). Both share a communal kitchen and a rooftop patio overlooking Lake Superior.
- Best Western Plus Superior Inn (downtown Grand Marais) has standard queen, king, and suite-style rooms. The hotel also offers a complimentary full hot breakfast, a giant indoor hot tub, and private beach access.
- Croftville Road Cottages, just minutes from downtown Grand Marais, offers cottages and hotel suites. Cottages sleep up to 6.
- Skyport Lodge & Raven Rock Grill is located on Devil Track Lake (15 minutes from downtown Grand Marais). Lodge rooms or cabins are available. Amenities include lake access, a sauna, watercraft rentals, on-site dining, and a community room with games.
- Gunflint Lodge & Outfitters is located on the Gunflint Trail, about an hour from downtown Grand Marais. This classic Northwoods lakeside resort offers a variety of accommodation types, including cabins. The endless family amenities include lake access, guided hikes, watercraft rentals, ziplines, and on-site dining.
- Cascade Lodge (Lutsen) provides several accommodation options, from the main lodge and private cabins to a large chalet-style vacation home. The property has direct trail access, a kids’ playground, outdoor equipment rentals, and a library with books and games.
If you’re wondering where to stay in Grand Marais with kids, these added options stand out for their welcoming vibes, kid-approved perks, and easy access to everything that makes the North Shore special. From traditional hotels to lakeside lodges, each one offers something unique to help your family experience the best of Grand Marais together.
Have Fun Exploring Grand Marais with Your Kids
We hope you find the perfect lodging option for your next family weekend getaway in Grand Marais! Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway in Grand Marais with your kids or a longer adventure along the North Shore, finding the right home base can make all the difference. From lakeside resorts to cozy cabins, these picks reflect the kinds of places that help families slow down, connect, and soak up the beauty of Lake Superior.
As a Minnesota mom who’s explored this area with my own family for nearly two decades, these are the kid-friendly places to stay in Grand Marais, Minnesota, that I’d recommend in a heartbeat. Whether you’re looking for spacious North Shore cabins for families or the best hotels near Grand Marais with pools, saunas, and easy access to town, there’s something here to match your style. Plus, a few extra ideas to give you all the best options for your upcoming stay in Cook County. Wherever you stay, Grand Marais has a way of leaving you refreshed, inspired, and already planning your next family trip.
Unless otherwise noted, all images in this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.