I've been coming here for years on an annual family trip. The first year i think i was underwhelmed, but every year I've learned a little more...it's about picking the right donuts for you. They're so subjective. I have gotten the skizzle twice and always been underwhelmed. Powdered sugar donut is where it's at for me and my husband. This last trip I learned that the donut kabob is definitely kid friendly / travel friendly. Chet's best is also disappointing for us given how enticing it looks. I think I'll try one of the cream ones (white bismark with raspberry jelly) or a maple long john next time. It's always worth the trip. Lines can be long but if you go early as we do they usually aren't bad. read more

One of the towns we visited on our trip to Lake Superior was Grand Marais (Minnesota). Walking around, I saw this small shop with a sign that said World's Best Donuts. I had to test out their claim the next morning. I waited in the short line and found a delectable section of fried dough topped with a creative assortment of sugars. There was even a tray of donuts called "Chet's Best" (I learned that is the name of the proprietor's father - and mine too). I chose the Skizzle (basically fried dough dipped in sugar) and a Cinnamon pull-apart. The Skizzle definitely was a contender for one of the best donuts I have ever tasted. The Cinnamon bun I also ordered was more dense than I enjoy. I believe I'll have to taste more of their creations before I can truly give into their claim. But I would not hesitate to stop by if you're in town and choose one or two for your own sweet snack. read more

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These guys aren't kidding! These might actually be the best donuts. Ill be honest, I do not like cake donuts. So, for me to say these are good AND they are cake donuts means something. These are light and have an actual crunch. Just get the glazed donut! Now, I hate to tell you to buy more, but I am.... You cannot leave without buying a skiffle (spelling??? ---whatever their fried dough option!!). It is the perfect blend of dough, fat, and sugar combined to make crunch and soft doughy goodness. So, yeah.... Buy both and thank me later. Im waiting for them to developi an apple fritter. Service was polite (though no american express accepted here) Ambiance was quaint. You should walk down the street to sit on the beach for the whole experience. The perfect spot to enjoy the worlds best donut! read more

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This has become a must-stop when I'm in the area annually. Today I introduced my friend to their amazing cake donuts and like me, she doesn't typically like cake donuts but said it's the best donut she's ever had! Seriously - so good. read more

World's Best Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

World's Best donuts in Grand Marais, MN is somewhere I make a point to visit any time I am in the North Shore. Their primary business is run through outside pick-up and ordering windows, and there is always a line in the morning whenever I am there. The quality is great, service is friendly, and there is enough variety to please most customers. I can't wait to get back here some day. read more

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Had donuts twice this trip so far. They are fantastic. We come every time we stop in town. It's like desert for your soul. Staff is super helpful and it's a cute little place read more

This is a must stop when you're in Grand Marais. The donuts really live up to the name. The dough is light, airy, and just melts in your mouth. The glazes and icings are perfectly balanced, flavorful without being overly sweet. The maple long john is my go-to, but even the cake donuts are amazing, and I usually don't even like cake donuts. Simple, classic, and done really well. Service is quick and efficient even when the line is long. Definitely worth the stop every time. read more

The name says it all!!! Absolutely best cake doughnut we have ever had. So crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Not greasy at all. Just crazy good!!! We love maple on a cake doughnut which no one seems to make anymore. We asked if they would put their maple frosting on a plain cake doughnut and they did. Yummmm!!!! read more

Simply the best! Been here since I've been a small boy. The glazed doughnuts are delicious! Make sure you stop in with the family. Come early the lines can get long in the summer. For good reason tho! read more

World's Best Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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Quite simply, the best cake donuts on the planet. I've driven over five hours on a Saturday morning just to get my hands on these donuts, and I would do it again without hesitation. They're perfectly made every time: light, flavorful, and with that incredible cake texture that's impossible to find anywhere else. What makes the trip even better is the journey itself. The drive up the North Shore to Grand Marais is absolutely spectacular, with breathtaking views of Lake Superior along the way. By the time you arrive, you're already in a great mood, and then these amazing donuts somehow make the experience even better. If you're anywhere within driving distance, do yourself a favor and stop in. The donuts alone are worth the trip, but combined with a day in beautiful Grand Marais, it's an experience you'll never forget. Five stars isn't enough. read more

