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Chillin' with your Mutt in Cook County, Minnesota

  • Writer: Luie Boone
    Luie Boone
  • May 6
  • 5 min read

Updated: Aug 28

This vacation destination is a part of our first series of blog posts titled Pooches Polite.


*Featured image is courtesy of Visit Cook County
*Featured image is courtesy of Visit Cook County

If your ideal vacation includes tail wags, trail walks, and lakeside lounging with your pup, then Cook County, Minnesota should be at the top of your list. Nestled along Lake Superior’s stunning North Shore, Cook County is home to friendly communities like Grand Marais, Lutsen, Tofte and Grand Portage. It is truly a four-legged-friendly paradise!


Dogs love Cook County’s trail systems. There are plenty to choose from! The Superior Hiking Trail offers dozens of scenic sections, which is perfect for short walks or full-day hikes. The Gunflint Trail is another must-visit, as it winds over 50 miles through boreal forest and skirting pristine lakes. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for moose, loons, and bald eagles. We'll have to keep an eye on Luie Boone, too, as he'll be trying to make some new friends with the wildlife!


Water-loving dogs will be in heaven in Cook County. From splashing in Lake Superior’s waves to paddling calm inland lakes in a canoe, there’s no shortage of aquatic fun.


And if you and your pooch are hungry, no worries! After a day of adventure, you can relax with your pup at one of Cook County’s many pet-welcoming restaurant patios. From cozy cafés in Grand Marais to BBQ joints and breweries in Lutsen and Tofte, you’ll find plenty of spots where your dog can dine alongside you.


Whether you're trekking up mountain trails or just soaking up the lakeside vibes while your dog dreams of squirrels in the sun, Cook County, Minnesota serves up the ultimate mix of thrills and chill. It’s like summer camp for humans and their pups—minus the bunk beds and questionable cafeteria food.

CascadeVacationRentals, Facebook                         (June 11, 2018)
CascadeVacationRentals, Facebook (June 11, 2018)

Paws Rest Here


Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Cook County, Minnesota. Check it out below!


Rental Name: Asle Ta

This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 baths.


Photos courtesy of Cascade Vacation Rentals


It features the following amenities:

  • Secluded, rocky shoreline on Lake Superior

  • Lake facing deck (Luie Boone loves the view!)

  • Charcoal grill

  • Quiet road for walking with your pooch


Photo Courtesy of Cascade Vacation Rentals, Facebook (December 10. 2012)
Photo Courtesy of Cascade Vacation Rentals, Facebook (December 10. 2012)

What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:

When we go on this vacation, we’ll be staying in Asle Ta. They say “Azla Toe." Weird, right? I want to know whose toe that is! But that's a mystery to sniff out another day. Right now, let's talk about this paw-fect rental cabin in Lutsen, Minnesota, nestled right on the edge of Lake Superior—or as I like to call it, The Giant Splash Bowl. We’ll be cozy in a 3-bedroom, 2-bath house that’ll probably smell like clean wood and happiness. My favorite spot? The big bed by the window. It'll be perfect for wave-watching and power napping. There’s a giant jetted tub (not for me, but, hey, my humans will enjoy it), a deck that’s ideal for supervising the grilling situation, and a fire pit where I fully intend to see a shooting star and wish for an endless supply of bacon. A pup can only dream, right? But, you wanna know the best part? The private rocky beach! I’m going to sniff every single inch of it. I’ll dip a paw into the lake, roll around in the sunshine, and nap on warm rocks with splashy sounds lulling me to sleep. I’m packing treats, my blankie, and at least three tennis balls. It’s gonna be the kind of vacation that makes my tail wag in my sleep!

Paws Venture Here


Photo Courtesy of TripadvisorCa
Photo Courtesy of TripadvisorCa



Lutsen Mountain Summit Express

This aerial gondola is the best way for you and your pup to view the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior's dramatic coastline.





Photo Courtesy of @legendofnora, Instragram                   (October 7, 2024)
Photo Courtesy of @legendofnora, Instragram (October 7, 2024)










Cascade River State Park

Bring your canine companion with you to Cascade River Park, where you can hike a trail that weaves through birch, spruce, and white cedar. Along the way, you'll discover views of Lake Superior which is, the largest freshwater lake in the world.







Photo courtesy of Liza Brazelton, AllTrails (July 12, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Liza Brazelton, AllTrails (July 12, 2024)


Lake Agnes

Here, you can take a hike that offers you a peaceful escape into the heart of Minnesota’s boreal forest to Lake Agnes. Luie Boone will be sure to take a dip or... maybe, do a big cannonball!




Photo courtesy of Barbara Blake, AllTrails (September 15, 2021)
Photo courtesy of Barbara Blake, AllTrails (September 15, 2021)





Magnetic Rock

Grab your compass and your pal before you hit this easy three mile trail. Magnetic Rock is a 60-foot rock with strong magnetic attraction that will make your compass spin. Look for signs of beaver and moose. Luie Boone hopes to spot them both!







Photo courtesy of Maya Slovut, AllTrails (October 8, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Maya Slovut, AllTrails (October 8, 2024)





Eagle Mountain

If you’re really looking to get into the wilderness with your furry friend, check out the Eagle Mountain trail. This moderate seven mile round trip hike brings you to the summit of Eagle Mountain, which is the highest point in Minnesota.







Photo courtesy of Isaac Godfried, AllTrails (July 24, 2024)
Photo courtesy of Isaac Godfried, AllTrails (July 24, 2024)

Grand Portage State Park

The main attraction of this state park is High Falls, which is the largest waterfall in Minnesota. A boardwalk will lead you and your pooch right to a great view of the water cascading over the rocks. Luie Boone will howl real loud by the waterfall!





Photo courtesy of Candace Hartwig, AllTrails (July 21, 2023)
Photo courtesy of Candace Hartwig, AllTrails (July 21, 2023)



Pincushion Mountain Lookout

From the Pincushion Mountain Lookout, you and your pup will have views over Lake Superior, the Devil Track River, and the town of Grand Marais.






Photo courtesy of Annie Glory, TripAdvisor (April 2013)
Photo courtesy of Annie Glory, TripAdvisor (April 2013)




Java Moose

Across Main Street from Grand Marais harbor, is Java Moose. You can get gorgeous views of Lake Superior from this coffee shop’s dog-friendly patio. Be sure to order the cafe’s "pup cup” (aka whipped cream), along with your latte.






Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about

Cook County, Minnesota


There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:


Every pup who’s been to Cook County, Minnesota will tell you: You have to try the Boundary Waters canoe trip! So, naturally, I have to listen to the pack. I hear that this canoe trip is calm and quiet. Apparently, there’s even a chance you’ll see a loon. That sounds like a water ghost, if you ask me. But here’s the truth about this canoe trip: Despite the potential loon sighting, it’s sounding kinda boring. No squirrels to chase. No sticks to drag around. No other dogs to sniff. Just me, a wobbly boat, and endless water. And those loons? Straight-up demons. They scream like banshees, vanish under the surface, and then pop up miles away like it’s nothing. I bark, I growl, I let everyone know something is very wrong—and what do the humans do? Laugh. Take pictures. Unbelievable! I can't even retaliate, because I'm stuck in this canoe! I just have sit there, staring at the water, wondering why my human don't see a problem with those loons. That being said, I’ve heard some water-loving dogs can tolerate a canoe trip... eventually. But, don’t be surprised if your dog gives you a look, saying: “This is your idea of fun?”

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