Waterfalls, cliffs and islands of Lake Superior
Waterfalls, cliffs and islands of Lake Superior
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Trip overview
Trace the wild, rugged contours of Lake Superior on this epic 4-day loop. Journey from the dramatic cliffs of the North Shore to the pristine wilderness of the Boundary Waters, returning via Wisconsin's scenic Apostle Islands.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Two Harbors
Split Rock Lighthouse
Perched atop a sheer 130-foot cliff, this iconic 1910 lighthouse offers breathtaking panoramas of Lake Superior's relentless waters.
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Palisade Head
Stand on sheer rhyolite cliffs towering 300 feet above the lake, offering endless views of the horizon and brave rock climbers.
Highway 61 Milepost 56.5, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Angry Trout Cafe
A beloved harborfront eatery operating out of an old commercial fishing shanty, famous for fresh Lake Superior trout and whitefish.
408 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
East Bay Suites
Cozy, modern lakefront lodging situated directly on the cobblestone beaches of Grand Marais' East Bay.
21 Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Day 2 — Lutsen
Kawishiwi Falls Trail
A scenic, easy forest hike leading to a thundering 70-foot waterfall that showcases the raw power of the Boundary Waters wilderness.
Fall Lake Rd, Ely, MN 55731
Boathouse Brewpub & Restaurant
Ely's original brewpub, serving up hearty northwoods comfort food and house-brewed craft beers in a rustic, canoe-adorned setting.
47 E Sheridan St, Ely, MN 55731
Grand Ely Lodge
A classic northern lodge situated on the shores of Shagawa Lake, offering beautiful sunset views and access to watercraft rentals.
400 N Pioneer Rd, Ely, MN 55731
Day 3 — Soudan
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Minnesota's oldest and deepest iron mine, where you can descend nearly half a mile underground to learn about the rugged life of early miners.
1302 McKinley Park Rd, Soudan, MN 55782
Meyers Beach
Access point for the spectacular Lakeshore Trail, winding along towering sandstone cliffs overlooking the famous Apostle Islands sea caves.
Meyers Road, Bayfield, WI 54814
Manypenny Bistro
A warm and inviting local bistro serving up delicious regional dishes, local whitefish, and great coffee in downtown Bayfield.
201 Manypenny Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
Old Rittenhouse Inn
A historic Queen Anne Victorian mansion offering elegant accommodations and beautiful Lake Superior views.
301 Rittenhouse Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
Day 4 — La Pointe
Big Bay State Park
Located on Madeline Island, this park features a stunning 1.5-mile sandstone beach, barrier dunes, and panoramic views of the cold, clear lake.
2402 Hagen Rd, La Pointe, WI 54850
Delta Diner
A meticulously restored 1940 East Coast diner dropped in the middle of a national forest, serving up legendary, creative comfort food.
14385 County Highway H, Delta, WI 54856
Canal Park Aerial Lift Bridge
Complete your loop in Duluth's historic harbor, where you can watch massive 1,000-foot lake freighters glide beneath the iconic lifting bridge.
601 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
Experiences & guides
Bookable tours and stops worth a detour along this route.
National Parks
Cane River Creole National Historical Park
National Historical Park
El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
National Historical Park and Preserve
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
National Historical Park
Poverty Point National Monument
National Monument
Vicksburg National Military Park
National Military Park
Guide content may not reflect current conditions. Always verify information before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
The Lake Superior Loop road trip covers about 495 mi and roughly 10h 20m of driving, comfortably spread across about 4 days.
This itinerary maps out 14 stops. Highlights include Split Rock Lighthouse, Meyers Beach, and Big Bay State Park.
The estimated cost is around $1,008, 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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