Great classic donut stop- been operating 56 years! A must stop if you're in town! We got the raised glazed, chocolate, and lemon stuffed. All delicious! 4 donuts for about $10. Take a walk along artists point with your donuts! read more

World's Best Donuts - Inside - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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Yas! Stopped today to try this place out! The smell was out the door and so was the line! We were able to pick out a few favorite. The maple bacon was incredible. And my son loved the donut kabob. Will be back! read more

World's Best Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

This little donut shop is absolutely worth stopping at while in Grand Marais! Their donuts are well priced and always fresh with a great variety to choose from. There are spots to sit and eat outside of the shop that overlook Lake Superior making It the perfect place to stop for a quick sweet treat! There was a line out the door when we showed up but it moved very quick and we were happy we waited. read more

World's Best Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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We arranged for a pickup order before heading out to explore. Our group ordered a variety of things and everything was fabulous!

World's best is generous but the cake donut is good. Always a line maybe because it's a donut, maybe because it's the only place open. Coffee is terrible, worse than instant, head to Java Moose for the coffee and grab a donut here if wanting a sweet treat. 3.5 star donut- 2 star coffee- 3 stars all around read more

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Cute little shop with delicious and fresh donuts! It's now our family tradition to stop here each time we're in the area. The tiny shop also has merchandise (shirts and mugs). Service was efficient and there's a separate window for online order pick up. read more

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Quick and efficient service. The maple and bacon long johns were delicious, and the skizzle was ambrosial. The kids enjoyed the bismarks , chets best and kabobs! Friendly staff. Can not wait to go back! read more

We stopped for donuts on our way through. We tried several different donuts. All of the ones we had ordered. We did not find a single one that we regretted buying. The service was fast, and they were very friendly. This place is definitely worth the stop for some great donuts. read more

Such great donuts - we loved the fresh cake donuts and got a dozen. They were gone jn minutes and totally were remarkable. The service was helpful and we came Monday afternoon and were thankful they still had donuts left. Not a bad line and great seating outside to enjoy them. Cake donuts were a 10, jelly filled were a 7 and were mid. read more

World's Best Donuts - D loving his jelly filled - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

World's Best, and living up to its name! This is a Grand Marais staple and everyone knows it - so expect major lines in the morning. If you want to beat the line, go for a little sweet treat after lunch before they close at 3pm. They even have a gluten-free muffin option when we visited! Of course, I had to try a bite of the legendary glazed cake donut and...wow. They are so dang good. You can't go wrong here - awesome cake donut classics, the cutest little stand, and the ambiance of eating your donut and walking out to Artist's Point is just *chef's kiss* A must-stop while in Grand Marais! read more

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Now this place is awesome. I didn't actually go inside or eat here, but am excited for the worlds BEST. Are you kidding me, it HAS to be 5 stars if it is the best. So give it up because this is awesome 5 stars to the best and every other donut isn't as good. The smells were nice. I liked them. read more

World's Best Donuts - Thumbs up for the best donut in the world - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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There is just something about this place! The line was pretty long, but I waited maybe 10-15 minutes total to order my donuts. The service was quick and I liked that the choices were simple! Definitely recommend the Bavarian cream donut and eating it over on the walk over to the Lighthouse! read more

World's Best Donuts - Enjoying a donut next to the Lighthouse! - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

We were excited to come back here after visiting in 1998 on our honeymoon. Man, have things changed. The donuts we had were supposedly filled, but there was barely anything inside. We were RUSHED through by a rude woman who was old enough to know better. It wasn't packed because of the fisherman's festival and all of the options we had. I am sure we have no desire to ever return. There's a bakery just down the street. We will definitely fo there next visit. read more

