The harbor village of Grand Marais, Minn., has charmed its way to the title of "Best Midwestern Small Town," as chosen by USA Today readers.
Located at the end of North Shore Scenic Drive, the town of fewer than 1,300 (and 2,000 in the summer) has been a popular destination for winter and summer activities.
On Friday, USA Today announced the winner and described the Boundary Waters gateway city as a charming town with "art galleries, quirky restaurants, local shops and diverse lodging."
It notes the town is home to "one of the nation's best art colonies" and that it serves as a "gateway to outdoor adventure."
Grand Marais competed against 19 other small Midwestern towns, including Bayfield, Wis., and Lanesboro, Minn., which came in third.
But this win is no surprise.
In 2015, Grand Marais was named "America's Coolest Little Town" by Budget Travel for its "energetic vibe that often combines community spirit with a vibrant arts scene, great food, natural beauty and unique history."
Linda Jurek, executive director of Visit Cook County, said about 10,000 people voted for Grand Marais in the USA Today poll.