Bird/Wildlife Viewing

Cook County is blessed with birds! A total of 155 species (give or take a few) breed in Superior National Forest. In 2001, those three million acres were designated a Globally Important Bird Area. The variety of forest and terrain, including deciduous and conifer forest, bogs, streams and lakes, create a huge range in habitat. Add the very large body of water represented by Lake Superior to the mix, and you can understand why spring and fall migrations are times of especially rewarding birding.

The Boreal and Fall Migration Birding Festivals, sponsored by North House Folk School, are designed to intrigue birders at all levels (888-387-9762). A Birder’s Guide for Cook County is available for the asking at the Grand Marais Visitor Center (888-922-5000). Come and get your checklist started – or lengthened.

Wildlife viewing is on everyone’s list, even if lodging is in town. Moose is at the top, but you may spot wolf, fox, pine marten, lynx, black bear, beaver, otter and deer, depending on your activities. Visit the area often, and you may see a cow moose with her calf (or twins), a bear lunching on blueberries, and hear a loon’s cry announce the end of day. Yes, life gets pretty wild in Grand Marais.

For additional information, call the Cook County Visitors Bureau Information Center:
1-888-922-5000 or 218-387-2524