Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive Must-See (Amazing!) Stops

The Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive is a rite of passage when it comes to experiencing rugged “Up North” beauty!

The breathtaking scenery and unspoiled fresh air here are something that simply cannot be experienced elsewhere.

Featuring a plethora of rushing waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, state parks, and epic views of Lake Superior, the pristine beauty of the Minnesota North Shore leaves a lasting impression on its many visitors.

This article provides you with a mile-by-mile guide of the must-see stops on Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive to help guide your epic outdoor adventure.

Here’s our list of the best stops along the Minnesota North Shore!

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Minnesota North Shore

What is the Minnesota North Shore?

Minnesota’s North Shore refers to the shoreline of Lake Superior that runs from Duluth, Minnesota to Ontario, Canada.

The shore is characterized by cobblestone beaches, rocky cliffs and ridges, scenic rivers, waterfalls, and hillside forests.

People experience Minnesota’s North Shore by means of driving the 145-mile North Shore Scenic Drive.

This All-American Roadway follows Highway 61 and winds its way through small towns, historic sites, and untouched wilderness.

The Minnesota North Shore can be experienced via several different itineraries and can include combinations of driving, biking, and hiking – making it a highlight of any Minnesota bucket list!

Our Minnesota North Shore must-see stops are listed in order from the gateway city of Duluth, MN to our endpoint, Grand Marais, MN.

This is a 110-mile stretch of the North Shore Scenic Drive located entirely along Hwy 61.

This entire itinerary and listed stops are doable in 1-day.

1. Duluth’s Lake Superior Harbor

Duluth, Minnesota

As the gateway to Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive, the lakeside city of Duluth, MN is a family vacation destination in itself.

With dozens of fun and free things to do in Duluth, our 3-day Duluth itinerary includes all of the top attractions.

If only passing through, however, be sure to visit Duluth’s Lake Superior harbor, also known as Canal Park.

Here you will experience the world-famous Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge, North Pier Lighthouse, and the free Duluth Maritime Museum.

Time your visit just right by viewing the harbor’s shipping schedule to catch a 1,000+ feet-long bulk cargo ship exiting Lake Superior and heading into the Port of Duluth/Superior.

2. Russ Kendall’s Fish Market

Knife River, Minnesota

Russ Kendall’s is by no means a fancy place, but it is the best around when it comes to perfectly smoked fish on Minnesota’s North Shore.

When wanting to try the best local cuisine, people line up to select purchases from the wide variety of smoked fish available in a grab-n-go style.

Favorites include sugar-cured silver smoked salmon, smoked trout, and whitefish.

With a smell so good, you’ll be eating it in the car as you pull away!

3. Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen

Knife River, Minnesota

You can’t miss the colorful Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen shop that sits along scenic Highway 61.

Complete with picnic tables, an interactive “Bear Trail” for kids, and a quick-service window, the Candy Kitchen gets rave reviews for its handmade chocolates and other candies.

The line can get long here as tourists line up to purchase favorites including Bear Tracks, Turtles, Hot Air, caramels, frozen bananas, and ice cream treats!

4. Castle Danger Brewery

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Castle Danger Brewery is a delicious addition to the Minnesota North Shore!

Similar to Duluth’s best breweries, they’re nationally known for their hand-crafted brews, especially the popular Castle Cream Ale.

This large, beautiful brewery complete with a pet-friendly outdoor patio does not serve food, however.

Instead, they offer chips, salsa, and pretzels for purchase, as well as encourage patrons to bring in their own food or takeout from local restaurants.

The atmosphere here is fun and laid back! They offer 30-minute brewery tours every Friday and Saturday at 5:00 PM.

5. Betty’s Pies

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Serving up deliciousness since 1957, Betty’s Pies is one of the most popular and talked-about stops on Minnesota’s North Shore!

Not only does Betty’s serve delicious homemade pie (by the slice, or whole), but they serve awesome breakfast, lunch, and dinner selections as well.

With a staff that is an epitome of Minnesota-nice, its bright white and blue diner decor, and a rotating pie menu makes Betty’s Pies a place that people come back to year after year.

Additional planning tip: Located 8 miles further down the highway, The Rustic Inn Cafe is another popular North Shore restaurant.

