There are many things Grand Marais is known for. Being America’s Coolest Small Town, being a vibrant art community, a mecca for those wanting to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and The Big Lake.
When I say “The Big Lake”, I, of course, mean Lake Superior. However, “The Big Lake” can also now mean the quaint little artsy store located on 1st Ave in downtown Grand Marais.
The Big Lake opened its doors in May of 2018. They opened with the goal of being an affordable shop for art and handcrafted items. You can find jewelry, pottery, ceramics, and even a line of beautiful greeting cards here.
Owner Abby Tofte wanted a place where a family could come in and be able to afford a piece for their home or a children’s room. A place where a young couple could create a dream nursery for a new baby at a price that wouldn’t scare new parents away. Many of the pieces have a child/infant theme to them, like Shawna Gilmore’s “Giants in a Strange Land” series. You can also find children’s books and clothing at The Big Lake. The Big Lake is the place to visit for a unique, custom gift for your next baby shower.
The adults are not left out, however. The Big Lake is now the exclusive retailer for Hannah Palma Ceramics in Grand Marais. These bowls, mugs, and other ceramics are quickly becoming synonymous with sipping coffee on the Lake Superior shoreline in Grand Marais. There are also several lines of jewelry, including Seventh & Stone from Two Harbors, MN. A variety of more adult artwork, screenprints, candles, and other handmade works round out the beautiful variety of products offered.
While Abby enjoys featuring some local and regional artists, there are already several places in Grand Marais where you can find such works. Instead, Abby stocks The Big Lake with pieces that create the feeling of Lake Superior and the feeling people get when visiting this area. This means featuring artists like Minnesotan Adam Turman whose pieces capture the feel of Minnesota and Wisconsin life. Also Jahna Vashti, an artist from Oregon whose whimsical forest scenes will be familiar to Minnesotans. From realistic artwork to more whimsical pieces, you are sure to find what you are looking for here.
Be sure to stop by during your next trip to Grand Marais. The Big Lake is located at 12 1st Ave West in downtown Grand Marais. Can’t make it up to shop? No worries! Shop online on their website. You can also connect with them on Facebook and check them out on Instagram.