Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive
Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive
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- Linda L HDes Moines, Iowa52 contributionsAbsolutely beautiful Drive!!!!!Spent 8 days there, and it still wasn't enough time. Drove th entire route, saw some awesome views, hiked to amazing waterfalls, watched ships come and go and so much more. Can't wait to go again, perhaps in the fall to view the fall colors.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten July 15, 2023
- Lyle HRed Wing, Minnesota3 contributionsScenic North Shore and Iron RangeI had been several years since I had been up to the north shore and our friends from Missouri had never been there it was as neat as I had remembered and our friends were blown away as they had never seen anything like it. Two harbors and the taconite trains gooseberry falls split rock lighthouse lutsen and Gran Maria were all highlights for them. They couldn’t get enough of the lake. We went on to the iron range taking the back roads. Lunch at Giants Ridge overlooking the golf course was neat. On to Hibbing and a visit to the Hull mine overlook was impressive for our friends and us as well. Was a excellent way to close our north shore visit. A visit to Tobie’s bakery in Hinkley on our way home was a sweet way to end our visit up north.Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 28, 2023
- Richard D3 contributionsLake Superior is absolute beauty. The North Shore Scenic Drive was wonderful on a Thursday, with minimal traffic.My brother and I traveled to Grand Marais from Duluth (and back) to attend our uncle's funeral. I noticed that traveling mid-week offered much less traffic and still all of the amenities. If you must travel during peak tourism season, try going during the week to avoid the heavy weekend traffic.Visited August 2023Written August 7, 2023
- SS_ForeverDallas, Texas480 contributionsScenic Drive Up Hwy 61 BackAs we are staying in Duluth and going to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse to name a few we decided to do the scenic drive on the way up so we could see the sights. Enjoyed the drive. On the way back we took the Hwy 61 route to catch some of the businesses along the way.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 28, 2023
- Lisa B9 contributionsDo it!Stayed in Duluth for a week. Set aside one day to drive the North Shore. Traveled to Tettegouche State Park before returning back to Duluth. (68 miles there, 68 back). Went with a 1.5 year old and 3.5 year old and brought the dog. This was our day: Duluth, Two Harbors Lighthouse, Lakeview Park playground to let them run a bit, Creek Cliff Tunnel, Lafeyette Bluff Tunnel, Gooseberry Falls (HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!), Iona’s Pink Beach for picnic and let dog swim, Split Rock Lighthouse, Black Beach (read reviews how to get there, don’t be mislead), Palisade Head lookout, Tettegouche State Park to see High Falls. We did all this from 9am-6pm. Spent most time at Gooseberry and Tettegouche. Beautiful water falls, beautiful overlooks/views/beaches. Not something to miss. Gooseberry and black beach were the highlights if I had to choose. Enjoy! Hope you have a nice sunny day to see all the views!Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2023
- WingsOverWorldWinnipeg, Canada293 contributionsWorth the TripBeautiful scenic drive with loads of stops along the way with very cool things to see. We loved Gooseberry Falls the most. Split Rock was nice and Glensheen mansion was worht the stop. Teh drive up to the top of Palisade was great - awesome view. On the downside, the traffic was just awful!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 3, 2023
- Grover RPensacola, Florida18,062 contributionsThe Best Part of my Trip to Minnesota - AmazingOne of the prettiest drives in the country. I have driven Highway 61 from Duluth all the way to Canadian Border and the scenery combined with so many different things to do and see make this perhaps the best attraction in Minnesota. In addition, there are great places to eat like Betty's Pies along the way, so it is not just about seeing. I came to the arrowhead of Minnesota to see two amazing National Park, Voyageurs and Isle Royale and they were great. However, the best part of my trip was the 2 days I spent on the North Shore visiting numerous state parks and enjoying the amazing scenery in Minnesota. I was absolutely blown away by the Minnesota State Parks on the North Shore. According to AllTrails you will see most of the state's top 10 parks by visiting the North Shore. My favorite are as follows: 1) Tetteqouche SP 2) Gooseberry Falls SP 3) Cascade River SP 4) Judge CR Magney SP 5) Split Rock SP 6) Grand Portage SP Again, this was a hard ranking as all 6 are incredible. There is not a bad one in this area. I must also say that simply driving the Highway is incredible with all the wonderful wildflowers lining the road. While I spent 2 nights in Grand Marais for visiting the sights of Highway 61, you could also stay in Duluth as well if you wanted larger city amenities. The great thing about seeing it from Duluth is you can also visit the amazing sight in Wisconsin as well. Highway 61 and the Minnesota state parks along are some of the natural places to visit in all the US.Visited June 2023Traveled soloWritten November 10, 2023
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Colin Archibald
Kingston, TN4,468 contributions
Jul 2020
Considered one of the top Scenic Byways in America, the drive up the North Shore of Lake Superior is a great way to spend a day. There are quaint towns, Lighthouses for those of us that love lighthouses, nice restaurants, waterfalls, trails and more. The scenery is beautiful and there are lots of points of interest along the way
Written August 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KSTravel13
Overland Park, KS31 contributions
Sep 2020
