Visit

Located in the harbor-side village of Grand Marais, Minnesota, with direct access to Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the Art Colony is a gateway for people to tap into their creativity, learn new artistic methods, and dedicate space and time to explore their aesthetic questions and work.

Add the Art Colony to your North Shore trip itinerary! The public is welcome to visit year round and whether you come in February or July you’ll find artists at work. Stop in at our exhibit space, Studio 21, and tour our five studio spaces. Or attend one of the Art Colony’s annual events which give visitors and art appreciators the opportunity to observe artist demonstrations, view exhibited work, and participate in hands-on art activities.

Getting Here

Ground Travel

Note: Due to our unique location, GPS, smartphones, and other devices can give incorrect directions in and around Cook County.

FROM: Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area

Head north on Interstate Highway 35E or 35W, then continue north on Interstate 35 toward Duluth. Follow Interstate 35 through Duluth until you see signs for Highway 61/North Shore. Follow Highway 61—the nationally recognized North Shore Scenic Drive—to Lutsen and Tofte, approximately 240 miles from the Twin Cities and 80 miles from Duluth.

FROM: Duluth

Follow Highway 61 north to Lutsen and Tofte, approximately 80 miles from Duluth.

FROM: Thunder Bay, Ontario

Follow Highway 61 south to the Canada/U.S. border, then continue south along the North Shore Scenic Drive to Lutsen and Tofte, approximately 100 miles/160 kilometers.

FROM: Chicago, Illinois

Head to the NW Tollway (Interstate 90). Continue on 90 to the 90/94 split. Take 94 North to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, then head north on Wisconsin 53 North and continue on to Duluth, Minnesota. Head north on Interstate 35 in Duluth, which will take you to the Highway 61/North Shore exit. Follow the North Shore Scenic Drive to Lutsen and Tofte, for a total drive of roughly 550 miles.

Canadian border crossing information

Canadian citizens entering the U.S. need a valid passport or approved travel document. Specific requirements depend upon age and citizenship status. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s website will have the most up-to-date travel information.

Things to do along the way

The North Shore of Lake Superior is full of attractions and beautiful views. If you are looking for places to stop along the way, we recommend using North Shore Visitor’s mile-by-mile guide.

Alternative Ground Transportation Resources
If you are interested in ride-sharing with fellow students from your area, please contact us and we will help to coordinate. We cannot guarantee this as an option for every class or student.

Air Travel

The closest airports are located in Minneapolis/St. Paul and Duluth, Minnesota, and Thunder Bay, Ontario.

For more information on scheduling flight and ground transportation, call your travel agent or visit the following airport websites:

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