In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, we’re bound to have an abundance of fishing towns. We’ve got more picturesque villages and cute small towns than you can shake a stick at – and more than a few of them were built around a fishing heritage. And with all the towns 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.

Pete Markham/Flickr 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.

Gordon Ray/Cook County Historical Society/Facebook Fish houses were built on dock-like platforms on the lake to allow skiffs to come close.

Grand Marais MN/Facebook 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.

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

Anthony Auston/Flickr 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 MN/Facebook 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.

Mr. Outdoor Guy/Flickr 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. They sell bait, rods, and plenty more - including their signature Beaver Flick lure.

Patty Carlson/Flickr 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.

North House Folk School/Facebook 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.

Scott Schumacher/Flickr 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.

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

Have you ever fished in Grand Marais? Or maybe you have a favorite fishing town of your own?

Pete Markham/Flickr

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.

Gordon Ray/Cook County Historical Society/Facebook

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

Grand Marais MN/Facebook

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.

Anthony Auston/Flickr

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.

Mr. Outdoor Guy/Flickr

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. They sell bait, rods, and plenty more - including their signature Beaver Flick lure.

Patty Carlson/Flickr

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.

North House Folk School/Facebook

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.

Scott Schumacher/Flickr

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.

djvass/Flickr

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

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