The drive was very pretty, but there were parts under construction so weren’t able to see all of it. Gooseberry falls was a lot of fun to hike around. We brought food for a picnic lunch and really enjoyed it. Because of Covid the split rock lighthouse wasn’t allowing anyone into the lighthouse but was still charging a fee so we didn’t go since we had just as good views from some of the overlooks. We stopped at Betty’s pies for pie on our way back to Duluth and it was a great stop! A lot of fun little towns to stop in as you want.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LovesPhotoOps
Hoover, AL1,074 contributions
Jun 2021
We loved everything we did along Highway 61. We flew from Alabama to Minneapolis, drove our rental car to Duluth and spent a night there (loved Duluth), then drove to Silver Bay and spent three nights there as we toured up and down the North Shore before heading to Ely. We stopped at most of the state parks along Highway 61 and did easy/moderate day hikes to waterfalls and scenic Lake Superior views. Don’t miss Tettegouche and Grand Portage state parks as well as Grand Portage National Monument. Gooseberry Falls and Cascade River state parks are good too. We also did the Keeper’s Tour at Split Rock Lighthouse (buy tickets online ahead of time) and enjoyed that. And we stopped at multiple lake overlooks including Palisade Head, Father Baraga’s Cross, and Susie Islands. The good places to eat that we found were Betty’s Pies in Two Harbors, Coho Café & Bakery in Tofte, and Cascade Lodge Pub & Restaurant in Lutsen. Before the trip I had ordered the paperback “North Shore–Duluth: A Photo Tour of Northeastern Minnesota” by David Barthel and found it useful in planning ahead so we didn’t miss anything.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KEITH J
Duluth, MN43 contributions
Jul 2019
On a bright sunny day there isn't a more beautiful drive in Minnesota or the surrounding states than the drive up the North Shore of Lake Superior! There are many spots in which you can stop at places to see the lake along the way and great restaurants, etc. in which to stop and eat or wayside rests in which to picnic, etc. We do this drive at least two or three times a year!
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cfrojen
Fargo, ND7 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
We always love taking the North Shore Scenic drive along Lake Superior when we come for a vacation in Duluth, MN. Plenty of little Mom & Pop restaurants along the drive. Take time to stop at the State Park along the route.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
busteezmama
Oak Hills, CA204 contributions
Jun 2022
We did this drive on a Sunday., leaving early afternoon out of Duluth. Minimal traffic, plenty of places to pull over and really beautiful scenery. Definitely take the scenic road that runs along the shoreline. It literally ends at the 61 so easy enough to continue on. Stopped at French River to walk to beach and look for agates. Two Harbors had a great gift shop called Wellon's - look for the big white chicken out front! We went up as far as Split Rock to see the lighthouse. You can't see the lighthouse from the Visitor Center and we paid $12 each to go see it and walk around the grounds. If you want to actually go inside the lighthouse they do have a tour for that as well. Very nice gift shop at the visitor center, clean bathrooms inside and a water bottle fill station. Stopped on the way back to see Gooseberry Falls. Pretty easy hike on all paved trails. Lake Superior is much prettier once you get north of Duluth harbor. The coastline reminds me of New England coastline in some areas. It was an easy drive, a very relaxing day and absolutely worth your time. You drive through 2 large tunnels that have been cut into the hillsides if you go up this far.
Written June 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
113wearytraveller
Chattanooga, TN121 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
Worth the time, excellent views and easy access to multiple state parks. Parks were, as expected, quite busy. Walk to falls fairly easy as well. Exceptionally clean and a huge compliment to the visitors as well as the scenery. Truly amazing how big Lake Superior is. This drive provides a panoramic view of one of the most spectacular bodies of water in the country.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EC13091
Ellicott City, MD1,248 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We fell in love with Lake Superior during our visit to the Great Lakes, and taking the North Shore Drive was a highlight. Another reviewer suggested we take the old road as we left Duluth—good suggestion. We went to several places along the drive—Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse among them—but remember: for every mile north of Duluth, you have to drive one more mile back (unless you’re going to Canada which we didn’t, due to the need for COVID testing, etc.). If you’re lucky enough to get a good day, as we did, go early and enjoy the day. We went on a weekday, which everyone told us would be less crowded; it was!
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
488juliad
Houston, TX28 contributions
Oct 2021
Beautiful views and great hiking in the state parks. It is well worth the spend to get an annual pass for $35. We went to eight state parks in seven days, and had a great time. We camped at Gooseberry, which had very nice bathrooms and was about a blocks walk from our camp site to the beach area at Lake Superior.
Written October 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jim T
Austin, TX1,161 contributions
Sep 2021
We did part of this drive on a late Saturday afternoon. We went about an hour-and-a-half and turned back. There are several small towns along the route, and of course stops for lighthouses, hiking, picnicking, etc. Be sure to take the smaller highway that actually follows the curving shoreline of the lake, and not the highway a few miles over (North Shore Drive not HighWay 61).
Written September 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour,
Je pars sillonner les côtes en septembre et ne peut manquer ce lieu mais je voyage sans voiture.
Est-il possible de se rendre sur place en bus/train et de randonnée facilement d'un point A à 1 point B pour reprendre le bus/train jusqu'en ville ou faut-il obligatoirement 1 voiture?
