And, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many are making their way up North from near and far to see the peak of fall colors.

This comes as Cook County officials are welcoming visitors to the area safely during the prime tourism season.

On Sunday, the wooded areas around Grand Marais and Finland were busy with hikers.

“Definitely magical—the North Shore. The Power and spirit of the lake seriously,” Paul Deaner, a local of Finland said.

According to Deaner, there has been an uptick in tourists visiting the area. “The area is getting slammed with people who hunger for that color and that experience,” Deaner said.

Dan Hinton, the Guest Services Manager at Blue Fin Bay echoed these words.

“This is our peak season of the year because everybody wants to come up and see the fall colors. It's a special time to see the outdoors that they can't see any other time of year,” Hinton said.

According to Hinton, the resort was full or close to full on Sunday. But, despite the busyness, Hinton said safety is still in place—including enhanced cleaning measures and social distancing among guests.

“They're all taking different hiking trails to look at the different colors so it's very safe and very beautiful right now,” Hinton said.

Guests taking advantage of a trip up the shore included families, friends and even newlyweds. Paige and Taylor McDonald of Michigan came to the North Shore for their honeymoon.

“I don't think we could've picked a better week to come,” Paige said. “It's gorgeous. I love fall colors. I love fall.”

So while we are all navigating through the pandemic, at least we can enjoy some of the picture perfect sights the northland has to offer.

To see the original article and related reporting, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website.  https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/fall-colors-peak-pandemic-/5868597/?cat=10335