Care Partners is a non-profit organization that supports community members on the journey of aging and end-of-life. Volunteers provide rides, help with occasional chores, make friendly visits for companionship and non-medical respite, and offer vigil support at end-of-life. Staff assist with care coordination; end-of-life and advance planning; and caregiver coaching and consultation. We support those caring for older adult loved ones near or far through retreats, classes, and monthly gatherings. We encourage aging well through a monthly grief support group, monthly Lunch & Learn community education classes and Reframe Aging Roundtable discussions, and through active involvement in community-wide, collaborative efforts such as the Cook County Aging Coalition and Age Friendly Cook County initiative.
Coldwater Foundation is an outdoor ministry in the rugged and beautiful wilderness of Northern Minnesota. Rugged, small group wilderness courses are designed for you to grow in faith and character, and experience life to its fullest.
Located within walking distance of the Grand Marais Harbor, Cook County Schools, and Cook County Courthouse, our 19 acre campus offers both recreational opportunities and a low cost, flexible facility for use by members of the community. The Community Center is a gathering place for groups of all kinds- from clubs to birthday parties, official meetings to weddings. The commercial kitchen is an incubator for start-up food businesses in the community as well as being available for events.
Community Education offers sports programs, clubs, and other activities for youth and adults in Cook County. Community Education is part of the ISD 166 district office services.
University of Minnesota Extension is here to provide Cook County community members with research informed educational opportunities related to horticulture, gardening, food systems, nutrition, and family resiliency. Our programming is responsive to community-identified needs and evolves over time to meet the changing needs of county residents.
Cook County Higher Education (CCHE) is a educational organization that provides lifelong opportunities for people of all ages and at every stage of life. Through classes, workshops, certifications, lectures, discussions, and events, CCHE helps community members and visitors explore new interests, build practical skills, pursue educational and career goals, support their families, and engage more deeply with their community.
Programs cover a wide range of topics, including workforce and professional development, health and safety, outdoor skills, technology, language learning, local history, aging and caregiving, financial and homeownership education, civic engagement, author talks, book discussions, and personal enrichment. Opportunities are available for soon-to-be parents, families with young children, students, working professionals, retirees, and lifelong learners of all kinds. Whether someone is seeking a certification, preparing for a career change, learning a new skill, finding resources to support their family, exploring a topic of interest, or simply enjoying the opportunity to learn alongside others, CCHE provides accessible learning experiences that enrich individual lives and strengthen the Cook County community. Don't see what you're looking for? Let us know. We welcome suggestions for future classes, topics, and instructors as we continue working to connect interested learners with the educational opportunities they seek.
The Prevention Coalition is a community-wide initiative to prevent substance misuse and suicide. The Coalition meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month at Cook County Higher Education with a Zoom option.
The CCTPA manages several courts in Grand Marais supporting the community with events, equipment, and classes for the sports of Pickleball and Tennis. Check online schedules for events, classes, and court information. Memberships available.
The YMCA is a full service facility open to visitors and community members complete with gymnasium, lap pool with zero depth play area and water slide, whirlpool, sauna, weight room, cardio room, group fitness classes. Community programs include dance, martial arts, cheer, swim team, swimming lessons and more. The YMCA also provides a child care center and school-age child care programs. Visit the website for rates and facility schedules.
The Grand Marais Art Colony is a gateway for people to tap into their creativity, learn new artistic methods, and dedicate space and time to explore their aesthetic questions and work. The GMAC hosts artistic residencies, community events, and educational classes for youth and adults in a wide variety of mediums.