Maybe update your hours online! It's 2026, the Grand Marais Bulletin is not enough! It says it is open but it is not, drove 30 min to get there. read more

Worlds Best?! Not sure about all that jazz. I'd definitely go with Dang Good Donuts! The Hubs is a huge sweet eater. I have the theory, it better be worth getting fat on or it's not worth eating. We stopped 2 of the 3 mornings for a bag full for him to eat in between hikes (his version of a protein bar). I'll even admit, they go down awful smoothly with a cup of coffee. Cake donuts are my usual pick and the chocolate covered cake donuts could've became a quick obsession. Cute corner shop. Prepare for a longer wait. This place has become legend and for good reason. read more

World's Best Donuts - So cute! - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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A local favorite in Grand Marais, be sure to stop here for a sweet treat before heading out for a day of exploring! The glazed donut is phenomenal. I was a fan of the original (great to dip in my morning coffee) and husband loved the crunch of the Maple Bacon Long John. The Skizzles are as large as my large head, and are nice to nibble on in the car or on a hike! read more

Love the selection, atmosphere, and service! Now are the donuts the WORLD'S best... debatable.... but are they the best between Canada and Duluth......100%!!!!! So why not stop!? Love to support local! Love a landmark! And love donuts!!! read more

On a trip up north we knew World's Best Donuts was on the list of stops. We visited in a Saturday morning before heading out for the day and although there was a bit of a line, it was totally manageable and moved fast. There is both a walk up window to order as well as a small counter inside. We opted to head inside, so we could get a good eye on the donuts as this was our first visit. They also had a variety of souvenirs and media stories posted around the inside. The variety of donut seems to potentially change, but they were frequently bringing more donuts out as the trays were empty. So the risk of something in truly running out was low if you go early enough but seems much more likely during high tourist season and later morning hours. So go early! The hardest part of the visit was actually deciding which donuts to try. The workers shared with some other customers that they were known for their cake donuts but we opted for some others. We tried a filled Bismarck, a twist and a skizzle. Oh my goodness the skizzle was so good. Kind of like an elephant ear crispy but not as crisp and more doughy. It was covered in sugar, so was a bit messy, but worth the mess and not some thing that was easily finished by one person. Both other donuts were equally delicious and super fresh. Our only regret was not visiting a second time during our visit! read more

World's Best Donuts - Perfect morning view - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

Adorable little donut shop! Go as early as possible!! Once all the donuts are sold, the shop closes and that's that! We got there around noon and the donuts were about halfway gone but we bought a tubby twist, caramel pull apart, and a skizzle. My husband isn't a huge donut fan but he DEVOURED the skizzle & I have to admit it was super delicious! I had my tubby twist in just a few bites and equally yummy! The caramel pull apart was a bit of a disappointment though, it was very dry and tasted stale. read more

Never a disappointment at the World's Best Donuts. If you're in Grand Marais you should give them a try. Literally anything is great! Freshest donuts I've ever had! read more

We came here on a summer weekend and the line wasn't too bad. You basically walk in one door and out the other and it moved along pretty quickly. My 8 year old daughter and I each had a donut on a stick and it was pretty tasty. There was a good selection and everything looked fresh and delicious. Prices are a bit high even for a resort type town but overall I would recommend getting a donut here and enjoying it at the lake as we did! read more

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Worlds best? Yup! When we planed our trip to Grand Marias this was our breakfast plan. Much to our disappointment, they closed on the 17th for the season, just a couple days before we got there. Well, we woke up, walked outside, saw a line, got super excited! Apparently they had just randomly opened up that day and boy were we happy. The raised glaze was okay, the chocolate one was amazing, but the cake donut....wow. Absolutely amazing. If you're in Grand Marias, give it a go, you won't be disappointed. read more

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Did you even visit grand marais if you didn't go to Worlds Best Donut?! A staple of any up north visit - we love a good donut with a side of friendly and cheerful employees. If they aren't already sold out - maple bacon filled long John always takes the cake for me. Otherwise the plain raises glazed donuts are truly the best for something basic/ maybe a mid hike snack :) read more

