Photo by Visit Cook County
“We’re heading up north.” It’s a simple phrase that means so much—especially now, after the standstill that was early 2020. We’ve all hunkered down. We adjusted to life during a worldwide pandemic. We developed new habits to keep ourselves and those around us safe and healthy. It took time to build this new way to navigate the world, and we’re ready to venture out once again. Now it’s time to head up north to Cook County, where you can enjoy the people, places, and environments you love.
Reconnect with Creativity
Artists are drawn to Minnesota’s arrowhead region like bees to a meadow of flowers. The land’s natural beauty is a source of inspiration to artisans looking to hone their craft and admirers searching for new and creative pieces to enjoy.
Photo by Visit Cook County
Cook County’s Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour is an annual event meant to invoke the senses and spark creativity for both visitors and locals alike. This creative group of local artists are excited to be able to continue to host the Fall Studio Tour again in 2020! And in the year of COVID-19, there will be some special adjustments for everyone’s health and safety. Face coverings will be required at all stops on the tour, and some locations will have capacity parameters in place. For those unable to attend in person, there is an new online sales component of the tour this year, with links and more information available on the event webpage.
“Change is part of growth,” explains Linda Jurek, Visit Cook County Executive Director. “We’re very excited to offer opportunities for visitors and locals to enjoy. Art Along the Lake Fall Studio Tour will be extra special this year.”
Reconnect with Adventure
When summer’s heat begins to melt away, more and more adventurers come out to explore. All-terrain mountain biking, exhilarating hikes, the alpine slide, or a dip in Lake Superior are just the tip of the iceberg of fall adventures in Cook County. There’s so much to see and do in the area that you’ll find yourself returning again and again. For more ideas on fall travel in the area, read Visit Cook County’s fall adventure bucket list.
Now more than ever before, it is important to recreate safely. Keep your groups to four to six people. Wear your masks or face coverings when you engage in a public setting. If you’re feeling at all unwell, take care of yourself, minimize your contact with others, or consider planning your visit for another time. Visit Cook County wants everyone to stay healthy, so we can all enjoy our favorite activities in our own way. Read Visit Cook County’s visitor pledge to learn about the county’s safe practices.
Photo by Visit Cook County
Reconnect with Nature
The many unique natural environments found within the region have remained pristine for hundreds of years. Visitors and locals alike have a deep-seated respect for the land and are committed to preserving it for future generations. We all want to enjoy the environment while minimizing our impact.
If we all adopt a “leave no trace” philosophy, it will ensure all trails, campsites, or other areas are left in the same (or better) condition than when we arrived. Cleaning up any messes, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of others are simple principles to adopt when traveling—and they’re key to keeping Cook County the beautiful, wild place we all love.
It’s been a tumultuous year of ups and downs, and Visit Cook County looks forward to making your next visit all the more memorable. Head north. We’ll see you soon.