Lucy
Denver, CO91 contributions
Where to stay? Starting in Minneapolis- have three/four days to make it up or down the north shore. Will fly out of Minneapolis
Violette54
Payson, AZ4,208 contributions
We stayed in Duluth, and made two runs up. But having been there many times we knew exactly what we wanted to see, and didn't go all the way to Canada.
Diane S
1 contribution
How bad are the mosquitos in late July/early August?
aggiediamondgirl
Bryan, TX3 contributions
My son lives inland from the shore and says the bugs are much worse this year than usual. People are leaving their vacations early. I don't know if it would be the same on the shore.
infobee
Kansas City, MO13 contributions
Hi! We planning trip for the end of September. There's enough information on all the places to b visit, but haven't found anything about the weather. We will be driving from Missouri do it's still pretty warm in September, early October. What about North Shore drive, Duluth area weather wise for end of September/early October. Will we need hats? Rains a lot?! Thank you
113wearytraveller
Chattanooga, TN121 contributions
Use Weather (dot) com_site and pack for anything. Weather changes very quickly, forecasts don't always accurately predict what you'll actually experience.
Ana Wirth
Mount Carmel, IL13 contributions
Where is the North Shore scenic drive? We cannot find it!!
Calitripgirl
Sun City, AZ1,062 contributions
As you go out of town traveling North of Duluth. As stated above, it hwy. 61, be aware parts of the hwy is closed and they will detour you to the freeway.
RBW
Michigan111 contributions
Hi, My husband and I are taking a 4 night trip to the North Shore for the first time and staying in Tofte. Looking at our itinerary which already includes Duluth, Two Harbors, Lutsen, and Grand Marais it seems like we may have to choose between either Gunflint Trail or Pigeon River/ Grand Portage. Which would you recommend more for our first visit in mid-March?
Mary S
Alexandria, MN10 contributions
I have to agree with the the other answer. I love the North Shore in the spring, summer and fall. It is a little early for the items you mentioned. There is so much to enjoy in Duluth. Make sure and visit it's wonderful Italian restaurant!
Pat2219
Portland, OR92 contributions
Hi! I'm planning a trip here in January. I know it's impossible to predict, but normally do they keep the roads pretty clear for driving? I'm renting a 4wd SUV, and plan to stay on the main road.
Jacques C
32 contributions
The roads on the North Shore are very well maintained year round. Unless you get caught in a huge snow event you will be fine.
We are driving the scenic drive and will have about 2-3 days. How do I begin to make hotel reservations? What is the best way to plan that?
Barbara R
Red Wing28 contributions
Duluth the first night and Grand Marais for 2 nights. This will give you time to drive to Grand Portage and High Falls or drive up the Gunflint.
ernandnor
Canada36 contributions
We are booked in a campsite in Jay Cooke S P June10-13 while we visit Duluth. Then plan to head up the beautiful North Shore. However all campsites through the weekends in State Parks are booked. What are our options? We don't need to have hookups, using a 20 ft trailer.
Alana R
Faribault, MN204 contributions
I so don't want to be the downer here, but your pickings are going to be pretty slim with this one. Reservations for these places get booked almost a year in advance. It's kind of crazy. My advice would be to look inland. There are plenty of place to go that are within driving distance of the North Shore. If I think of anything else I will let you know.
candy_satx
8 contributions
We're doing a circle tour for the first time in late Sept, early Oct 2018, and we want to drive up 61 as far as possible and as time allows. Can anyone tell me how many days we should allow in order to stop for plenty of photos, see a couple close waterfalls, eat a bite or two of pie!!!, check out a light house, and take a couple of side drives to see fall colors and maybe some wildlife? Assuming we can't do it all in one day. Is two enough to go from Duluth to the Canadian border and back with a couple of side trip detours (like gunflint trail)? Any comments appreciated. Thanks!
Dave F
Duluth, MN26 contributions
I agree with those that suggest three or four days. You mentioned checking out the Gunflint Trail... An excellent choice, but there is basically only one (paved) way in and the same way out. Driving up the Gunflint from Grand Marais, having lunch at one of the fine resorts located near the end, and returning to Grand Marais is a full day trip in itself.
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Claim your listingMinnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive
- Hotels near Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive:
- (0.26 mi) Cottage On Melrose, Your Duluth Vacation Home
- (1.32 mi) Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior
- (3.14 mi) South Pier Inn
- (2.15 mi) Fitger's Inn
- (2.66 mi) Canal Park Lodge
- Restaurants near Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive:
- (0.00 mi) Bulldog Pizza & Grill
- (0.01 mi) Vanilla Bean Restaurant
- (0.07 mi) Mount Royal Market
- (0.07 mi) Bulldog Pizza and Deli
- (0.07 mi) Domino's Pizza
- Attractions near Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive:
- (0.78 mi) Day Tripper of Duluth
- (1.48 mi) Duluth Glides
- (1.13 mi) Glensheen - The Historic Congdon Estate
- (1.82 mi) Leif Erickson Park
- (2.53 mi) Solve Entertainment Escape Rooms