Eagle Mountain, 24 miles northwest of Grand Marais up the Gunflint Trail, is the highest point in Minnesota at 2,301 feet — modest by mountain standards, but the highest peak between the Black Hills and the Adirondacks. The summit is on the south edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and a small plaque marks the spot beside a rock cairn.
The trail is 3.5 miles each way, mostly through mixed boreal forest, with a few rocky scrambles toward the top. Allow 4 hours round trip. Bring water and, especially in midsummer, serious bug protection — the mosquitoes here are notorious. Self-issued permits are required at the trailhead (free for day use; needed because the trail enters the BWCA). The view south from the summit takes in Whale Lake and a panorama of the wilderness.