Tofte offers several specific highlights for trip planning: coastal views of Lake Superior, the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, and a variety of trails.
Coastal Views and Walking Trails
At Tofte Bayview Drive, the Gitchi-Gami State Trail crosses Highway 61 back to the lakeside. There, the trail offers views of Lake Superior’s waters and coast. A walking trail also runs along the lakeshore in Tofte Community Park. Those looking for a shore walk will find a named trail in the park; the view from Bayview Drive is part of a specific section of the trail.
The two locations offer different ways to take in the surroundings: a trail section with views of the lake and coast, or a walking trail along the shore. Park amenities and trail conditions may change; check current notices before your visit.
Fishing History and Tofte Park
The North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing historical knowledge about commercial fishing and the early way of life along the coast and waters of Lake Superior. The museum is a replica of the twin fishing house that stood in Tofte. The original house housed two fishing operations: that of Andrew and John Tofte, and that of Hans Englesen. This offers a way to explore the history of commercial fishing through a specific building and the businesses based there.
Another part of the area’s history concerns Tofte Park: Elizabeth Tofte donated it to the Town of Tofte in 1922. Its historic features include natural-stone bridges and a stream. A drinking fountain is now used as a wishing well. The park’s features add the site’s own history to the story of fishing and coastal life.
Hiking, Cross-Country Skiing, and Mountain Biking
Tofte has a trail network for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The Britton Peak Trailhead in Tofte also has a trail network suitable for all skill levels. North of Tofte, Ray Berglund Wayside offers a short hike along the Onion River. These provide different options: a specifically short outing by the river and a trail network for all skill levels.
Tofte Community Park adds a lakeside walking trail to these options. When planning, it helps to choose the type of activity clearly: a walk by the water, a short hike along the Onion River, and a trail network for cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are different kinds of outings. Trail access and conditions may change; check current notices before setting out.
Water Activities and Events
Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte offers canoe and kayak rentals as well as kayak tours. The outfitter also helps plan hiking, biking, kayaking, and canoeing trips, and can assist with customizing them. So, in addition to rentals and kayak tours, the offerings include planning support for other activities. Availability and planning services may change; it is best to confirm specific plans in advance.
Tofte’s annual 4th of July Celebration includes the Tofte Trek, a 10-kilometer walk, children’s sprint races, a one-mile youth run, and a 10-kilometer run. Race-program details may change from year to year; check the information for your preferred event year. For another occasion, the Town of Tofte rents out Tofte Town Park for weddings, reunions, and family gatherings. Booking terms may change, so it is advisable to confirm in advance.
Discover more destinations: Lutsen, Grand Marais
Go to the overview for the wider area: Cook County.
