International Walk to School Day is just around the corner. On Wednesday, October 12, all students, families, and community members are invited to join in the fun by starting their day with a walk to school on International Walk to School Day. This is the only fall event, with four routes of “Walking School Buses” in Grand Marais heading to both Cook County Schools and Great Expectations School.

If your student normally gets a ride to school, come in a little early and walk with a Walking School Bus from one of the starting locations: the Cook County Community Center (7:40 a.m. departure), the Cook County Courthouse (7:40 a.m. departure), Birchwood Apartments (7:40 a.m. departure), or County Road 7 and 7th Ave. East (7:30 a.m. departure). Students and community members are welcome to join along the route or meet at the starting location.

“Walking improves students’ performance in school, gives them much-needed daily exercise, allows them to have fun with their friends, and helps reduce air pollution and traffic congestion around schools,” said State Health Improvement Coordinator, Kristina Mattson.

This is one of many initiatives spearheaded by the local Safe Routes to School Committee, working to make it safer and easier for students to walk and bike to and from school. The Walking School Bus routes take advantage of the sidewalks, several of which were built after being identified as being key for Safe Routes to School and community connections by foot.

Cook County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) strives to improve the health of kids and our community by making walking and bicycling to school safer, easier, and more enjoyable. 

For more information about Safe Routes to School Walk/Bike to School Day or to volunteer, contact SHIP Coordinator, Kristina Mattson, at 218-264-9129 or [email protected] or sign up via Sign Up Genius  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4DAEAB2CA6FF2-walk1

This work is supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership/Minnesota Department of Health through Healthy Northland.

About Cook County, MN

Cook County encompasses the sovereign nation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; the City of Grand Marais; the Townships of Lutsen, Tofte and Schroeder; and unincorporated areas in the easternmost part of Minnesota’s North Shore. Cook County Government values transparency and strives to deliver superior services and programs in a fiscally responsible way. We value the dignity of all County residents and seek to create a community that provides opportunity for all. Many of our offices are in the Cook County Courthouse at 411 W 2nd St, Grand Marais 55604. Other departments and facilities, such as the Airport, Community Center, Highway and Sheriff are located nearby. Call 218-387-3000 or visit: https://co.cook.mn.us