- Attraction: Drury Lane Books
- Location: 12 E Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604
- Industry: Bookstore
- Website: https://drurylanebooks.com/
Picture this:
You’re walking down Wisconsin Street in Grand Marais, and suddenly the vast expanse of Lake Superior opens before you like nature’s own amphitheater. At the very end of this charming street sits a 1905 chinked-log cottage that houses one of Minnesota’s most beloved independent bookstores.
Drury Lane Books defies every stereotype about small-town retail – this isn’t just a place that happens to sell books, it’s a literary sanctuary where every title has been thoughtfully chosen for readers who crave something beyond the ordinary.
What started as author Joan Drury’s retirement dream in 2002 has evolved into a North Shore institution that packs approximately 5,000 carefully curated books into just 650 square feet of selling space.
The cottage itself tells its own story – originally built as a settler’s home during Grand Marais’ early fishing days, it later housed various businesses including Sivertson Gallery before becoming the book lover’s paradise it is today.
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Keep Exploring →Literary Treasures & Hidden Gems
Local Authors Collection: You’ll discover an outstanding selection of Minnesota writers that goes far beyond what you’d expect from a small bookstore.
From survival guides that speak to the North Shore’s rugged outdoor culture to works by regional poets and novelists, the local section captures the authentic spirit of this Lake Superior community.
Classics & Contemporary Fiction: The fiction shelves showcase an impressive range spanning from Jane Austen to contemporary bestsellers, with particular attention paid to works that offer literary depth.
You’ll find titles that make you think twice about what you thought you knew about modern literature, alongside beloved classics that never go out of style.
Children’s Reading Nook: The dedicated kids’ section creates a cozy space where young readers can settle in and explore. The children’s book selection demonstrates the same thoughtful curation as the adult titles, featuring both beloved classics and exciting new releases that spark imagination.
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Discover MoreSpecialty Collections: Beyond typical bookstore fare, you’ll encounter fascinating specialized sections including outdoor survival guides perfect for North Shore adventures, cookbooks that invite experimentation, and diverse literary voices including LGBTQ+ literature that reflects the store’s inclusive atmosphere.
Seasonal Recommendations: The hand-picked seasonal displays change throughout the year, ensuring that whether you visit during the tourist rush of summer or the quiet contemplation of winter, you’ll discover books perfectly suited to the mood of Lake Superior’s ever-changing personality.
Atmosphere & Unique Features
Lakefront Window Seat: The coveted window seat offers the ultimate reading experience, complete with bright blue cushions and an unobstructed view of Lake Superior’s endless waters.
On calm days, you can lose yourself in a book while watching the lake’s gentle rhythm; on stormy days, the dramatic waves create their own captivating show just outside the glass.
Historic Cottage Charm: The building’s original 1905 architecture creates an intimate, almost hobbit-like atmosphere with glossy white shelves lining chinked-log walls. The structure feels both sturdy and welcoming, with wooden floors that creak just enough to add character without being distracting.
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Keep Exploring →Two-Room Layout: The compact space maximizes every square inch, with books flowing naturally from one room to the next. Despite the small footprint, the layout never feels cramped – instead, it creates the sense of discovering a secret literary hideaway.
Lake Superior Soundtrack: The constant presence of Lake Superior adds an ever-changing natural soundtrack, from gentle lapping on calm days to dramatic roaring during storms that can make outdoor conversation nearly impossible.
Special Events & Community Connection
Full Moon Readings: These magical evening events happen around bonfires on the beach, creating an otherworldly literary experience where stories and starlight merge. The events celebrate both local writers and visiting authors, fostering a true sense of literary community.
Author Events: The store regularly hosts meet-and-greets with both established and emerging writers, often featuring Minnesota authors who understand the unique culture of the North Shore region.
Children’s Story Hour: Saturday morning storytimes led by Kevin Kager (son of founder Joan Drury) continue the store’s commitment to nurturing young readers in the community.
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Discover MoreYear-Round Operations: Unlike many seasonal businesses in this tourist destination, Drury Lane remains open throughout the harsh Minnesota winters, serving as a gathering place for locals when the tourist crowds disappear.
Other Considerations
Thoughtful Pricing: The pricing reflects the quality of curation rather than big-box competition, with books priced fairly for an independent bookstore. The value comes not just from the book itself, but from the expertise behind choosing titles that truly deserve shelf space.
Perfect Location: Situated between Lake Superior and World’s Best Donuts, the bookstore anchors the end of Wisconsin Street in an almost fairy-tale setting. The location makes it a natural final destination for anyone exploring downtown Grand Marais.
Accessibility: The store features wheelchair accessibility via a ramp entrance on the west side, though some narrow passages between shelves reflect the historic building’s original layout constraints.
Family-Friendly: Children are genuinely welcomed here, not just tolerated, with dedicated space and programming that encourages families to browse together without feeling rushed.
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Keep Exploring →Parking Convenience: Street parking is typically available nearby, and the downtown Grand Marais location means you can easily combine your bookstore visit with other local attractions and dining.
Best Visiting Times: While summer brings crowds and special events, winter visits offer a more contemplative experience when locals have more time to linger and the pace naturally slows to match the season’s rhythm.
Drury Lane Books
📍 12 E Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604
