truly one of the world's wild places - although summer weekends become overcrowded and state park campsites fill up 6 months to a year in advance...rugged beauty well worth an off season trip!
You cannot go wrong by taking the scenic route north. Breath taking scenes around almost every corner. And there are quaint shops and places to stop and eat all along the way. Take your time and enjoy the view.
The north shore of Lake Superior is like being along the ocean yet you are in the mid-west. Bring your hiking shoes, bike or plan for multiple stops to take it all in from your vehicle. Each day is a different experience.
We loved driving along this scenic route and geocaching along the way! We'd love to come back here again possibly in October as the fall colours were just starting to show themselves at the end of Sept. (our 45th wedding anniversary trip). This was our second time here - the first time we came with my youngest sister and her husband to celebrate anniversaries also :)
The scenic drive gives you great views of the great Lake Superior. We enjoy stopping and climbing on the rocks along the shore.
Emotional because when I first arrive every time I can't believe the beauty. The lake changes every day especially winter. I live to see the ice on Lake Superior. The views from the top of the cliff at tettagouchi state park are out of this world. Take the climb on the trail to the top and you won't be sorry. Gooseberry state park also has great trails. Take the Gitchi Gummi trail to the top of the cliff. Oh my!!! Most people only take the well traveled trails but this one is my favorite. Winter is special because of the lake changes, snow, and not as many people. Hint: go on week days so there are fewer people and cabins and lodging are less expensive. Fall is my favorite time though with amazing hikes and colors! But prices are high but so what- it's worth it. You can park along the hwy in many area and hike up a river . There are too many to count. Cascade river is a great hike. Late June and July are my favorite times in summer because that is when the Lupine flower is blooming. They grow wild everywhere and you can't miss them. They are mostly purple cut some are pink. Tall bright flower. You can buy the seeds at the candy store in Knife River. I've seen every lookout point and tourist site on the scenic drive. Every one is special. I find peace on the north shore more than anywhere else. If you want an emotional ride, this is it. Do it at least once. But stay right on the rocks on the shoreline for the fullest experience. There are cabins at the Dodges Log Lodges or Breezy Point resort and others. Breathtaking every day and more than enough to see.
My favorite part of Minnesota is the North Shore. This is a wonderful scenic drive along lake Superior. It starts in Duluth(a great town) and continues through Lutsen, Grand Marais, and then up into Canada. It also connects to Minnesota's Boundary Waters. Put some Bob Dylan on the radio and enjoy the drive!Also, make sure to stop at Betty's Pies along the way!
The Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive is an alternate route along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The route is peppered with a number of shops and stretches of beautiful views of the Lake. This is a welcomed route to escape the high speed parallel highway to its west. We discovered Russ Kendall's smoked fish house shop along this route and make it a must stop every time (I'll have to submit a review). The gently curving drive is relaxing and is a refreshing temporarily break from the monotony of straight highway driving.
This is a beautiful drive from Duluth north. Water, rock, pine trees and many scenic overlooks highlight the drive from Duluth all the way to the US-Canadian border. Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock lighthouse are wonderful family stops and hikes.
Having driven on the North Shore roads for many, many times over the past 60 years, it is still a grand adventure and always something new to behold.From trips to the canoe country, smelting expeditions, ski adventures and the such, and in all seasons, a trip on the North Shore is and has been something to look forward to.There is the sense of being on an ocean coast yet while far inland, the thrill is still there.