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We always stop here in our way out of the BWCA, the the donuts and coffee are especially good. Usually busy, indoor seating was closed the last couple of times I was there. The donut never disappoints. read more

World's Best Donuts - Maple bacon! - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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Yes they are!! My favorite place to stop while in town. I love the banana filled chocolate top or a good ole glazed twist! This lil shop is banging out dozens for eager travelers. It's a must stop when in Grand Marais,MN. If the sign shows OPEN you should stop and support this donut shop. A warm fresh donut is a real treat anytime of the day! Enjoy! I Did!! read more

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One of the first family stops we make in Grand Marais is Worlds Best Donuts! They always have a great selection! My favorite is pictured. The kids love a good chocolate sprinkle donut! Right by the water where you can sit and watch the waves with a Java Moose coffee & Worlds Best Donut ! read more

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I really hate to say this, but these were some of the most mediocre donuts I've ever had. I would choose grocery store donuts over these any day, but I'd probably pick these over gas station ones. The shop is a popular destination. We stopped at around 11am on a Saturday in July and waited in line for about 20 minutes before we were able to order. They have a decently sized variety of donuts and weren't sold out of anything when we arrived. They're most well known for their cake donuts, so we tried the cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, and chocolate-dipped cake donuts. Unfortunately, both my boyfriend and I found these cake donuts to be our least favorite because of their weird texture (1/5). We also ordered the banana cream bismark with chocolate frosting and the raised glazed donut, both of which tasted pretty okay (3.5/5). If I were traveling along the north shore again, craving a donut, and the line was short, I'd consider coming back here, but otherwise, I'd probably just grab one at a local grocery store. read more

World's Best Donuts - 1 raised glazed, 2 chocolate-dipped cake, 1 cinnamon sugar cake, 1 powder cake, and 1 banana cream-filled bismark - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

With a title like "World's Best Donuts," one can't help but have a tremendous amount of expectations for this tiny donut shop in Grand Marais. After trying out a few different donuts here, I *partially* agree with their name. Why? Well, while most of the donuts I tried were good, but not the best, one particular donut - the cinnamon sugar cake donut - stood out above all the rest. In fact, I'd say it's the best cinnamon sugar cake donut I've ever had. If you order just one donut here, make it that one. The Skizzle was...underwhelming. Maybe it's because I prefer cake donuts to yeast donuts, but it tasted like a flat piece of bread with sugar on it. Yes, it's HUGE, but otherwise, there's really nothing about it that makes it special. I would pass on it if you are a cake donut person. The other donuts we tried (all cake) were pretty dang good...maybe not the world's best, but certainly worth ordering. Prices are *insanely cheap* (I've probably spent too much time at fancy upscale donut houses like VooDoo where the going rate is $5-$6 per donut, because the sub-$2 prices seem too good to be true!). Service is quick, and while there are often lines, they move fast. read more

I like donuts, especially with black coffee, so of course I would be game to try the world's best donuts. I decided to wait for 15 minutes to see if they were cracked up to what they have been from other reviewers. My consensus, a pretty good cake donut. Not too heavy, good texture, and they don't make you feel full or heavy after eating a couple. Lots of flavors to choose from including the classic cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, or chocolate iced cake donut. They also were fresh and hot which totally cannot be beat when it comes to a donut. Are they the world's best? It depends on how many donuts you've eaten in your lifetime but I would say that they make a pretty good donut here in Grand Marais, at least one that satisfys my donut desires. read more

World's Best Donuts - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota

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They really lived up to the name! Best cake donuts I've had! Slight crisp to the outer layer and the cake literally melts in your mouth. Also don't miss out on the turnovers. The flakey crust is excellent and definitely another pastry to add to your order! Definitely recommend grabbing these while in Grand Marais! read more

World's Best Donuts - Donuts and window - Donuts Near Me - Grand Marais, Minnesota