Grand Marais Rec Park nears season’s end with steady year in revenue

As fall progresses and winter nears, the staff at the Grand Marais Recreation Park is preparing to close the campsites, bathhouses, and grounds.

Overall, business and campsite reservations at the rec park this summer and fall have been similar to the previous year. “We finished almost even with last year’s performance,” said Parks and Recreation Manager Dave Tersteeg.

The rec park’s revenue is up 2% from the previous year, Tersteeg said. “We did increase our rates by 5% and so we had stable, flat occupancy.”

Full-service water and bathhouse services will remain open until Sunday, Oct. 19, in the rec park. Winterizing of the park will begin Monday, Oct. 20.

The weekend, coinciding with MEA, is one of the last busy weekends in Grand Marais and along the North Shore. Tersteeg said the rec park is fully booked for reservations that weekend.

WTIP’s CJ Heithoff spoke with Parks and Recreation Manager Dave Tersteeg about the end of the rec park season and other city initiatives. The audio is below.

Kalli Hawkins October 11, 2025