I grew up in Minnesota and attended college in Duluth. Hiking and exploring the North Shore is one of my favorite things to do in the Midwest. Minnesota’s North Shore is a 145-mile stretch from Duluth to Grand Portage. Scenic trails, state parks, small towns and miles of untouched wilderness line this stretch of road. Here are 6 things to see on the North Shore.
- Duluth
Duluth is a port city on the shore of Lake Superior. The waterfront Lakewalk trail passes along Canal street with views of the Aerial Lift Bridge.
The Duluth arts and entertainment scene has a lineup of local artists. My brother and I took a glassblowing class at Lake Superior Art Glass.
Grandma’s Saloon and Grill is located at the foot of the historic Aeriel Lift Bridge. Started by “Grandma” Rosa Brochi in 1976, it provides a fun and casual environment that takes you on a trip down memory lane.
Grandma’s Marathon is an annual road race held each June. The course runs from the city of Two Harbors on Scenic route 61 to Duluth.
2. Gooseberry Falls State Park
This popular state park features stunning overlooks and waterfalls. Getting up close to the waterfalls is my favorite part of Gooseberry Falls. There is also a visitor center, campground, 20 miles of hiking trails, 12 miles cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails running along the Gooseberry River.
3. Split Rock Light House
Split Rock Lighthouse is a lighthouse located southwest of Silver Bay, Minnesota, US on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is one of the most visited lighthouses in the nation. Perched on top of a 130-foot cliff, this historic lighthouse was put into service in 1910. Today the site is maintained by the Minnesota Historical Society and includes the Fog Signal Building, three keeper’s houses, and the Visitor Center.
The lantern room at the top of the lighthouse’s 32-step spiral staircase houses the original French-built lens. The light radiating from Split Rock Lighthouse illuminates the night sky with an official range of 22 miles. This remarkable lens is still operational today, although usually just for ceremonial purposes. While the lighthouse itself was decommissioned in 1969, the lantern remains in operational condition.
4. Black Beach
Black Beach Campground was my base for my week on the north shore.
Black Beach Campground in Silver Bay MN is comprised of 49 sites and is situated on 14.5 acres adjacent to the shores of Lake Superior on Black Beach
As the name suggests this beach is blanketed with soft black sand. The unique black color has remained from the discarding of taconite tailings into Lake Superior. Over time the beach has been restored to health, but the onyx hue still remains there.
5. 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.
Shovel Point trail is a 1.9 mile out and trail that begins behind the park’s Visitor Center parking lot and leads to Shovel Point on Lake Superior. The trail consists of a series of steps on the steeper portions of the trail and exposed roots toward the lookout point. The views from the top of Shovel Point are amazing.
6. Grand Marais
Grand Marais is a small town located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, about 2 hours north of Duluth and less than an hour from the Canadian Border. It has been called “the coolest small town in MN” and I can see why. Located right on the harbor, Grand Marais has unique local shops, delicious restaurants and miles of natural beauty.
The Gun Flint Trail is a 63-mile paved highway that heads inland from Grand Marais and through the Superior National Forest, an area of woods and lakes, including access to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The North Shore of Minnesota is filled with beautiful hiking trails, wide-open vistas of Lake Superior and lots of wildlife. The Northwoods are home to moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles timber wolves and coyotes.
The North Shore of Lake Superior is amazing and worth the time to visit!