Artist’s Point & Lake Superior

About

Artist's Point is a small but striking peninsula of ancient basalt rock that extends into Lake Superior at the eastern edge of Grand Marais harbor. Named for the countless painters, photographers, and sketchers it has inspired over the decades, this natural formation delivers some of the most dramatic shoreline scenery on Minnesota's North Shore.

The point is made up of exposed volcanic rock - dark, angular basalt formations sculpted by centuries of Lake Superior's waves and ice. Walking across the uneven rock surfaces, you're surrounded by water on three sides, with views stretching across the vast inland sea to the horizon. On stormy days, waves crash spectacularly against the rocks. On calm mornings, the water takes on impossible shades of blue and green.

The Grand Marais lighthouse sits nearby, and the point provides excellent vantage points for watching the light at sunrise or sunset. During winter, the rocks collect elaborate ice formations that draw photographers from across the region.

Grand Marais itself is a small harbor town that punches above its weight in arts and culture. Galleries, studios, and the Grand Marais Art Colony have established it as one of the Midwest's most vibrant arts communities. The town's restaurants feature locally sourced cuisine, and the harbor offers charter fishing opportunities.

Nearby hiking options include Sweetheart's Bluff, which features a wheelchair-friendly lake view trail that returns to the trailhead along the waterfront. The Superior Hiking Trail passes through the area for those seeking longer adventures.

Artist's Point is free to visit at any time and requires no reservation - just drive to the end of Broadway Avenue in Grand Marais and park. It's one of those rare places where world-class natural beauty is completely unrestricted and available to everyone.

Accessibility

Artist's Point presents significant accessibility challenges due to its natural terrain. The peninsula consists of uneven, exposed basalt rock with no paved paths or railings. Reaching the point requires navigating two or three cement steps at the entrance, followed by walking across rough, uneven rock surfaces that can be slippery when wet.

The point is not wheelchair accessible, and visitors using mobility aids will find the terrain extremely difficult to navigate. The rocky surfaces are unsuitable for standard wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters.

However, the adjacent areas offer more accessible alternatives. The harbor area near the point has paved surfaces where visitors can enjoy views of the lighthouse and Lake Superior. Nearby Sweetheart's Bluff features a wheelchair-friendly lake view trail that provides scenic overlooks of Lake Superior without the challenging terrain of the point itself.

Parking near Artist's Point is available along Broadway Avenue and in a small lot near the harbor. The parking area is paved and relatively flat. Accessible restrooms are available in downtown Grand Marais, a short distance from the point.

Visitors with mobility concerns should consider the Sweetheart's Bluff accessible trail as an alternative that delivers similar Lake Superior views on a more manageable surface. Contact the Grand Marais Visitor Center at (218) 387-2524 for current trail conditions and accessibility guidance.

More accessible places in Minnesota

• Science Museum of Minnesota (St. Paul)
• Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (Minneapolis)
• Minnesota Zoo (Apple Valley)
• Mall of America (Bloomington)
• Minneapolis Institute of Art (Minneapolis)
• Voyageurs National Park (International Falls)