We have been vacationing in Grand Marais for years, first as occasional summer visitors and now as year-round regulars with a cabin on a nearby lake. I've watched downtown evolve over the years, including some tough times during the last recession. It's warmed my heart to see new shops opening over the past three years and Upstate MN is easily the most thoughtfully curated of the bunch! Part gallery, part boutique, you will find unique items and a rustic chic aesthetic that makes shopping a delight. As much as we're in the area, we still find something new every time we stop by and Kristofer's warm welcome -- not to mention his commitment to building relationships with artisans, members of the community, and visitors alike -- make Upstate MN a must-visit. It's ALWAYS on my list when people ask me where to go in Grand Marais. Do yourself a favor and stop by! read more

I'm so glad to have found this little shop online! I'm just obsessed with how fun and unique it is. I've done my shopping online so far but am hoping to be able to visit the shop soon! I wanted to leave a review because my online experience was so great. The website is so cool and the photos make me want to buy everything! It's all so nicely done. I really enjoy supporting local businesses and I love that the Upstate MN website lets everyone do that even when they are far from Grand Marais. I think whoever it was that left the one star review must have been the problem that day, because I can't imagine ever having an experience like that with this store. You can tell they really put a lot of care into what they do. I'm a happy customer! I will place many, many more orders in the future! read more

Excellent! I ordered a pair of handcrafted scissors from the online shop and was pleased to receive them speedily and beautifully wrapped with a nice note thanking me for the order and sending well wishes. Kristofer's attention to detail is clearly evident in taking care of his customers and is refreshing to experience! One can tell how thoughtfully he curates his shop--there are plenty of high quality home goods, kitchen wares, cabin decor, gifts, art, and more to browse and buy. If you see something in the shop and fall in love, I'd say to go ahead and go for it. The quality and craftsmanship of the items is plain to see. The scissors I bought are my new favorite and I can tell they'll last for many, many years! read more

We just finished a visit in Grand Marais and this was our favorite store! The owner was so so so kind to our kids (he told them they could touch whatever they wanted and that he wanted them to explore) and to us. He welcomed every customer into the store and seems like such a carefree person. It was my birthday and he even gave me a small candle when we made our other purchases. I'm surprised about the previous reviewer's comments that he favored locals as I didn't get that feeling at all (and I'm not a local). The store had amazing products and I took a card so I can refill my candles and put things on my wish list. Loved our experience! read more

In LOVE with this store! I would drive up to Grand Marais just to stop in!!! All of the items are curated and displayed in such an intentional and interesting way. This shop is such an exciting addition to Grand Marais. I thought that the owner was super happy, helpful and kind. My husband and I stopped in after traveling to Grand Marais after our wedding- everything that we purchased at Upstate has become a reminder of that weekend. The best part is that it was all high quality, handcrafted pieces that I know will last for years to come! Thanks for being awesome UpstateMN!! read more

Upstate MN is a bright, welcoming environment filled with a carefully curated inventory; it was a delight to visit this shop last fall. The owner is incredibly personable and had answers for any questions we had on items we were interested in. We couldn't be happier with our cookbook and candle selections. We were able to find and take home pieces of our heritage and childhood in the treasures we found. I eagerly watch for new shop additions in the online store and we will definitely be back for another visit in person in the future. read more

Really surprised by the earlier negative review referencing the owner. My husband and I just stopped in during our vacation this past weekend, and we--though we are "outsiders"--were treated so kindly! The gentleman working there (I'm assuming the owner) joked with us and other customers, and was super friendly and helpful. The merchandise selection was pretty awesome! So much we wanted to walk out with, and the environment felt "hip" without feeling exclusive or snobby. We'd definitely stop in again. read more

This place is so much more than a store Front. This is a must stop place on your travels through this fun quaint little small town. The store is full of unique wonderful things that you don't know you need until they are in your grateful hands. Come experience what all the buzz us about for yourself. Even if your not in the market for new fabulous things... make sure to stop in to say hello to the owner Kristofer... If his arms aren't already full with somebody else you'll probably get a hug:-) read more

I want everything in this shop. It's a delightful collection hosted by a warm, inviting and knowledgeable owner who clearly takes pride in his shop and customers. I purchased a lovely print and other odds and ends that continue to make me smile when I see them around my house. Also a fabulous place for gifts. And the jewelry...swoon! This is not your typical souvenir shop. It's a special place curated by a special person in one of the most beautiful places on earth. read more

So great to see this vibrant, modern addition to Grand Marais! Such a different vibe than many of the other shops in town - love the other shops but love Upstate MN, too! It was my first time to the store, and I immediately received a warm welcome. Lots of cute gifts, some hilarious cards, and really loved the posters. I wish I wasn't traveling by plane so I could have had more room to bring goodies back. I'll be excited to stop in the next time I'm in GM. read more

Upstate MN is an incredible store. What a great addition to Grand Marais! You can tell that the owner takes great care in selecting each and every piece of art, jewelry, and home good in the store. And he is utterly delightful! I went in a stranger and left feeling like I had a new friend. Because I can't make the drive to Grand Marais often, I regularly check out the Upstate MN website because there are so many wonderful things here. read more

I adore this shop and the owner/operator. It has a clean, modern, minimalist vibe all while be cozy and warm. When I'm not in Grand Marais, I'm thinking of it because of the wonderful pictures and videos of the neato things in the shop and the wonders of nature outside the shop on the FB page. It's easy to snag a piece of this comfort from the online shop. Great for gifts to yourself and others. www.facebook.com/UPSTATEMN read more

This is my favourite shop in Grand Marais! Great for personal shopping and souvenir gifts. If you are going to splurge on art in GM, this is the place! Modern, warm, thoughtful. I wish I could fill my home with UpstateMN goodies! Kris is a great host to all who walk through his door. (Demonstrated here by the fact that I now know him by name). Everyone is invited to "touch everything, it makes it more fun!" read more

This is the Greatest little shop! We live in Thunder Bay and make trips to Grand Marais specifically to check out what's new at Upstate MN. I love the unique jewellery options and our 4 year old son frequently asks if we can go back to see his "new best friend Kristof" :) Kris has set up toys in a corner so my Boys could occupy themselves while I browsed. You couldn't ask for a better experience! read more

Upstate MN is an amazing store. He welcomed our doggies into the shop with open arms and was so very nice. We got a few gifts for some family members and got my wife a new trench coat. Very unique items and a ton of stuff I have never seen anywhere else. It was our first time in the shop and we loved the vibe. GO! :-) its fun and different than the rest of the GM. KURT read more

North woods meets modern in this delightful shop! There's nothing like it on the North Shore. You'll fine wonderfully curated items by artisans and small business that are skillfully designed. No dorky knick-knacks here. The owner, Kristofer is warm and welcoming and you'll leave having met a new friend. It's a must stop whenever we head north. read more

Love this little treasure. Stellar customer service - Kristofer is a beacon of goodness and love in the world and his shop reflects it. Amazing spot to stop and find art, jewelry, decor and other curated gifts. Only draw back is that it's 6 hours away from me so I make due shopping online when I'm not in Grand Marais. Worth the drive though! read more

Love this store. The owner has always been friendly and welcoming and clearly has excellent taste. This was one of my first stops in town after visiting last year for the first time. Amazing art work and I've bought something during both of my visits. So far I am incredibly satisfied and will continue to look forward to visiting each summer! read more

Stopped here after a family member told me about Kristopher and his store. So many unique items and Kristopher is a ray of light. Bought a super cute, functional canvas bag that I use all the time now. Definitely a gem in Grand Marais. Will be stopping by whenever I'm in town. read more