Cliffs, waterfalls, and wild northern shores
Cliffs, waterfalls, and wild northern shores
MN 55802, USA
Trip overview
Circle the rugged North Shore of Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake. This journey takes you past towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and agate-strewn beaches, with stops in historic iron-range towns and charming harbor villages.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — MN 55802
Canal Park & Aerial Lift Bridge
Start your journey in Duluth's vibrant Canal Park. Watch massive ore ships pass under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, stroll along the Lakewalk, and feel the immense presence of Lake Superior.
Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Witness the spectacular Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River as it cascades towards Lake Superior. Accessible trails make this a perfect introduction to the North Shore's dramatic waterfalls.
3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Perched atop a 130-foot cliff, this is arguably the most picturesque lighthouse in the United States. Tour the restored light station and enjoy breathtaking views of the lake from the cliff's edge.
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
Day 2 — MN 55615
Oberg Mountain Loop Trail
Hike this famed 2.3-mile loop in the Superior National Forest for some of the most rewarding scenery on the shore. A series of panoramic overlooks provide spectacular vistas of Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountains.
6243 W MN-61, Tofte, MN 55615, USA
Angry Trout Cafe
Enjoy incredibly fresh, locally-sourced fish and produce at this beloved restaurant perched right over Grand Marais harbor. Their grilled Lake Superior trout and wild rice are local classics.
408 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Artists' Point
Walk out on this dramatic tombolo to see the Grand Marais Lighthouse and feel the power of the lake. The ancient, glacier-smoothed basalt rocks offer a stunning platform for photography and contemplation.
Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
East Bay Suites
Stay in the heart of Grand Marais in a modern suite with full kitchens and private balconies overlooking the harbor. It's the perfect base to explore this charming arts-focused town.
21 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Day 3 — MN 55605
Grand Portage National Monument
Step back in time at this reconstructed 18th-century fur trade depot. Learn about the partnership between the Ojibwe and the North West Company and the grueling 8.5-mile portage that connected inland waterways to Lake Superior.
170 Mile Creek Rd, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
High Falls at Grand Portage State Park
Stand in awe of Minnesota's highest waterfall, the 120-foot High Falls on the Pigeon River, which forms the US-Canada border. An easy, accessible half-mile trail leads to multiple viewing platforms.
9393 E MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605, USA
Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway
Leave the lake behind and drive a portion of this legendary 57-mile paved road into the heart of the Superior National Forest. The route offers stunning views of boreal forests and pristine lakes, with a chance to spot moose.
Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
Day 4 — MN 55782
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Take a cage elevator half a mile underground into Minnesota's first iron ore mine. This fascinating tour reveals the challenging conditions and remarkable engineering of the iron mining industry that shaped the region.
1302 McKinley Park Rd, Soudan, MN 55782, USA
International Wolf Center
Observe a resident wolf pack in a naturalistic environment and learn about the biology and behavior of these captivating animals. It's an educational and memorable experience in the gateway city to the Boundary Waters.
1396 MN-169, Ely, MN 55731, USA
Burntside Lodge
Dine in the historic main lodge of a classic northern Minnesota resort on the shores of crystal-clear Burntside Lake. The ambiance is rustic yet elegant, offering a true taste of the Northwoods.
2755 Burntside Lodge Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA
Grand Ely Lodge
Enjoy comfortable, lodge-style accommodations with panoramic views of Shagawa Lake. It's a great spot to relax after a day of exploring the Iron Range and wilderness.
400 N Pioneer Rd, Ely, MN 55731, USA
Day 5 — Minnesota
Minnesota Discovery Center
Explore the fascinating history of the Iron Range, from its geology to the stories of the immigrant miners who built its communities. Ride the vintage trolley for a scenic view of a vast, open-pit mine.
1005 Discovery Dr, Chisholm, MN 55719, USA
Enger Park and Enger Tower
For a final panoramic view, climb the five-story Enger Tower. It offers an incredible 360-degree vista of the Duluth Harbor, the St. Louis River, and the expanse of Lake Superior where your journey began.
1601 Enger Tower Dr, Duluth, MN 55806, USA
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
National Parks
Grand Portage National Monument
National Monument
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area
National River & Recreation Area
North Country National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
Pipestone National Monument
National Monument
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
National Scenic Riverway
Voyageurs National Park
National Park
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Lake Superior road trip covers about 117 mi and roughly 2h 47m of driving, comfortably spread across about 5 days.
This itinerary maps out 16 stops. Highlights include Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, High Falls at Grand Portage State Park, and Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway.
The estimated cost is around $1,399, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
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