An Art Deco-meets-Native-inspired masterpiece awaits along scenic Highway 61, where vibrant murals and lakeside tranquility converge. Constructed in 1928–29 as an exclusive men’s club, the lodge quickly succumbed to the economic crash, reopening in 1939 as a public resort and restaurant. Its namesake reflects the Cree forest spirit Naniboujou, and beneath the iconic 30×80-foot dining room dome, French artist Antoine Goufee painted bold Cree-inspired motifs that still dazzle today.
Whether you pop in for the stunning space, enjoy lodging nearby, or gather with friends over regional cuisine, the entire ensemble feels like stepping into a vivid chapter of North Shore history—authentic, colorful, and quietly unforgettable.
Key Highlights
The 30×80-foot vaulted dining room is the centerpiece—a riot of red, orange, yellow, green, and blue geometric murals inspired by Cree designs. It’s one of few surviving intact works of its era, often likened to a “North Woods Sistine Chapel” for its surreal, immersive impact.
Anchoring one end of the room is Minnesota’s largest native rock fireplace—approximately 20 feet tall and built from over 200 tons of massive stones collected from Lake Superior’s shore. Its dramatic scale and rustic craftsmanship lend gravitas to meals and gatherings alike.
Originally intended as an ultra-luxury resort complete with golf course, tennis courts, and private clubhouse, only the core lodge was built before the Great Depression halted the grand vision. Today it retains much of that elegant ambition in its simplified, peaceful form.
Expect local flavors in the dining room, where the restaurant serves dishes like French onion soup, brunch specialties, and cabin-style comfort food. Just as memorable as the menu are the views—and the uncanny feeling of dining under cathedral-like, chromatic walls.
Atmosphere & Décor
Stepping through the orange doors into the great dining room is like entering another era — light is dimmed, colors glow vividly, and the ceiling arches above like a painter’s canvas come alive. Each line and shade feels deliberate: part Art Deco precision, part folklore storytelling.
Underfoot, warm knotty pine floors complement the wood and cedar-shake architecture, while windows frame glimpses of Lake Superior and the nearby Brule River. The lounge area by the fireplace invites relaxed reading or quiet conversation amid dramatic surroundings.
Even if you don’t stay overnight, the lodge’s sense of timeless charm is palpable. The building’s rustic exterior, dormer windows, and polygonal tower hint at its original ambition, while the interiors reflect careful preservation and thoughtful restoration over decades.
Other Considerations
So how’s the price?
Dining here is higher-end relative to regional inns, but visitors often find the storybook setting justifies it. Room rates reflect boutique charm and seasonal operation, typically active May through October with select winter weekends.
Is parking and access easy?
The lodge is located about 15 minutes northeast of Grand Marais with a small parking area. Once inside, most areas are accessible, but the historic structure includes some stair access that may be challenging for mobility-limited guests.
When’s best to visit?
Summer is ideal for lakeside scenery, hiking nearby Judge C. R. Magney State Park (home of Devil’s Kettle), or walking the Brule River trail. Fall introduces fiery foliage and cooler air—perfect for retreating inside the vivid dining hall fireplace.
Any notable downsides?
The menu has limited offerings, and hours vary—especially for public dining service. Some guests note that lodging amenities are simple rather than lavish. Also, while the Cree-themed décor is beautiful, it reflects colonial-era appropriation and lacks interpretive acknowledgement—something to bear in mind during your visit.
Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant
📍 20 Naniboujou Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Website: https://www.naniboujou.com
