Grand Marais Area Ice Climbs (North Shore)

At the base of Nightfall. The impeccable gentlemen...

Description 

Grand Marais is a small harbor town at the North Shore of Lake Superior. The area hosts Minnesota's best natural ice falls: Nightfall and Cascade Falls. Great warm up on the way to Nipigon in Canada. Grand Marais is home to the (almost) annual Gentlemen's Occassional - a gathering of kilted Minnesota ice climbers (see photo). The gathering mixes ritual climbing of Nightfall (in kilts) and large amounts of alcohol later on.

This is a resort town so lodging in one of the hotels or cabins is not a problem (as long as you have the cash). If you feel like eating after climbing, Sven & Ole's has great pizza's. For fun check out the Gunflint Tavern - good beer selection and live local folk music.

Getting There 

From Duluth take MN Hwy 61 North for about 100 miles. Grand Marais is roughly 20 miles north of Lutsen ski resorts.

The Classics

Featured Route For Grand Marais Area Ice Climbs (North Shore)

Nightfall WI4  MN : Grand Marais Area Ice Climb...

The most spectacular natural icefall in Minnesota. Grade may vary depending on conditions but the top section is most often solid WI 4. Several variations exist. The climb may be done on top-rope or on lead and it is fun either way. It is best led in two pitches. For one pitch lead a pair of 60m ropes is required (70m is better) and long runners are needed for the bottom of the vertical flow to minimize drag.Pitch 1: Start from the river and clim...[more]   Browse More Classics in MN

Photos of Grand Marais Area Ice Climbs (North Shore) Slideshow

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BETA PHOTO: Welcome sign by the harbor in Grand Marais.