Waterfalls, Lighthouses & Legendary Lakes
Waterfalls, Lighthouses & Legendary Lakes
Two Harbors, MN 55616Washburn, WI 54891
Trip overview
Embark on a rugged journey along Minnesota's North Shore, where the iconic Highway 61 traces the dramatic coastline of Lake Superior. This trip features cascading waterfalls, a historic lighthouse perched on a cliff, and the sculpted sea caves of Wisconsin's Apostle Islands.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Just off the highway, discover a series of spectacular waterfalls on the Gooseberry River. Walk the accessible trails to view the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls as they cascade through a rocky gorge towards Lake Superior.
3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Climb to one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the United States, perched atop a 130-foot cliff. Tour the restored lightkeeper's house and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Superior's vastness.
3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616
Palisade Head
Drive the steep, narrow road to the top of this massive rock formation for an unrivaled, cliff-top vantage point over Lake Superior. It's a popular spot for rock climbers and photographers alike, offering stunning 360-degree views.
MN-61, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Cascade Lodge
Stay in a cozy, historic lodge or a private cabin nestled between Cascade River State Park and Lake Superior. The property offers direct access to hiking trails and the lakeshore, blending rustic charm with comfort.
3719 W Hwy 61, Lutsen, MN 55612
Day 2 — Grand Marais
Judge C.R. Magney State Park - Devil's Kettle
Hike a moderately challenging 2-mile round trip trail to witness the famous Devil's Kettle, a geological mystery where half of the Brule River vanishes into a pothole with no known outlet. The trail follows the river through a beautiful boreal forest.
4051 E MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Grand Portage State Park - High Falls
Visit the High Falls of the Pigeon River, Minnesota's tallest waterfall, cascading 120 feet. An easy, paved, half-mile trail leads to multiple viewing platforms on the US-Canada border.
9393 E MN-61, Grand Portage, MN 55605
World's Best Donuts
A mandatory stop in Grand Marais for a sweet treat before heading to Wisconsin. This seasonal, family-owned shop has been serving legendary cake donuts, raised donuts, and their famous 'skizzle' since 1969.
10 E Wisconsin St, Grand Marais, MN 55604
Apostle Islands Area Campground
Set up camp just outside Bayfield with wooded sites perfect for tents or RVs. It's a convenient and serene home base for exploring the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, offering quiet nights under the pines.
85150 Trailer Park Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814
Day 3 — Bayfield
Apostle Islands Sea Cave Kayak Tour
Embark on a guided kayaking excursion to the mainland sea caves of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Paddle through stunning, sculpted sandstone arches and chambers carved by the powerful waves of Lake Superior.
415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814
Lakeshore Trail at Meyers Beach
Hike a portion of this rugged trail for incredible clifftop views of the sea caves you just kayaked. The trail meanders through dense forest and opens up to dramatic overlooks of Lake Superior and several of the Apostle Islands.
Meyers Rd, Bayfield, WI 54814
Ethel's at 250
Enjoy a fantastic final meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and classic American comfort food with a creative twist. This lively spot in nearby Washburn is known for its delicious burgers, fresh fish, and friendly atmosphere.
250 W Bayfield St, Washburn, WI 54891
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 North Shore Drive road trip covers about 349 mi and roughly 7h 3m of driving, comfortably spread across about 3 days.
This itinerary maps out 11 stops from Two Harbors, MN 55616 to Washburn, WI 54891. Highlights include Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Judge C.R. Magney State Park - Devil's Kettle, and Apostle Islands Sea Cave Kayak Tour.
It begins in Two Harbors, MN 55616 and ends in Washburn, WI 54891, following a mapped, road-following route the whole way.
The estimated cost is around $453, covering fuel, lodging, food, and activities. Your actual total varies with the season, your pace, and the choices you make along the way.
Open North Shore Drive in the free Road Trip app for turn-by-turn navigation, the full day-by-day itinerary, live weather, and gas-cost tracking along the route.
More road trips
Open this trip in the app
Take this route with you — navigation, live weather, and gas tracking inside Road Trip.
