Were you always thinking about your road trip adventure in the woods? Then, the North Shore of Lake Superior should be your choice for the road trip destination. This road trip from Duluth to Grand Marais along 150 mile distance hold something magical such as the vibration of high waves, Spectacular landscapes, a graceful forest and charming towns. In this journey, experience nature’s unforgettable sceneries, adventure and relaxation. If you are a nature lover, photographer or explorer, this Lake Superior travel guide and some information about travel tips and local culture will help to plan the beautiful journey.
North Shore Of Lake Superior: You Must Know
The north shore of Lake Superior is 154 miles of coastline that starts from Duluth to Grand Marais. As for knowledge, Duluth is Minnesota’s largest city and the largest freshwater inland port in the world. This 154-mile road trip holds the beauty of nature and scenery that make your journey more superior. These must-visit places are
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Two Harbors:
- Split Rock Lighthouse
- Aerial Lift Bridge
- Gunflint Trail
- Palisade Head
- Lutsen MN
- Grand Marais MN
- Lake Superior
- Grand Portage
- Two Harbors MN, etc
How to Get There
The geography of the North Shore of Lake Superior starts with the north and east shorelines, which run along from Duluth, Minnesota, United States to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Let us talk about some paths that help you get to your destination point.
- Your journey will begin in Duluth and will travel via the MN Highway 61 North, which is known as the North Shore Scenic Drive.
- If you choose to start your journey from either Canada or Thunder Bay, then you have to travel via Highway 61 South to the Canada border and travel further towards Grand Portage.
- If you come from the South or Twin Cities, then take I-94 to Eau Claire, WI and then take WI-53 North to Duluth, before connecting to MN Highway 61 North.
Planning Your North Shore Road Trip (Duluth To Grand Marais)
Take a breath and before planning the road trip from North Shore, know that it is a surf-focused coastal region of Hawaii. There are several key locations that make your road trip more interesting. So need proper planning as completely discover every iconic Instagram spots North Shore Minnesota.
Best Time to Visit
September and October are the best months to visit the North Shore Lake Superior area since it marks the beginning of fall in that season. The temperature in this season is very cold, leaves are falling off, and breezing wind blowing. If you visit this time feel like you are in a captivating painting. It is like a beautiful art of nature. Let’s know the best season to visit the place
- September–October (Autumn): We know how amazing the autumn season is. Low temperature, fresh and cool air, experience the blue lake with autumn’s golden leaves falling. This time doesn’t have as many crowds and best time for photography and hiking.
- June–August (Summer): If you like boating, camping and a warm environment then summer is the best time to visit Minnesota for you.
- January–February (Winter): If you like snowfall like me, then definitely visit the North Shore once in winter. In many places, covered in snow, rivers, lakes and ponds are frozen.
- April–May (Spring): During this time, a satisfying view is the high peak volume of the waterfall which is a perfect time for hiking.
Trip Duration
- 2-3 Days: Try to cover a highlight or iconic place and the best viewpoints Lake Superior
- 5-7 Days: Pending time for hiking, exploring, unwinding and a more relaxed pace.
- 10-14 Days: if you are discovering every side of the lake, such as MN, ON, WI and MI.
Most Famous Destinations Along the North Shore
However, the road journey from Duluth to Grand Marais is truly one such adventure. There is no dearth of surprises on each mile of this travel path that will remind you of your road journey. But now we would like to discuss the most adventurous aspect of this travel path along Lake Superior.
Gooseberry Falls State Park (40–41 miles from Duluth)
During the road trip, Gooseberry is one of the best stops on Highway 61 Minnesota, and take 50 minutes to reach the destination from Duluth. The park is the most popular beautiful waterfall with easy access to trails such as hiking trails and mountain bike trails. This place is a famous vacation spot for these trails. Here you can see some mammalian species such as deer, American marten, wolf, and also see some birds. This park is open at 8 am & closes at 10 pm.
