View the SPECTACULAR North Shore Scenery and BWCAW from the air!

Sawtooth Aviation

Flightseeing Tours

Modern Airplane and Experienced Pilots

Spectacular Sights of the North Shore

Year-Around Flights Available

Minnesota North Shore Scenic Flights. Scenic airplane rides and tours available to fit your schedule. Moose scouting, Gunflint Trail, fall color tours, Lutsen, Grand Marais and all the sights along the beautiful shore of Lake Superior. Call Mike and JT to arrange your flight today.

Year-round Flights


Minnesota North Shore Scenic Flights. Scenic airplane rides and tours available to fit your schedule. Moose scouting, Gunflint Trail, fall color tours, Lutsen, Grand Marais and all the sights along the beautiful shore of Lake Superior

  • Spring

    View the Waterfalls

    Experience a breathtaking adventure like no other! We will fly above the tributaries of the North Shore of Lake Superior and view many waterfalls along the way. Our expert pilots will guide you through a smooth and comfortable flight experience.

  • Summer

    Grand Marias

    Our knowledgeable guides will share interesting facts and stories about the places we fly over, giving you a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and natural environment of each location. You’ll also have the opportunity to interact with your pilot tour guide.

  • Fall

    Enjoy the Fall Colors

    The Gunflint Trail and BWCA Wilderness lakes provide a perspective of the vast wilderness spreading for miles into Canada. Eagle Mountain at 2301 feet above sea level is Minnesota’s highest point. There is always the potential for sightings of moose and other wildlife.

  • Winter

    A Great Time to See Moose

    Winter provides a unique and beautiful perspective of the North Shore. Steam fog over Lake Superior, the vast white landscape and a great time to see moose and animal tracks.

  • Year-round Flights Available

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FAQ

Frequenty Asked Questions

Where do we meet you to fly?

We meet at the Grand Marais/Cook County Airport at 123 Airport Road, Grand Marais, MN. It's about 8 miles from downtown Grand Marais near Devil Track Lake. There are signs along the way. Drive the Gunflint Trail from town to Devil Track Rd and follow the signs. Once at the airport we meet in the blue/grey terminal building. You can wait inside if the pilot is not waiting for you when you arrive. Restrooms are available there. Park in front of the terminal or across the parking lot.

How much advance notice is required?

We are typically available on short notice. If you want to book a flight in advance we typically suggest that you leave a couple of days open so the best weather day can be picked for your flight. We like to pencil in your dates and then communicate a day or two before you arrive.

How do we book a flight?

You can call, text or email us to set up your flight. We do not keep regular hours at the airport, so you may not find us there without a reservation.

What do I need to bring?

Normal clothing for the season is appropriate. The airplane has a heater, but no air conditioning.

How do we pay?

We take cash, check or credit card. Gift certificates are available on request.

Where do you fly?

The half-hour flight typically takes in some waterfalls along the North Shore, a circle around Grand Marais harbor, the shore of Lake Superior, and a flight along the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. You'll see rivers, lakes and vast stretches of the Superior National Forest. We'll fly near the highest point in the state, Eagle Mountain at 2303 feet above sea level, on the tour. The full hour tour takes in most of the same sights, but will spend more time along the shore of Lake Superior (either north or south of Grand Marais), and skirt the wilderness boundary and the U.S.-Canada border. Another option is to follow the Gunflint Trail corridor in and out of the BWCAW. Special flight itineraries are available.

Will we see any wildlife?

Maybe. There's a chance to see moose, black bear or deer from the air. Beaver lodges, trumpeter swans and other waterfowl are often seen. Wolves are rare to see, and we've yet to spot a whale in Lake Superior!

Can we take pictures?

Yes, bring your camera or phone.

How may passengers can you take?

This depends on the weight of passengers, pilot and fuel load. Typically we are set up to carry two passengers, but a 3rd is possible with enough advance notice.

What airplanes do you fly?

We fly a Cessna 172 Skyhawk for most flights. There are seats for 4 occupants (pilot and passengers). We also have a Cessna 180 Skywagon on amphibious floats for seaplane rides and charter work. Contact us for more details on that service.

Who are your pilots?

Mike Raymond and JT McMillion are both long time local pilots with lots of flight experience and knowledge of the area.

Ready to take a tour?

Our Pilots


Our Pilots, Mike Raymond, and JT McMillion have been flying Minnesota's North Shore, the Gunflint Trail, BWCAW and Isle Royale for over 16 years.

Mike Raymond

Pilot

JT McMillion

Pilot

PRICING


available flight options

Year-round flights from Grand Marais/Cook County Airport 8 miles from Grand Marais. We discount rides 10% for kids 15 and under. Sales taxes are added to these rates (currently 8.375%). Weight restrictions apply.

Half-hour Flight

Cessna 172 Skyhawk

$165

Book Your Flight

One Hour Flight

Cessna 172 Skyhawk

$300

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Half-Hour Flight

Cessna 180 Skywagon

$240

Book Your Flight

One Hour Flight

Cessna 180 Skywagon

$420

Book Your Flight

Testimonials


Contact Us


Ready to take a tour? Call or email us today to book your unforgetable adventure with Sawtooth Aviation!