Grand Marais
Grand Marais sits on a remote stretch of Lake Superior's southern shore, where a natural sandbar and breakwall create one of the Great Lakes' most reliable surf setups. The small harbor town is surrounded by the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, adding stunning scenery to your surf session. When NW winds push swells into the bay, waves line up nicely with both left and right options. The local scene is small but stoked—this is surfing at its most pure, far from crowds and hype, just you and the lake.
Grand Marais surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNW (330°)
- Direction range
- 310° - 25°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.95×
- Ideal period
- 6s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 90° - 180°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
7°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Small harbor town. Beach access from waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Grand Marais?
The Grand Marais profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Grand Marais?
The Grand Marais profile uses wind from SE (135°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 90° to 180°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Grand Marais?
The Grand Marais scoring profile favors swell from NNW (310° to 25°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 6s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Grand Marais?
The main season at Grand Marais is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Apr. Fall and winter storms. NW-N swells work best.
How do I get to Grand Marais?
The spot profile lists MQT as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. Small harbor town. Beach access from waterfront.
What kind of wave is Grand Marais?
Grand Marais is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
Fall and winter storms. NW-N swells work best.