Best Family-Friendly Lodging in Grand Marais
Why families choose East Bay Suites for North Shore getaways.
Looking for family lodging in Grand Marais that combines space, convenience, and access to North Shore adventure? 

East Bay Suites offers lakefront accommodations just steps from downtown, making it easy to explore local shops, restaurants, and the shoreline without needing to get back in the car after you arrive.
Relaxing Water Time

One of the things families love most about East Bay Suites is the location. Set right on East Bay Beach, just steps from Lake Superior, spontaneous beach time is always part of the plan. Whether it’s early‑morning sunrise walks, a picnic by the water, or skipping rocks along the shore, the lakeshore is quite literally outside your door.

For families looking for a traditional swimming option, East Bay Suites also provides complimentary day passes to the Cook County YMCA.

No matter the season, being this close to Lake Superior is a memorable experience. The lake is always changing making each visit a new North Shore moment to enjoy.

North Shore Adventure

One of the best parts of staying in Grand Marais is how easy it is to explore the North Shore with the whole family. From short hikes and beaches to scenic overlooks and cultural stops, adventure is always close by. 

Nearby Favorites

Just a short drive from East Bay Suites, you’ll find some of the North Shore’s most family‑friendly attractions:

  • Judge C. R. Magney State Park 
  • Cascade River State Park 
  • Temperance River State Park 
  • Recreational Park Beach
  • Artist’s Point
  • Sweetheart’s Bluff
  • Pincushion Mountain
  • Kadunce River Trails
  • Wildflower Sanctuary
  • North House Folk School
  • Put N Pets

Easy Day Trip Ideas

Grand Portage National Monument
Spend the day exploring museum exhibits, historic grounds, Lake Superior’s shoreline, and a stop at nearby High Falls, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall.

Chik‑Wauk Museum and Nature Center
Located at the end of the Gunflint Trail, this museum pairs perfectly with the nearby Magnetic Rock Trail, a relatively easy four‑mile hike popular with families and older kids.

Mix one outdoor stop with a cultural or museum visit to keeps kids engaged and helps balance adventure with downtime.

Steps from Downtown

One of the biggest perks of staying at East Bay Suites is how easy it is to experience downtown Grand Marais without ever getting in the car. With restaurants, shops, and shoreline attractions just a short walk away.

From the front door, it’s an easy stroll to:

  • Local restaurants featuring fresh, regional ingredients
  • Ice cream shops perfect for an afternoon treat
  • Coffee stops like Java Moose and Crosby Bakery
  • Local art galleries and studios
  • Harbor and lighthouse walks
  • Lakefront picnic spots with beautiful views

Families especially love the freedom that comes with walkable lodging, grabbing breakfast without loading up the car, lingering downtown after dinner, and letting kids burn off energy while parents enjoy the scenery.

Build in extra time to wander. Downtown Grand Marais is full of small shops, lake views, and surprise stops that kids love.

Room To Spread Out

When traveling with family, having space to spread out and space to be together makes all the difference. That’s where East Bay Suites truly shines. Instead of squeezing into a standard hotel room, families can settle into thoughtfully designed suites with shared living rooms and full kitchens that feel like a comfortable home base for their North Shore adventure.

East Bay Suites offers:

  • Full kitchens for easy meals and snacks
  • One‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom suites
  • Separate living areas for relaxing and reconnecting
  • Private lakeview balconies or patios to enjoy Lake Superior any time of day

With extra space and in‑room amenities, families can move at their own pace. Preparing meals on your schedule, keeping nap and bedtime routines intact, and comfortably staying together with grandparents or larger groups all become stress‑free. After a full day of exploring, there’s plenty of room for movie nights, games, and downtime.

Pack a some groceries or walk over to the Co-op, having a full kitchen makes mornings less rushed and evenings more relaxed, especially after long days exploring the North Shore.

Gather Together

At East Bay Suites, family time doesn’t stop when you’re not out exploring. A variety of welcoming indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, along with complimentary guest extras, make it easy to relax and play together throughout your stay. 

Communal spaces include the Stone’s Throw Lounge, a perfect place for games, reading, or winding down after the beach, while seasonal treats like cocoa or lemonade add a fun bonus. Outside, lakefront patios, fire pits, and beach lounge chairs set the scene for grilling, marshmallow roasts, and relaxed evenings by the water as the waves roll in. East Bay Suites also offers a variety of complimentary activities and gear that encourage families to stay active and entertained without over‑planning.

Travel light and play more. Games, gathering spaces, and simple extras are already waiting, no need to bring the entire house with you.

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