Road trips are a great way to explore areas with gorgeous scenery and quaint little towns. One of our favorite road trips is along Minnesota’s North Shore scenic drive on Highway 61. If you grew up in Minnesota, like me, you know that the North Shore means the beautiful shore of Lake Superior, not somewhere in Hawaii. Add in some amazing state parks and the quiet Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and you’ve got the perfect summer vacation or peak fall color leaf-peeping adventure.
We are breaking down the basic info you need to know about Minnesota’s north shore and sharing our 20 favorite things to do along the shore of Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota.
What is Minnesota’s North Shore and How Do You Visit?
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world and sits along the northeast border of Minnesota. The Scenic Drive includes Highway 61 runs from Duluth to the Canadian Border and serves up some of the most beautiful scenery the midwest has to offer. This section of the state is called the “North Shore” and it’s one of the most underrated spots to visit in the country.
How to Get to Minnesota’s North Shore Region?
There is an airport in Duluth, MN with daily flights from cities in the Midwest and connections through Minneapolis/St. Paul airport. You can also get more inexpensive flights to MSP in the Twin Cities which is just a two hour drive from Duluth, so it’s an easy road trip. Plus, there are so many awesome things to do in the Twin Cities, so you shouldn’t skip that.
Where to Stay on Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive
There are many different places to stay along the Lake Superior scenic drive. These are a few of our favorites (plus one that we have on our wishlist for the future):
- Larsmont Cottages – beautiful cabins and cottages between Duluth and Two Harbors that are great for people wanting to stay on the southern end of the route
- J Gregers Inn – we haven’t actually stayed here, but we love the name and we know that it was recently bought by new owners who are working to fix it up
- Bluefin Bay Resorts – this spot is great for anyone with dogs and bigger groups, plus there are some brand new condos that would make for a romantic, quiet couple’s getaway
- East Bay Suites – this spot has a great location right in Grand Marais where you can walk to some of the spots on our list and enjoy being in the heart of one of the best small towns in America
Obviously, camping in all the state parks is magical as well and I would recommend trying it for at least a few nights. Airbnbs are available all along the North Shore Scenic Drive as well if you want something a little more off the beaten path.
How Long is the North Shore Scenic Drive?
This drive along Minnesota’s north shore is 145 miles without any detours and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes. But we suggest taking at least a few days to explore because there are so many places to stop and explore. If you want to do everything on our list, it’s probably best to give yourself at least four days.
How Many State Parks are on Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive?
There are eight state parks along the Voyageur Highway with a few Waysides that are managed by the state. Most of these parks feature waterfalls and rivers that feed into Lake Superior. You can enjoy the hiking trails, campgrounds, and beautiful viewpoints at the parks. Many require a day pass, or you can purchase an annual pass for $35 that covers all the state parks in Minnesota.
Can You Drive All the Way Around Lake Superior?
The full Lake Superior Circle Tour travels through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. It’s about 1,300 miles long and you can drive or bike the entire route. The North Shore Scenic Drive is just a portion of the full circle tour that goes through Minnesota from Duluth to Grand Portage at the US/Canada border.
When is the Best Time to Take the North Shore Scenic Drive?
Autumn is the most beautiful time of year because you can enjoy the gorgeous color of the leaves changing while driving alongside the sparkling blue lake. Summer is just as popular, especially if you want to camp because the weather will be warm enough. Some of the attractions are not open in the winter and spring. Minnesota’s North Shore hits peak fall colors earlier than a lot of the country, so do a quick google search to see where the colors are at if you want to see it at the peak.
Our favorite time is right after Labor Day. It’s before the peak colors, but you get glimpses of them. Plus, the summer crowds have died down a bit because kids are back in school.
The 20 Best Stops on Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive
These are our 20 favorite stops along Highway 61 on the north shore of Lake Superior. We have visited this region many times in our lifetimes (at least once a year while we lived in Minnesota) and these are the spots we just keep returning to. They are listed from south to north, so if you’re going to do it both ways, you can hit some on the way north and others on the way home.
Canal Park in Duluth
Duluth, MN is a busy harbor town with a few college and university campuses (including mine – go Bulldogs). Canal Park is the main tourist area with incredible restaurants and shopping. The main attraction is the Aerial Lift Bridge which raises up and stops traffic to allow giant ships to head through the canal and into the harbor. There is a free maritime museum next to the canal where you can learn about the multiple shipwrecks in Lake Superior and see what ships throughout time have looked like.
New Scenic Cafe
One of the first stops on the Scenic Drive out of Duluth that we recommend is New Scenic Cafe. The menu is filled with local produce and seasonal goodies. Enjoy pickled fish and lefse to celebrate the Scandinavian routes for many people in this region, plus classics like burgers. Sample a few of the small plates or settle in for a beautiful dinner filled with comfort food. If you are visiting on a weekend, we recommend making a reservation because it does get busy during peak times.
