Exploring Minnesota and Lake Superior with a Road Trip up the North Shore Scenic Drive

Aug 18, 2023

There’s nothing we love more than hitting the open road and taking in the gorgeous landscapes and scenery that sprawl across US highways and byways. Today, we’re exploring the iconic North Shore Scenic Drive, also known as Highway 61, which stretches from Duluth, Minnesota up through to the Canadian Border!

Running along the coast of Lake Superior, you’ll find no shortage of absolutely breathtaking pine forests, rocky cliffs, lakeside wildlife, and so much more. So let’s check it out and plan our getaway itinerary together!

What to see over the 154 mile journey along North Shore Scenic Drive:

Duluth, Minnesota – This port city along Lake Superior is a bustling hub of culture, history, nature, and entertainment. Notable stop-offs include Great Lakes Aquarium, the William A Irvin Museum, The Lake Superior Zoo, Lake Superior Railroad Museum, Duluth Rose Garden, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Aerial Lift Bridge, and so much more.

If you’re looking for lodging between your first two stops, seasoned travelers of the route recommend the Larsmont Cabins and Cottages.

Two Harbors – Highway 61 is a main route through Two Harbors, where you’ll enjoy gorgeous natural wonders such as Agate Bay Beach, Gooseberry Falls State Park. Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Superior Hiking Trail. History nerds will enjoy a visit to the Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum, Lake County Historical Society, 3M Birthplace Museum, Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum, and North Shore Architectural Antiques Store.

If you’re looking for lodging, previous visitors highly recommend Breezy Point Cabins in Two Harbors or Cove Point Lodge in Beaver Bay.

Beaver Bay and Silver Bay– Gemstone aficionados and geologists will fall in love with the Beaver Bay Agate Shop for gorgeous local gemstones and artisan jewelry so you can take a bit of nature back home with you! But don’t shop too much, you’ll want a light pack to explore all the natural wonders of the area including Tettegouche State Park, Palisade Head, Black Beach, Beaver River Falls, Pellet Island, and Gitchi Gami State Trail.

Schroeder – If you’re looking for excitement and thrills direct from mother nature, you’ll have a blast here exploring Temperance River State Park, Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center, Father Baraga’s Cross Landmark, and the Cross River.

Lutsen – This stop off is a haven for adventure as you explore Caribou Lake, Cascade River State Park, and Lutsen Mountains. And when you’re done, you can kick back and relax with a tasting flight at North Shore Winery or play a few rounds at Superior National Lutsen-Golf Course

If you’re wanting some cozy accommodations during this leg of the trip, local travelers passing through have stayed at The Mayhew Inn, Hungry Hippie Farm & Hostel, Trailside Cabins & Motel.

Grand Marais – Visiting this destination is going to keep you very busy! There’s the Grand Marais Lighthouse and harbor, the Gunflint Mercantile and Candy Shop, North House Folk School, Chik-Wauk Museum , Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Artist Point, and Nature Center on Gunflint Trail, Historic Cook County Museum, North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum

Grand Portage – Seated just 5 miles south of the Canada-US border, this northern community is the last stop on our journey, but not short on fun. There’s plenty of nature to immerse yourself in at Grand Portage State Park and State Forest, Pigeon River and High Falls. Then check out the Heritage Center and Grand Portage National Monument (a recreated fur trade village.)

Have you taken this route before? Let us know your picks for great places to stay and visit!

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