Companies alongside the North Shore are Prepared for Summer time Tourism

DULUTH, Minn. – Last year tourism on the North Shore was limited at this time, but now stores are open expecting a busy summer.

Cafes, campsites, and restaurants along the North Shore are open and ready for summer visitors. Eric Sturtz runs the New Scenic Cafe and says it has only been outdoors for quite a while and he is ready to do business.

“We definitely took a hit last year, both with the pandemic and with the bridge closing – we hope to do more business this summer than last year,” said Sturtz.

Some travelers have a head start on their summer plans. Lac ie Johnson and her family came to the North Shore on a road trip to enjoy the fine weather and local shops.

“This summer it feels really good to have more freedom – to be able to do things safely,” said Johnson. “So it feels good to just get out there and take a road trip, see people and go to these fun little shops.”

Campsites and cabin rentals are already full. Bob’s huts are fully booked until the end of August and the dates are even running out for early autumn.

“People really are – especially with the warmer temperatures in the twin towns, a lot of people came north for the cooler temperatures,” said Laura Goodman, co-owner of Bob’s Cabins.

Companies continue to ease social distancing requirements. Café Mocha Moose ended its mask mandate this week and sales have been strong.

“It’s been stable, I think we’re starting to see the summer traffic we were hoping for,” said Mocha Moose owner Brian Hanley. “Memorial Day weekend was fantastic, we saw huge crowds on Saturday and Sunday at the door.”

In addition to striving to welcome crowds, most companies encourage their customers to continue to practice social distancing.