Top 25 – Best Places on the North Shore MN
Traveling the North Shore Scenic Drive is a very popular route to take for Minnesotans & Midwestern’s alike. Especially during the summer & fall months when the temperatures are enjoyable, this scenic drive is perfect for making stops along the way.
Wondering what the best places on the North Shore MN are? Look no further, this guide will lay out the best places on the North Shore MN for you to make the most of your trip!
How long is North Shore Scenic Drive?
The North Shore Scenic Drive, designated as an All-American Road is 148.8 miles long on Minnesota Highway 61. Starting in Duluth & going up to Grand Portage near the Canadian border.
What is there to do on the North Shore of Minnesota?
The options of things to do along the North Shore are endless. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy – from places to eat, hiking, sightseeing, unique experiences, & other incredible stops along the way! Check out the best places on the North Shore MN below for more details.
Top 25 – Best Places on the North Shore MN
Numbered 1-25, here is your top 25 best places on the North Shore MN to make the most out of you time along the North Shore Scenic Drive!
1. Take a Ride on The Summit Express Gondola
Located in the Lutsen Mountains, this experience provides a scenic gondola ride that is one of the North Shore’s most popular attractions. The Summit Express Gondola takes you on an incredible 1,000-foot ascent up Moose Mountain and over Lake Superior where you might spot wildlife such as ruffed grouse, eagles or moose.
2. Visit Castle Danger Brewery
Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors, Minnesota has been creating a buzz on the North Shore of Lake Superior since 2011. Their new location offers expansive views overlooking Lake Superior where you can enjoy year round taproom that serves up these unique beers which are all designed to be flavorful.
3. Explore Gooseberry Falls State Park
The most visited Minnesota State Park, Gooseberry Falls features spectacular waterfalls and scenic overlooks. There are also interpretive programs that highlight history, geology and wildlife of the North Shore, campgrounds, great trails, & a wonderful visitor center.
Whether you love hiking or skiing/snowmobiling there is so much to do here. Don’t miss this Minnesota bucket list worthy park!
4. Devil’s Kettle at Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Devil’s Kettle waterfall is an interesting geological phenomenon located in Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota that has yet to be fully understood by scientists today. The waterfall drops about 50 feet into a pothole and then vanishes underground never to reemerge anywhere else downstream or at the surface of Lake Superior.
5. Wander to Artists Point
The trail at Artist’s Point is a favorite location for sunsets, as well as storm photography. The path leads to the rocky shoreline and tide pools that take your breath away. You can also visit an island covered in pine trees or head towards the lighthouse which you’ll reach after walking on this concrete path along the narrow coastline.
6. Stop by Iona’s Beach
Located on the Gitchi Gami Trail, this beach is a stunning sight because of the small pink stones that make up the shore. These are actually remnants from erosion caused by Lake Superior which has led to their accumulation onshore.
7. Enjoy a Meal at Hungry Hippie Tacos
Hungry Hippie Tacos is a casual taco shop in Grand Marais that serves up both Frybread tacos and Northern-style tacos. Everything they serve is made right there from the brisket to the fry bread, which are fresh daily! If you are looking for a great place to eat, this is definitely one of the best place on the North Shore MN!
8. Explore Split Rock Lighthouse & it’s State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located in the northeastern section of Minnesota. The park has been called “a gem” by visitors and offers over 20 miles worth of scenic hiking trails as well as pristine lakes for fishing, boating, kayaking or canoeing on its shores.
It’s also important to mention that this place happens to be home to a long-standing lighthouse built back in 1858 which still serves an active role today. This lighthouse is a fan favorite of Minnesotans & tourists!
9. Take in the Views at Palisade Head
This gorgeous rock formation sits right on the edge of Lake Superior. It stands about 300 feet above the lake and offers beautiful views surrounding both sides. While it’s surrounded by Tettegouche State Park, Palisade Head isn’t part of that park itself but can easily be accessed from trails within its boundaries.
10. Experience Black Sand Beach MN
Once you see it for yourself, you will quickly understand why this black beach is one of the Best Places on the North Shore of MN. This beach is a unique oasis surrounded by cliffs and rock formations with an interesting story behind it.
The color of the sand comes from taconite – which was dumped into Lake Superior for years as part of mining operations on land nearby – that eventually washed ashore due to the waves.
11. The Town of Grand Marais
Grand Marais is a wonderful family vacation destination that offers something for everyone. Surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains and Lake Superior, it’s easy to see why so many find inspiration in this North Shore harbor village. There’s always something new around every corner – from musicians and artists to photographers – all seeking their next great idea or adventure here!
12. Go for a Hike at Tettegouche State Park
If you’re a hiker, Tettegouche State Park is the place for you! With spectacular overlooks at Shovel Point and inland bluffs with the cascading High Falls of the Baptism River as well as trails that lead to lakes accessible only by foot, this park offers it all. It’s no wonder why hikers love coming here from miles away!