Known for its wild rice meatloaf, made-from-scratch onion rings, and homemade pie, your tummy, and your heart will both be full after dining here.

6. Gooseberry Falls

Two Harbors, Minnesota

When traveling the Minnesota North Shore from Duluth to Grand Marais, Gooseberry Falls is the first nature-filled stop – and it’s a good one!

The Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls are located only a short walk (or wheelchair-accessible route) from the visitor parking and nature center making this a perfect spot if you’re not looking for a long hike.

Kids and adults alike can get up close and personal with the waterfalls as this park is highly interactive.

The waterfalls all have awesome climbing rocks and flow into shallow ponds that allow you to feel (or play in!) the rushing water.

Additional planning tip: Stay tuned until the end of this article where I list necessary tips for visiting the North Shore sites and waterfalls.

7. Splitrock Lighthouse

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Splitrock Lighthouse is a must-see North Shore attraction and provides one of the most iconic photo-ops on the entire North Shore Scenic Drive.

The historic site and adjacent state park offer spectacular views of the lighthouse and of Lake Superior.

The views of Lake Superior can be experienced from both the cliff top and from trails along the shoreline.

Do note that Splitrock Lighthouse has hours and admission prices that vary from month to month and it’s definitely worth looking into them before your visit.

Though the grounds are free to visit in the winter, you need to purchase a Grounds Pass in order to enter the historic grounds during the spring, summer, and fall.

General admission (that includes access to the lighthouse) and a private Keeper’s Tour are also available for an additional fee.

8. Black Beach

Silver Bay, Minnesota

The black sand beach in Silver Bay, MN is the most unique place along Minnesota’s North Shore.

The sand is interestingly black here because of iron ore dumping into Lake Superior, which then created a man-made peninsula and beach.

Black Beach is a free public swimming beach complete with restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and plenty of room to lounge.

It is located on a gravel road and has limited parking.

The beach was a bit littered when we visited but it was still worth the stop!

9. Palisade Head

Silver Bay, Minnesota

Palisade Head is a gigantic rock cliff that sits on the edge of Lake Superior.

It is my favorite spot on the Minnesota North Shore!

You start by driving up a long, narrow, and hilly roadway, to get to the lookout area.

Once there, you’re treated to some of the most breathtaking (and terrifying!) views of Lake Superior.

The drop-off is dangerous, so be sure to use caution when visiting here.

10. Tettegouche State Park

Silver Bay, MN

Perhaps the most popular hiking spot on Minnesota’s North Shore, Tettegouche State Park, is another North Shore must-see stop!

This park requires some planning to visit if you want to see the entire park or hike the 3-mile moderately difficult High Falls Trail to experience High Falls – which happens to be the highest waterfall entirely in the state of Minnesota.

Due to time constraints, we chose to walk just a short distance from the visitor center to a cobblestone beach where the Baptism River meets Lake Superior.

Here, we laid down beach towels and had a picnic while the kids enjoyed rock-skipping.

11. Cross River Falls | Temperance River State Park

Schroeder, Minnesota

Cross River Falls and the Temperance River lookout are two epic waterfalls that can be enjoyed in just 5 – 10 minutes each.

Both of these lookout areas are located directly adjacent to Highway 61 and do not require a hike to get to them.

In fact, Cross River Falls can be viewed as you’re driving by.

Be sure to stop at them both, however, and look for the sign that explains why the rushing waters look like a root beer float!

12. Lutsen Mountains

Lutsen, Minnesota

Lutsen, Minnesota is located within the Superior National Forest and is home to one of Minnesota’s best wineries, as well as the locally famous, Lutsen Mountains.

Lutsen Mountains is an amazing ski resort-turned-adventure park in the summer months, making it the epicenter of fun on the MN North Shore.

Along with offering the best skiing in Minnesota during the winter months, Lutsen Mountains is home to hiking trails, alpine slides, Summit Gondola rides, and voyageur canoe tours during the warmer months.

With onsite lodging available, Lutsen Mountains offers summer activity packages to make a visit here a vacation in itself.

Additional planning tip: Our kids loved riding up the chair lift to the top of the mountain, then riding the alpine slide down. Expect that your kids will want to go down more than once and bundle your tickets for cheaper prices.

