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Make it memorable on the best drive in Minnesota, the Scenic North Shore Drive. This picturesque route stretches along the stunning shores of Lake Superior, captivating travelers with its breathtaking views and charming small towns.
- Canal Park in Duluth
- New Scenic Cafe
- Russ Kendall’s Smoke House
- Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors
- Betty’s Pies
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Split Rock Lighthouse
- Hike to Bean and Bear Lakes Along Superior Hiking Trail
- Palisade Head
- Tettegouche State Park
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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, bu...
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. ...
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 ...
The Split Rock Lighthouseis 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 operationa...
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 ...
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 ...
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 t...
- Begin your road trip in Duluth. Duluth is a port city located on the southeast edge of Lake Superior with lots to offer. Upon arriving, head to Canal Park to see the historic lift bridge, and if the timing is right, you may get to watch a ship come into the harbor.
- Gooseberry Falls. Upon leaving Duluth, consider taking the Scenic Route 61 as you make your way north to Two Harbors. This route follows the shoreline and provides great views of the lake.
- Split Rock Lighthouse. Not far from Gooseberry Falls is the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. This picturesque lighthouse was first lit in 1910 and was built in response to a storm five years prior in which 29 ships were lost on Lake Superior.
- Tettegouche State Park. Next up is Tettegouche State Park, the sixth largest state park in the state with diverse natural features including the iconic Palisade Head and Shovel Point.
The 56-page mile-by-mile guide starts in Duluth and takes you along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior to the Canadian Border. Pick one up for free at dozens of places in Duluth and the North Shore, at an Explore Minnesota Welcome Center, or request a guide here.
Set on the shores of Lake Superior, this relaxed all-suite hotel is a 4-minute walk from the Canal Park shopping area and 11 minutes’ walk from the Great Lakes Aquarium. Modern suites with lake or city views feature flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, plus microwaves, minifridges and coffeemakers.
Aug 9, 2018 · Explore our distinguished lakeside family of resorts – Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior, Surfside on Lake Superior, and Temperance Landing — each offering warm and friendly hospitality and unlimited access to the very best of Minnesota’s North Shore.
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For Scenic 61 lodging, you will find a number of mom-and-pop resorts with about a dozen cabins, a full-service resort and an inn. Scenic 61 is a ideal if you want to be on Lake Superior and near Duluth with a quieter feel.
