As someone who has lived in Minnesota my entire life, the term ‘up north’ has a very special place in my heart. Almost every summer, my family and I take a week to travel up to the North Shore and revisit the wondrous place that it is. For those of you who have never made the trip, or for those of you who have but want to revisit, here is a roadmap for the perfect North Shore road trip.
Tobies Restaurant and Bakery. Hinkley
Drive time from Hamline University: 1 hr 10 minutes
The first stop on your trip to the North Shore is Tobies. This quaint restaurant is the perfect place to stop for breakfast. The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is homey, the cinnamon and caramel rolls are to die for.
Gooseberry Falls. Two Harbors
Drive time from Tobies: 1 hr 47 minutes
Gooseberry Falls is a breathtaking sight. The two big waterfalls are just a short, paved walk from the parking lot, but if you enjoy hiking, there are hiking trails that will lead you to the Fifth Falls. No matter what waterfalls you choose to see, the sights will be worth your time. Warning: depending on the day you go, there will be A LOT of people.
Gooseberry Falls after a historic rainfall. Photo Credit: Lauren Stretar
Rustic Inn, Two Harbors
Drive Time from Gooseberry: 4 minutes
This is the place to go for lunch. Again, depending on what time you get here, it will be busy, but the wait is worth it. I recommend their fish n’chips. Also, don’t forget to order a slice of pie. My personal favorite is the North Shore Berry Crumble.
Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors
Drive Time from Rustic Inn: 11 minutes
Split Rock Lighthouse is one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks. As such, it is one of the most photographed landmarks in the entire state and offers some beautiful views of Lake Superior. You even have the option of going inside the lighthouse. The state park offers miles of trails, and gives you the opportunity to walk along the shore line.
Split Rock Lighthouse from the shore line. Photo credit: Lauren Stretar
Palisade Head, Beaver Bay
Drive Time from Split Rock: 15 minutes
Palisade Head is one of those stops along the road where you get out of your car, look at the view for about five minutes and continue driving. Why is it an important stop, you may ask? I’ll let the photo speak for itself.
A view from Palisade Head. Photo Credit: Spud Groshong
Temperance River State Park, Schroeder
Drive time from Palisade Head: 25 minutes
Temperance river is a little slice of heaven wrapped up into one state park. It has miles of hiking trails through beautiful swaths of forest alongside a wild river. Occasionally, the trees open up and you can see slices of Lake Superior. There are also waterfalls. What more could you want?
Temperance River joining Lake Superior. Photo Credit: Randen Pederson
Cascade River, Lutsen
Drive time from Tofte: 15 minutes
This hike can be as short or as long as you want. Similar to Gooseberry falls, the walk to the Waterfall is short and paved, but if you want to explore, there are multiple paths you can take. Everything about this state park is a must see.
Waterfalls in Cascade River. Photo Credit: Don Davison
Grand Marais
Drive time from Lutsen: 20 minutes
A small town nestled right on Lake Superior, this is a perfect place to spend the afternoon and unwind.
The Angry Trout, Grand Marais
While you’re in Grand Marais, make sure to make a reservation at The Angry Trout. Situated right next to the Lake, this restaurant will bring you the freshest fish you can get. I recommend the smoked trout Fettuccine – it’s delicious.
Isle Royale, MI
Drive time from Grand Marais: 1 hr. Ferry time: Roughly 1 hr
This is a stop you need to plan ahead on because you need to schedule a ferry ride over to the island. Depending on the roughness of the water and the weather, the boat ride might not be the most pleasant experience in the world, but it’s all worth it once you reach the island itself. It’s secluded and beautiful with miles upon miles of hiking trails.
Fog surrounding Isle Royale Lighthouse. Photo Credit: Lauren Stretar
Okay, now that you’ve reached the tip of Minnesota, it’s time to start traveling back home. Due to the amount of stops on the drive up, the number on the way home is minimal, but they’re worth it.
Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
Drive time from Grand Portage: 1 hr 39 minutes
Similar to the other trails on this trip, you have multiple options. There are multiple paved paths that lead up to different outlooks. There are also miles of trails around Lake Superior. No matter which one you choose, you’re in for some beautiful views.
A view of Lake Superior and Palisade Head from an outlook at Tettegouche. Photo Credit: Lauren Stretar
Betty’s Pies, Two Harbors
Drive time from Tettegouche: 33 minutes
If you want more fantastic pie, Betty’s Pies is your place to go. They have many of the same recipes seen at Rustic Inn, but Betty’s Pies is just a smidge bit better. It’s also a great place to stop for lunch.
Canal Park, Duluth
Drive time from Two Harbors: 35 minutes
Canal Park is the tourist spot of Duluth, but for a good reason. Nestled around Lake Superior, there are miles of boardwalks around the shore line to enjoy. If you tire of walking around the lake, you can also go and explore Duluth, where there’s no shortage of amazing sights. Pro tip: don’t walk up the hills, your knees will hate you.
The Duluth Lighthouse as seen from Canal Park. Photo Credit: Lauren Stretar
Grandma’s Saloon and Grill, Canal Park
If you want a fantastic plate of spaghetti and meatballs, this is the restaurant to eat at. Old-timey and homey at the same time, this restaurant not only offers fantastic food, but an amazing atmosphere as well. Depending on what you’re hungry for, you can either eat in the main restaurant or the upstairs, where they serve a lighter lunch menu and appetizers. No matter where you decide to eat, I have yet to eat a bad meal at Grandma’s.
And there you have it, the perfect North Shore road trip. It will take you more than one day, but I don’t know why anyone would want to only spend one day around Lake Superior. So pack your bags with some sturdy footwear (I highly recommend hiking boots), lots of sunscreen, a hat, water and healthy snacks, grab your music and some friends (or family) and start your journey.