Whether you spend your time rock climbing or rock skipping or just sitting quietly and enjoying the scenery, a weekend at Hollow Rock Resort goes by far too quickly, as this family can attest.
The cottages at Hollow Rock Resort in Grand Portage are warm and welcoming, with fireplaces and northwoods décor. There are many options available, from the cozy one-bedroom Marten cabin to the larger Eagle or Fish cabins that offer room to gather kids and grandkids. But no matter which cottage becomes “home” at Hollow Rock Resort, it is the scenery that steals the show.
The star of the show is of course, the rock formation known as Hollow Rock. The reason for the name is immediately— and awe-inspiringly—evident. The unique geologic formation juts out from the shore as Lake Superior continues to splash around and through the craggy hollow.
The rock changes with the waves and the weather. In the winter it is dusted with snow or decorated with glistening ice formations. When the sky is calm and the lake a peaceful periwinkle blue, visitors can leapfrog across the rocks to almost enter the hollow. There are few experiences more rewarding or relaxing than making your way to the opening to sit and listen to the “gulg-gulg-gulg” of the waves against the worn cavern walls.
Although guests at Hollow Rock Resort will likely spend most of their time outside, the lovely cottages are wonderfully welcoming. This photo of the Moose cabin is taken from atop Hollow Rock.
The smaller rocks on the beaches of Hollow Rock call out for attention too. There are rocks to skip; rocks to stack; rocks that sparkle when dunked in the water; smooth rocks to pocket; and of course rocks to climb on and sit on. The secluded beach behind cabin 5—Moose cabin—offers shelter from the wind between two rocky outcroppings, becoming a perfect sunbathing spot.
But no matter where they wander—to the old dock to the east of Hollow Rock or to Hollow Rock Creek on the west, visitors are continually drawn back to Hollow Rock. The rock stands stalwart when the wind picks up and waves swirl around it. As waves roll around Hollow Rock, the quiet gurgling is gone, replaced by the sound of the powerful crashing waves. As fog rolls in, Hollow Rock looks mythical, rising out of sea. From morning until night, from season to season, the sky and water change around Hollow Rock.
Old-timers will tell you that there have been dramatic changes over the years, to both the resort and the rock formation. Once a tiny mom-and-pop operation, Hollow Rock Resort is now owned by the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and operated by Grand Portage Lodge. It now boasts seven beautifully constructed or renovated cottages, with not just running water, but lovely full bathrooms (some cabins with two). The natural log sided cabins are scattered around the resort grounds, each with a covered porch to allow being outside no matter the weather. The interior colors are neutral with rustic-looking faux finishes and the artwork reflects the area. The modern elements—like the spiral staircases to the lofts in Moose and Bear cabins—blend seamlessly with the handcrafted wooden railings and the knotted pine paneling.
The old-timers will tell you too, that Hollow Rock itself has changed with the lower water level of Lake Superior. Once those who wanted to peer into the hollow had to use a boat to reach it. Now, visitors are not only able to make it to the hollow at lake level, they are also able to carefully make their way to the top of the Hollow Rock for a bird’s eye view of the shore.
One thing that has not changed is the peace of mind of just being at Hollow Rock. Whether it’s a family group enjoying rock skipping and sitting around a bonfire at night or honeymooners strolling the beach, all leave Hollow Rock Resort feeling refreshed—with their own memories of Hollow Rock.
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