Russ Kendall’s Smoke House
Ready to stock up on some road trip snacks? Russ Kendall’s Smoke House has a great selection of smoked local fish, cheese, and other snacks. This smokehouse had a fire a couple of years ago, but I was so excited that they rebuilt and were open for our last trip. If you love the fish, they also ship and it would be a fun way to enjoy the flavors of the North Shore when you get home as well.
Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors
Two Harbors is another town built around the port. It’s much smaller than Duluth, but offers up a selection of food, drink, and history. Visit the 3M Birthplace Museum or visit the harbor or stop into Castle Danger for a pint. This brewery is a popular choice for many Minnesotans. The Castle Cream Ale is one of the most unique and popular beers, but with at least ten different beers on tap, there’s something for all beer drinkers. Take the 30-minute brewery tour or just hang out and enjoy a cold one.
Betty’s Pies
Do you have a bit of a sweet tooth? Betty’s Pies is a classic Highway 61 destination. The shop opened in the 1950s when Betty’s father had a fish shack and she made donuts. Eventually, she expanded to hot dogs and hamburgers and then transitioned to a full cafe. Once she added pies to the menu, it became a staple and it’s what they are famous for. In the summer of 2020, they pumped out 700 pies each day. Choose between a cream pie or seasonal fruit pie (or both). There is still a full cafe menu for a meal as well. Just leave room for dessert.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
This is one of the most popular state parks along the scenic route. It can also be a really quick stop. The waterfall that the park is named for is a short walk from the parking lot (which is why it’s so popular). You can explore different viewpoints around the falls and most are really accessible so it’s good for strollers and wheelchairs.
If you want to explore a bit more, there are many hiking trails or you can head down to the shores of Lake Superior to Agate Beach. It’s a great park to enjoy a picnic (or slice of pie that you got to go).
Split Rock Lighthouse
The Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots in the entire state of Minnesota. This historic building was built to help protect ships on the lake’s rough waters and opened in 1910. You can tour the building and learn more about the history with an admission charge. It was decommissioned in 1969, but the lantern is still operational and it’s lit during special events each year.
If you don’t have time to explore the museum and tour the lighthouse, you can enjoy a beautiful, and free, view of the lighthouse from Pebble Beach or the viewpoint right off of Highway 61. The lighthouse sits on top of a 130 foot cliff, so it’s very photogenic even if you are further away.
Hike to Bean and Bear Lakes Along Superior Hiking Trail
Ready for a longer hike? The Superior Hiking Trail is a popular route that travels the entire route of the Voyageur Highway. If you don’t have weeks to do this hike, you can enjoy some beautiful sections of the trail.
The Bean and Bear Lakes Trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes you to a few lakes that are nowhere near as large as Lake Superior, but they offer some beautiful views that are worth the adventure. The hike takes around 3 hours (more if you are stopping for pictures a lot). There is some steep, rocky terrain, so wear appropriate shoes. For something a little easier, head north to the Oberg Mountain Loop. Download AllTrails+ for offline maps and all the available hikes in the area.
Palisade Head
You’ll see a small sign on the right hand side of the road right after a giant antique shop. Blink and you might miss it. Follow a windy, steep road for a few minutes and it will get you to the top of Palisade Head. It’s one of the best views on the North Shore. You are on the edge of a rocky cliff overlooking the lake and surrounding area. It’s a perfect place to stop and snack on some of the stuff you grabbed from Russ Kendall’s while watching rock climbers navigate the cliff face.
Be extremely careful and keep an eye on your group. There are no guardrails near the edge of the cliff, so the area can be dangerous for young children. There are walls around the parking lot, so just proceed beyond those with extreme caution.
Tettegouche State Park
The Baptism River has multiple waterfalls along the section closest to the lake and it’s a perfect destination for afternoon hikes. The Swinging Bridge near the Upper Falls allows you to cross to the other side of the river. The trails will give you tons of different vantage points of the waterfalls. If you park right along Highway 61, it’s about three miles out and back to the high falls and the bridge with plenty of spots to stop along the way.
Temperance River State Park
Want more of the Superior Hiking Trail? Temperance River is flanked on both sides by portions of the trail. Find the Hidden Falls or see if you can spot any Rainbow Trout in the river. The narrow river gorge is unique among the rivers along Lake Superior. Explore the deep cutouts and potholes of rock that the water moves through. This is one of our favorite campgrounds because it’s situated close to many of our favorite spots in the park with many sites close to the lake.
Lutsen Mountains
Just a three mile detour from Highway 61, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the Lutsen Mountains recreation area. Hiking, mountain biking, alpine slides or just cruising the gondola – there are so many ways to enjoy the Lutsen area when it isn’t ski season. We took the gondola up to Moose Mountain and then hiked back along part of the Superior Hiking Trail last summer. It was a few hours and we only crossed paths with three other people. Grab a bite at Papa Charlie’s on the patio to enjoy views of the surrounding hills and lake in the distance.
