The Great Lakes region of the US (and Canada) is seriously underrated. The lower cost of living combined with the opportunities for outdoor adventure make the region a gem. If you have a passion for nature, appreciation of the 4 seasons, and a desire to pursue a financially independent lifestyle, the region might be for you.
The first area I am profiling here is the Twin Ports of Duluth, MN, and Superior, WI. Effectively one metro area, these cities straddle the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. Nestled among towering pine forests at the foot of Lake Superior, the Twin Ports provides quality of life at a relatively low cost. My wife and I relocated to Superior 5 years ago from Eastern Maine. Before that we lived in the Twin Cities and Northern Colorado. In my twenties I moved around quite a bit, always looking for adventure in a new outdoorsy locale. In addition to Maine, Minnesota, and northern Colorado I spent years in Denver and Bozeman, Montana.
As great as the area is, the Rocky Mountains became: a. super crowded, and b. more expensive than they’re worth in my opinion. Plus, we prefer being around water. Since settling down here we have no intention of leaving. The low cost of living coupled with my well-paying (healthcare!) job in town, and her job (working remotely) based in the twin cities allows us to pay our house off quickly. We can simultaneously also save a significant portion of our income in pursuit of financial independence. This area is made for the FIRE community.
The Great Outdoors
Head in any direction and you’ll find yourself in the woods within 10 or 15 minutes. Bordering national forests on several sides, these cities offer an escape for the outdoors enthusiast. Among the forests are giant serene lakes and roaring rivers that cut through the landscape. On the north shore of Lake Superior are bluffs and cliffs that climb out of the un-salted sea to provide top notch rock climbing. All with with a breathtaking backdrop, of course. Check out the excellent mountain biking trails found all through the region.
If you prefer less adrenaline-fueled adventures, the spring fed Brule Bois River is home to world renowned fly fishing and paddling. Snowmobile/ATV trails run along the South Shore of the lake from Superior, WI. They continue all the way to the heart of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!
Lutsen mountain offers some of the best skiing in the region on the Sawtooth mountain range. Admittedly smaller than the Rockies, Cascades, or Sierras, Lutsen reminds me of East Coast skiing. It does well to scratch the skiing itch between trips out west. If you miss freeskiing, Mt. Bohemia to the east, provides an excellent destination for small mountain skiing among big snow. Experience the lake effect at the fullest at Boho, with huge precipitation drawing from the big lake and dumping on the small mountains. No grooming, limited amenities, and a cheap price to match give the ski area a wild, independent vibe.
Don’t forget you can surf the Great Lakes, and Superior reigns supreme. Up to 25 foot waves make for prime saltless surfing, especially during the late fall or early winter. As Gordon Lightfoot sang, the Gails of November come early.
In Town
In town there are plenty of bars and restaurants, and breweries with tasting rooms like Cedar Lounge in Superior. Live music fills the spaces indoors and outdoors (when the weather agrees) daily. Va Bene in downtown Duluth offers incredible views paired with freshly made pasta for fine Italian dining.
Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake nearby has phenomenal sandwiches, craft beers, and similarly impressive views of Lake Superior. Stop in at Canal Park mainstays like Grandma’s Saloon, Little Angie’s, or the Lakewalk. Canal Park includes Hoop’s Brewery and Vikre Distillery, great places to imbibe in a round of your favorite adult beverage. Take a minute to watch tanker’s come in at the lift bridge in the busiest port on the Great Lakes.