13. Explore Mount Josephine
Mount Josephine is a very well known tourist attraction because it provides an excellent view overlooking Lake Superior. The climb is very strenuous but worth it for a view like this where Pigeon Point’s cliffs meet Isle Royale! It is a great place for hiking activities during both summer and winter seasons where visitors also have access to many other things
14. Check Out High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
At 120 feet tall, High Falls is Minnesota’s largest waterfall, making it one of the best places on the North Shore MN. This waterfalls was created when basaltic lava flowed over an ancient river bed about 2 million years ago. Grand Portage State Park offers many viewing platforms for those wanting photos or just an up-close view of the waterfall.
15. The City of Duluth
Duluth, Minnesota has a plethora of tourist attractions and activities. Visitors can visit Canal Park, which offers free exhibits about the shipping industry in Duluth’s port on Lake Superior – it also has great views from its observation tower.
There are also several restaurants in this district including locally made specialty shops. With many events hosted throughout the year like Grandma’s Marathon Weekend or Labor Day Festival you will never run out of things to do at this Minnesota bucket list destination!
16. See The Witch Tree In Person
The Witch Tree located on the Lake Superior shoreline is a sacred site for many. The tree has been in existence since 300-400 years ago and is said to be named Little Cedar Spirit by Ojibwe people & is worth a visit if you are in the area!
17. Make Your Way to Shovel Point
Another one of the best places on the North Shore MN is Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park. To get there you can take the the Shovel Point Trail behind the visitor center. In less than a mile, you can experience some of the best views of Lake Superior!
18. Stop by the Grand Marais Lighthouse
The Grand Marais Lighthouse is a great way to explore the Lake Superior shoreline, as it’s located on the outer end of a breakwater and offers beautiful sunsets in the evenings! Many people enjoy walking along it, having a picnic, stargazing & taking photo.
19. Enjoy Gunflint Mercantile
The Gunflint Mercantile and Candy Company is known for its fudge! It also offers many unique items for shoppers to enjoy while they are visiting the town like soaps made with honey from local bees or Minnesota-themed gifts. It’s truly one stop shopping at its finest here.
20. See the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is the cornerstone of Minnesota’s most popular tourist attraction, Canal Park. Located in downtown Duluth MN on Lake Superior, this bridge has been an icon for over 90 years and continues to be a marvel today with its ability to lift up 140 feet above water level so that ships can pass underneath it.
21. Don’t Miss the World’s Best Donuts
It’s no secret that World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais is certainly one of the best places on the North Shore MN! This family owned and operated donut shop has been around since 1969. They are well known for their cake donuts, skizzles (a Swedish pastry), kabobs (donut holes with a skewer inserted).
22. Experience the Lutsen Alpine Slide
The Alpine Slide offers an exciting thrill to visitors of Eagle Mountain in Lutsen. Riders will enjoy the scenic chairlift ride up the mountain, followed by half a mile of twisting and turning as they take the slide down! There’s no need for speed; riders can take it slow or let it rip depending on their preference.
23. Explore Pellet Island
A must-see on the North Shore is Pellet Island. You’ll need to scale some big rocks and come across a ladder which will lead you onto this unique island experience that’s sure to take your breath away! Tip: park at Silver Bay Marina.
24. Check Out the Two Harbors Lighthouse
Overlooking Agate Bay, the Two Harbors Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in Minnesota & a historic landmark. The lighthouse tower, the Assistant Keeper’s house, Pilot House and Fog Signal building are all available to be toured by visitors from May through October.
25. Relax Near the Hollow Rock
Another one of the best places on the North Shore MN, is Hollow Rock. Photographed by many, Hollow Rock is a stunning natural arch in Lake Superior that looks like it’s just about to crumble into the lake due to erosion from years of choppy waves.
Can you swim in Lake Superior?
Lake Superior is a chilly place to swim, but people brave the cold for their love of nature and adventure. Lake Superior is quite frigid at any given time of the year. Swimmers are lucky if they get into water that’s mid-60s because even though this may not seem like much warmth compared to other bodies of waters; these numbers demonstrate how harsh Lake Superiors conditions truly are.
Are There Bears in the North Shore of Minnesota?
Black bears are seen every day in the North Shore, a diverse ecosystem that includes creeks and rivers. They create wildlife corridors for other animals to travel through while searching for food.
Overview: The Best Places on the North Shore, MN
If you’re looking for a great way to explore the North Shore of Minnesota and want some tips on where to go, we’ve got just what you need. Whether it’s hiking in one of our state parks or stopping at one of the many breweries along the way, there is plenty to do during your journey up Highway 61. With the best places on the North Shore MN, this scenic route has something for everyone.
Have you been to any of these top 25 best places on the North Shore MN?
Which places did I miss that are must-sees when traveling north? Let us know below!
Looking for more things to do in Minnesota? Check out Your Ultimate Minnesota Bucket List: 45 Best Things To Do In Minnesota