North Shore Winery
On the same road as Lutsen Mountains, you’ll find North Shore Winery. It’s a beautiful building with lots of outdoor space for sipping wine and cider. Minnesota isn’t known for amazing wine, but this place is beautiful and has created some tasty wines. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few afternoon rays of sunshine.
World’s Best Donuts and Java Moose Espresso Cafe at Artist’s Point
It’s hard to pick just one spot in Grand Marais. This has made the list of America’s Greatest Small Towns multiple times and its easy to see why. Park near the Ben Franklin General Store and find your way to these two spots.
World’s Best Donuts is a family-owned shop that is only open in the summertime and you may find a line when you pull up. It’s worth it. They didn’t name it ironically, they really are amazing donuts. You will find yourself covered in powdered sugar in no time and ready to go back for more.
Java Moose Espresso Cafe is another local favorite. Their Instagram account shares the weather with a cup of coffee every day, so it’s a great resource if you’re planning your travels. You’ll be a stone’s throw from Artist’s Point where you can walk and enjoy views of the town and backdrop of hills all facing the beautiful lakefront.
Voyageur Brewing Company
One of the newer additions to the North Shore is this brewery in Grand Marais and I had to add another spot in town. The rooftop deck has a unique view. They have a great selection of beer and a great menu. Watch small town life happen around you and reminisce on your adventure so far. It’s common to hear people around you planning their canoe trips in the Boundary Waters or celebrating a recent trip. Get inspired.
Gunflint Trail
Take the historic Gunflint Trail, which starts right in Grand Marais and winds its way north to the Canadian border. It’s a worthwhile detour or alternate route from the North Shore Scenic Drive. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) is accessible from this road, so you’ll find a collection of outfitters along the way. If you don’t want to paddle, make it a day trip with a stop for lunch at the Poplar Haus, a hike up to Honeymoon Bluff, and some wildlife spotting.
Naniboujou Lodge
The most colorful place on the lake is the dining room of the historic Naniboujou lodge. It got its start in the early 1900s as a hunting lodge for rich out-of-towners like Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey. The Great Depression hit and it was turned into a hotel after being in foreclosure. It has had several owners over the years, but the beautiful dining room has been preserved. Their food is fantastic and it’s the perfect place to stop for a meal or even just afternoon tea.
Devil’s Kettle Waterfall
Either before or after your meal at Naniboujou, head across the street to Judge C.R. Magney State Park for a hike. Devil’s Kettle is one of the coolest waterfalls I have seen. It falls directly into a mysterious hole that has even scientists miffed. No one has been able to figure out where the water goes. There are a ton of stairs, but it is definitely worth it when you get there.
Grand Portage National Monument
Explore more of the history of the Grand Portage Ojibwe at this national monument along with the North American fur trade. Wander through the reconstructed buildings of the historic fort and visit the museum to see exhibits about gathering maple syrup, snowshoeing, and traditional instruments and tools of the local people. This site is managed by the National Park Service and there are ranger talks and a feature film that covers important information about Grand Portage. This is a great stop for visitors interested in the Native American tribes who lived here for generations and what brought European settlers to this region in the first place.
You can also catch a ferry here to Isle Royale National Park which is one of the least visited national parks in the US. It’s technically in Michigan, but closer to the Minnesota side of the lake.
Grand Portage State Park
This is the final stop before crossing into Canada. Right on the border is the Pigeon River with some gorgeous waterfalls. The hike to the waterfalls is pretty quick and the views are amazing. It’s definitely worth the drive to get up here. The High Falls lookout offers a great view of the river that creates this natural border. If you bring your passport, you can pop to the otherside of the river and step into Canada.
A Quick Video of Our Trip on Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive
Here’s a collection of videos from our last trip in case you need a little more motivation to get yourself to this beautiful place. You’ll see glimpses of many of the spots on this list.
A Few Thoughts About Why This is A Meaningful Place
Growing up in the Twin Cities, my parents would pack up the Subaru station wagon with tents, sleeping bags, cooking gear and swimsuits. We would make the drive north and spend our family vacation camping near Flour Lake outside of Grand Marais. As an adult, I love returning to that same campground and taking the trails I took as a kid. I can still point out the peninsula we built our fort on and the hiking trails that were my favorite as a kid.
We most recently celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary with a trip up the shore, the same way we went for our honeymoon. We spent a week in the quiet Northwoods and it was perfect. I’ll never forget sitting next to Flour Lake in the BWCA and making the decision that we were going to quit our jobs to travel around the world.
Time to Head North!
Let us know what your favorite spots are if you’ve made this drive before. If you’ve never done it, load up your playlist with Bob Dylan and head to the north shore for some of the best that Minnesota has to offer.
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