Grand Portage Lodging options

Questions about how to get to the island and where to stay near points of departure.

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mau
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Grand Portage Lodging options

Post by mau »

My wife and I are planning a trip to the Windigo end of the island late this fall. In 2005 I took the Voyager II out of Grand Portage to Windigo and stayed at Ryden's the night before.....was very cheap, simple and worked for us at the time. My understanding is they no longer operate the hotel portion or cafe anymore. So looking for lodging options. I know there is the Casino and you get a discount there, but I recall when I stopped and checked it out it was very very smoky so didn't stay there. Have read very mixed online reviews of the place and am looking for other alternatives. For those that have recently stayed there is it still smoky and smelly?

How about staying in Grand Marais the night before and driving up to the dock early in the am? Anyone here do that ever? Can you recommend a clean, affordable decent place to stay in Grand Marais or closer to Grand Portage? Or is the Casino the best bet vs camping the night before?

Thanks much for any info anyone may have....

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JerryB
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Re: Grand Portage Lodging options

Post by JerryB »

I have always stayed at the casino before going out on the VII. I am not overly sensitive to smoke, but I always found the rooms very clean and inexpensive. I have to imagine it is a step up from the old Ryden's facilities.

The ferry leaves pretty early and that is why we never stayed in Grand Marais.
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Tom
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Re: Grand Portage Lodging options

Post by Tom »

I've been staying at the Casino since Ryden's closed the motel. They've been totally remodeling the hotel; most of the rooms have been given a major refresh. I haven't noticed the smoke smell that I did, say, ten years ago. It's much more contemporary now.
Grand Marais is a possibility, but depending on the time of year, you could pay a price premium. There is certainly more to see and do in Marais, but having visited there enough, I just elect to be closer to the dock coming morning.
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Re: Grand Portage Lodging options

Post by IncaRoads »

Most of my trips to Isle Royale have been after Labor Day. I always enjoyed staying in Grand Marias on the outbound and inbound legs of my travels as there were more restaurant options available.

I had a difficult time trying to get a room in Grand Marias for my upcoming September trip. Every reasonably priced lodging facility was booked up or required a two night stay, even during mid week. Go figure?
mau
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Re: Grand Portage Lodging options

Post by mau »

Thanks much for input on lodging.

Helped me for sure....most likely will give the Casino a shot. It's just a quick nite of sleep before getting on the Voyager and would prefer being closer to the Dock. Stop in Grand Marais for dinner on the way to Grand Portage...
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