Split Rock Lighthouse (7-8 miles From Gooseberry Falls State Park)
After traveling 10–15 minutes from Gooseberry Falls State Park, reach Split Rock Lighthouse which is National Historic Landmark and was built after a 1905 storm. Its beauty is located on top of a 130-foot cliff on Lake Superior. Lake Superior looks stunning from the lighthouse. Late evening Split Rock Lighthouse views are perfect sense as the lighthouse’s light adds some extra textures to the cliffs and water. If your hobby is photography, you will be thrilled with the views of huge waves that crash against a 133-foot cliff face underneath the Split Rock Lighthouse when the waves from Lake Superior are huge. It is open and close time is 10 am & 4 pm
Tettegouche State Park (12-13 miles From Split Rock Lighthouse)
After traveling 15–20 minutes from Split Rock Lighthouse along Highway 61 North. Come to Tettegouche State Parkis which is one of the best attractions in Lake Superior, Minnesota, along with 1,000-foot cliffs at Palisade Head and Shovel Point, and Baptism River waterfalls. This place makes a uniques identify for its natural features such as mountainous terrain, Lake Superior shoreline, six inland lakes, cascading rivers and waterfalls and hardwood forest. The most interesting part of their place is being active within the park and enjoying it through hiking, watching wildlife, cross-country skiing and rock climbing.
Cascade River State Park (40-45 miles From Tettegouche State Park)
Take 1 hour to reach Cascode River State Park from Tettegouche State Park. it is one of the hidden gems North Shore Lake Superior that basically well liked for its waterfall and the large and roaring Cascade River. The best thing about this place is that visitors can enjoy wildlife, camping, hiking, fishing and snowmobiling in winter. It is a forest area, but children are also allowed in this park and all trails are suitable for children. also visitor get 40 drive-in sites, including both electric and non-electric options.
Grand Marais (5-6 miles From Cascade River State Park)
Finally reach Grand Marais in 8 to 10 minutes from Cascade River State Park. It’s such a beautiful town and the best place to relax after exploring the Duluth to Grand Marais road trip. Also known as the art of the village that shows at the North House Folk School, galleries, and public art within the town. This is the city that has the best presentation of local culture and has unique shops also have delicious cafes and fresh seafood. And visitors enjoy the view of the town, beach, and stargazing in the peaceful night of the town.
Food & Local Experiences
A road trip in incompleted without trying local food. If you are a seafood lover then you will definitely love its local foods.
Must-Try Dishes
- Fresh Lake Superior fish (Freshly Smoked Fish)
- Homemade pies and baked goods
- Try comfort food made for chilly evening
- Also, try some local dishes like Signature Sandwiches, Rise Poke Shack, chocolate haupia pie and garlic shrimp.
- small-town cafes famous for warm coffee and local flavors. Grand Marais has a vibrant food scene.
Local Experiences & Activities
- In winter, there are high waves and in summer, people enjoy swimming at Sunset Beach.
- Every person have passionate to shark cage diving, snorkeling, foilboarding and dolphin tours.
- Exploring local art galleries and rustic, locally-owned shops.
Travel Tips & Essentials
Now, know some travel tips for Lake Superior North Shore with family or solo travel North Shore Minnesota. These tips should be known since most of the area of the North Shore is forested land, so these tips help during your trip.
- In North Shore, the weather can change anytime so carrying layered clothes is essential and bringing comfortable and waterproof hiking footwear.
- Drive carefully on section f Highways 61, that be wildlife area. The approximate vehicle speed will be reduced to 40-55 mph; otherwise, the result will be fines for careless driving.
- Keep a hand map or download the offline map on your mobile since there is limited network coverage.
- Keep protecting the environment and nature by keeping the area clean and following the marked line.
Conclusion
Road Trip of the North Shore of Lake Superior is not just a vacation plan that offers the best experience of your life with Impressive views, outdoor adventure, and peaceful landscapes. The Duluth to Grand Marais road trip has several iconic stops, including either the historical story of Split Rock Lighthouse or the art of Grand Marais which make this trip unique. If you are excited for this unforgettable trip, start planning your North Shore road trip today with Busxoxo by booking our Minnesota charter bus. Comfortably start the trip with us, take in the view, and create memories.