During a visit to our friends in Minneapolis, my son and I decided to add 2 days to our stay and that it was time for a father-son roadtrip. Time to explore the North Shore of this beautiful Minnesota, along Lake Superior. The North Shore is in the north/eastern corner of the state, starts in harbor city (and birthplace of Bob Dylan) Duluth, and stretches a 154 miles / 250 km north to Grand Portage State Park at the Canadian border.
We packed the car, and ensured the cooler was filled with strong cold espresso's for the driver (...me), Gatorade (my son), snacks, and water. Early in the morning on a Friday we started our trip, another US roadtrip had started.
1. Duluth: The Gateway to the North Shore
Our first stop is the port city Duluth, located at the most western point of all the Great Lakes. Named after the area's first known European explorer, this city is one of the bigger ports where coal, iron ore, and grain are shipped all 2,300 miles over the 5 Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean.
The must-see part of Duluth for sure is Canal Park, where we saw enormous ships pass beneath the iconic 1905 built Aerial Lift Bridge. This area is the hotspot for taking a stroll, dining, boutique shops, or go to the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. Here we learned about the maritime history of the Great Lakes. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and ship-watching opportunities.
We did not have time for it, but another nice thing to do, is hike up Enger Hill for panoramic views of Duluth and the lake.
2. Palisade Head: THE Minnesota North Shore View
From Duluth, we took Scenic Highway 61 northeastward. I can recommend making stops at Gooseberry Falls State Park and the Split Rock Lighthouse. We made our second stop at Palisade Head near Silver Bay, a majestic cliff that soars 350 feet / 105 meters above Lake Superior.
This spot is known to offer one of the best and most dramatic views of Lake Superior on the North Shore. It is part of Tettegouche State Park (our 3rd stop). However, it’s actually located outside of the rest of Tettegouche, so it’s essentially a stand-alone attraction. A steep drive brought us to the top of Palisade Head and we enjoyed the breathtaking views. On clear days, you can even see Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, 30 miles southeast.
3. Tettegouche State Park: Waterfalls and Beach
A little over 10 minutes from Palisade Head, 60 miles from Duluth, we made our 3rd stop at Tettegouche State Park. The park features a mile of Lake Superior coast, including the Baptism River mouth; the river’s cascades and falls; four inland lakes; rugged semi mountainous reliefs; and an undisturbed northern hardwood forest. A truly beautiful treasure on the North Shore. We took an afternoon, but you can easily spend 3 days here.
There are multiple trails here if you like hiking. My son selected the High Falls of the Baptism River, a 3 mile out and back hike that takes you between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Next we wanted to test the water on a stretch of beach along the shoreline. We can confirm... Lake Superior's water is really really cold 🥶😝
4. Grand Marais: A Quaint Harbor Town
One hour drive north along the North Shore brought us in charming harbor town Grand Marais, known for its artistic community and scenic beauty.
Following our hike, we picked up lunch here, sat down at the beach, and experienced how this laid back beauty made us fully relax.
Consider visiting the Artist's Point, a scenic peninsula known for inspiring artists and photographers, if you like to see more of the artistic side of this stop.
The next time we do the North Shore (because, yes... I already decided I need to go back and bring my wife and daughter as well), we definitely want to do the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway that winds 57 miles inland from Grand Marais to hiking trails, fishing spots and wildlife viewing areas.
Grand Marais is also where the national scenic byway starts that goes up to the Canadian border.
5. Grand Portage State Park: Touching the Canadian Border
Our final stop, 40 minutes from Grand Marais, was at the most northeastern tip of the state, the end of Minnesota's North Shore, and right at the border with Canada: Grand Portage State Park.
Grand Portage is home to Minnesota's tallest waterfall: the High Falls. We followed the 1.1 miles easy trail to see the majestic falls plummet 120 feet / 36 meters down the Pigeon River. The falls are exactly on the US/Canadian border, you can also see them from the Canadian side in the Pigeon River Provincial Park. There are multiple other trails you can do here, some up to 14 miles.
My son and I always love to leave the beaten path, and this park is perfect for that. On our way back from the High Falls, we sneaked down a muddy path, and could step stones through the shallow Pigeon River, and cast stones.
We made it! Another segment in our US Roadtrip repertoire finalized, and some great quality time on and off the road on this father-son adventure.
Tips for Planning Your North Shore Road Trip:
Best Time to Travel:
While you can go year round, Spring, Summer, and Fall are the best times, as many trails and parks will be closed in Winter. The best time in my opinion is Summer (June to August) as it has the most favorable weather for a North Shore road trip. The region enjoys mild temperatures and extended daylight hours during this season.
Accommodations:
Secure accommodations in advance, especially during the peak summer months. This is a popular stretch in the MidWest, and many Minnesotans go here as well. Options range from campgrounds and cabins to cozy inns and resorts.
Family-Friendly Activities:
This roadtrip is short and sweet, and there is more than enough to do for the whole family. Many hikes are short and well paved to bring your stroller. Parks have adventurous areas for the teens. And Duluth offers ship watching and a cool aquarium.
Useful Links for Planning:
Things to do in Canal Park, Duluth
Tettegouche State Park hiking trails
Grand Portage State Park hiking trails