13. Cascade River State Park

Lutsen, Minnesota

Though Cascade River State Park is an entire experience, we chose to view the popular waterfalls found here from the park’s short roadside lookout trail.

Watch for a road sign indicating “Cascade River” and there will be a few parking spots on each side of the highway.

Park your vehicle for free, follow the trail map, and take a short walk to this magnificent 6-tiered waterfall!

14. World’s Best Donuts

Grand Marais, Minnesota

There are so many amazing things to do in Grand Marais, and a visit to World’s Best Donuts is definitely one of them!

World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais, MN has been in business for over 51 years (and 5 generations of bakers).

This longevity, along with its amazingly fresh homemade donuts make World’s Best Donuts a staple destination on Minnesota’s North Shore.

With very limited hours of operation, plan ahead if you want to indulge in their famous Chocolate Knots, Bavarian Cream-Filled Long Johns, or Raspberry Jelly-Filled Bismarcks.

15. Artist Point

Grand Marais, Minnesota

No visit to North Shore, MN would be complete without a stop at Artist Point in Grand Marais.

The colored rocks and unique natural beauty found here are so picturesque and perfectly compliment the harbor’s quaintness.

Spend time exploring the lakeside via the gigantic boulders as well as by walking the 4-foot wide concrete breakwater wall out to the Grand Marais lighthouse.

16. Voyageur Brewing Company

Grand Marais, Minnesota

End your tour of the Minnesota North Shore from Duluth to Grand Marais with a visit to Voyageur Brewing Company.

Its rustic decor and pet-friendly outdoor patio, along with a full menu of brews and food, make this the perfect way to end an amazing day.

Head up to the rooftop bar to enjoy a Palisade Porter or Lost Compass Imperial Stout while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Superior.

Brewery tours are offered on special Saturdays throughout the year at 10:30 AM.

Additional planning tip: Also located in Grand Marais is Angry Trout Cafe. This popular North Shore restaurant is a local favorite with incredibly fresh food and an unbeatable view.

Minnesota North Shore: If you have more time!

If you have more time, continue to follow Highway 61 past Grand Marais for more outdoor adventure!

Though we didn’t get a chance to experience them ourselves, the following stops can be added to your North Shore road trip:

• The Gunflint Trail.
• Judge C.R. Magney State Park, home of the famous Devil’s Kettle Falls. Also, have lunch or dinner at the Naniboujou Lodge located here.
• Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook, a 400-foot tall overlook in Grand Portage, MN.
• Grand Portage State Park, home of the majestic Pigeon Falls.
• The International Canadian border (the border between Canada and the United States).

Tips for Visiting the Minnesota North Shore

• Bring your camera – a waterproof one if possible!

• Weather can be unpredictable on the North Shore, with cooler temperatures even in summer. Prepare for your visit by dressing in layers.

• Travel slowly. Many of the best stops on the North Shore Scenic Drive are only marked by small road signs that are easily missed if you are driving too fast or not paying attention.

• All of the North Shore activities and attractions can be experienced for as little or as long as you like. Adjust the time you spend at each destination according to how many days you’re spending in the area. (For the purposes of this article, we saw all of these sights in one day without feeling too rushed.)

• Be sure to wear tennis shoes or hiking shoes and avoid sandals and flip-flops. Many trails have uneven terrain and the rocks around waterfall areas are slippery when wet.

• Bring swimsuits and towels as there are several unexpected opportunities to swim and get wet. Also, consider bringing water shoes if your kids are particularly interested in getting into the rivers and streams.

• Hiking maps can be found at the trailheads with paper copies located in the visitor centers.

• Have patience when visiting the Minnesota North Shore. Summer traffic and crowds can be overwhelming, but the slower pace allows you to experience it to the fullest!

Have you traveled the Minnesota North Shore before? If so, what was your favorite thing to see or do?

Jen

If you liked reading about our favorite stops on Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive, check out our Related Articles:

Plan a visit to Duluth, Minnesota:

• 3-Day Duluth Family Vacation Itinerary + Tips for Your Visit
• 27 Free Things to do in Duluth, MN This Summer
• Glensheen Mansion Tours: A Duluth Legacy!
• 7 Reasons to Visit Duluth’s Great Lakes Aquarium
• 9 Best Restaurants in Canal Park that Everyone Will Love!

*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*