The Best Stops Along Minnesota’s North Shore
Along Lake Superior in Grand Marais, Minnesota. Click on my photos to pin on Pinterest!
The North Shore of Minnesota along Lake Superior is one of my favorite parts of the midwest! There is natural beauty everywhere, fun road trip stops, so many great eats, and some of the best photography spots around. In this blog, I’ll go over the best stops to make along the North Shore of Minnesota. It’s road trip time!
No matter the season, the North Shore of Minnesota has plenty to offer. The peak times to visit are May-October, with October being one of my favorite months for the beautiful fall foliage. However, I wouldn’t rule out visiting during the winter months. Although many businesses are closed during the off season, there’s plenty to keep you busy during the winter like exploring frozen waterfalls, skiing or snowboarding, and snowmobiling. I have visited the North Shore during winter, spring, summer, and fall and love it all! Check out my list of fun stops below.
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Where To Stay Along Minnesota’s North Shore
I recommend making at least a weekend trip while exploring Minnesota’s North Shore. It’s about 3 hours from the Twin Cities to Two Harbors, and that’s just the beginning of the North Shore. Here are some lodging recommendations to check out during your visit!
Surfside On Lake Superior in Tofte, Minnesota
Surfside On Lake Superior
A beautiful resort to stay at is Surfside On Lake Superior in Tofte, Minnesota. They offer townhomes and master suites. This is a great place to book with a group of friends or family. You can get a 3 bedroom townhome with 3 levels, views of Lake Superior, your own kitchen, and fireplace. It’s amazing! They also have a sauna, pool, bonfire pit, and so much more. I highly recommend it.
Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior
Just up the road and under the same family of resorts is Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior also in Tofte, Minnesota. This is another great resort with gorgeous Lake Superior views that you can’t go wrong with.
View of the sunset with moon coming out over Lake Superior
Where To Camp
There’s no shortage of beautiful camping spots along Minnesota’s North Shore. Here’s a few places I recommend!
Gooseberry Falls State Park
For gorgeous waterfalls just steps from your campsite, you’ll want to try to grab a spot at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Reserve your spot here, they go quick. Purchase your State Park Pass here.
Tettegouche State Park
Waterfalls are a theme of these three State Parks. Tettegouche State Park is another winner! Most State Park campsites fill up fast, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. Purchase your State Park Pass here.
Temperance River State Park
Another option for a pristine state park to camp at is Temperance River State Park. You can’t go wrong with any of the State Parks on the North Shore, so check out the reservations for all of them and see if you can reserve a spot! Purchase your State Park Pass here.
Nine Mile Lake Campground
Nine Mile Lake Campground
If you’d rather be tucked away in the woods on a serene lake, check out Nine Mile Lake Campground located in Finland, Minnesota. You’ll truly get away from it all here while enjoying the beauty of the Superior National Forest.
Lake Superior Shoreline at Surfside On Lake Superior
The Best Stops to Make Along Minnesota’s North Shore
For ease, I’ll lay out my recommendations of the best stops to make along Minnesota’s North Shore starting at what’s closest to the Twin Cities, South to North.
Duluth
Duluth is just over 2 hours away from Minneapolis and is considered the start of the North Shore of Minnesota. You could spend all day here, or just make a quick pit stop to get out of the car and stretch.
Canal Park
I recommend taking a walk around Canal Park to take in the beautiful views of Lake Superior. Grab a picnic table and admire all the ships passing by on Lake Superior.
The Great Lakes Aquarium
The Great Lakes Aquarium is the perfect pit stop of families. You’ll be mesmerized by all the beautiful sea life. It’s a fun stop.
Snowboarding at Spirit Mountain
Spirit Mountain
For a full day of fun, check out Spirit Mountain for an adventure, no matter the season! Ski, snowboard, or tube during the winter months and alpine sled or mountain bike during the warmer months.
Bentleyville Light Show
Around the holidays, make sure to stop and walk through the free Bentleyville light show. It’s magical!
Two Harbors
Two Harbors, Minnesota is such a cute little city. Some of my favorite stops are in Two Harbors. Make sure to check out these gems below.
Castle Danger Brewery
Castle Danger Brewery
Try some beer brewed with Lake Superior water at Castle Danger Brewery. On the weekends, you’ll often find a food truck for a lunch stop or grab some brews to take with for the weekend!
Burlington Station
Stop by Burlington Station Pumpkin Patch during the fall for gorgeous mums and fall fun. Anytime of year, Burlington Station offers gift shop goodies and candy!
Great Lakes Crunch Pie from Betty’s Pies
Betty’s Pies
If you’re looking for a great spot to eat with some amazingly delicious pies, make a stop at the iconic Betty’s Pies. This place is always packed, but for a good reason. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat and having a piece of pie with your meal. I had the Betty’s special, which was a half chicken salad sandwich on cranberry wild rice bread, wild rice soup, and a slice of pie. It was so dang good. If you’re short on time, you can also grab pie to go!
Rustic Inn Cafe
The great debate is who has the better pies? Betty’s Pies or Rustic Inn Cafe? Both places have great pies, but in my personal opinion, I enjoy Rustic Inn Cafe’s pies a little bit more. Rustic Inn Cafe usually has shorter wait times and offers equally as delicious food. It’s a bit pricer, but worth it for their mouth watering homemade pies!
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Who doesn’t love a good waterfall? Make sure to check out all of the waterfall hikes at Gooseberry Falls State Park. There are nice, paved paths right to the falls, that are family friendly and free. Gooseberry Falls State Park is also a lovely spot to camp. You’ll need a State Park permit for that. Make sure to book your campsite reservation in advance.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Visit the gorgeous Split Rock Lighthouse State Park right along the shores of Lake Superior. A great spot to take photos is along Pebble Beach with Split Rock Lighthouse in the background.
Second Hand Rose
A fun antique store to stop at is Second Hand Rose. During the warmer months, you’ll see tables set up outside with so many unique and antique glassware and goodies. Be sure to check out what she has inside too!
Beaver Bay Agate Shop
Beaver Bay Agate Shop
The North Shore is known for their stunning agates. If you’re into pretty rocks and crystals, you’ll love Beaver Bay Agate Shop. Inside, there’s a little museum as well as a store!
Black Beach by Silver Bay
Black Beach
Black Beach is such a cool beach to explore and a perfect photo spot. The black sand, from nearby mining, is stunning and the rock edge cliffs are gorgeous against beautiful, blue Lake Superior. The parking lot is small and usually busy, so you may need to park along the road.
Palisade Head
Another gorgeous natural formation along Lake Superior’s shore is Palisade Head. This is a stunning spot to take photos with jagged rock ledges and miles of Lake Superior views. Hike to the view point any time of year! It’s a short and easy .9 mile hike round trip.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park
There are 4 waterfalls to see at Tettegouche State Park. You won’t want to miss this stop! Even in the winter, these falls are beauties to see. They won’t be flowing, but rather frozen. If you’re planning on camping, grab your campsite reservation here and your State Park permit here.
Temperance River State Park
Don’t miss the series of waterfalls cascading down into Temperance River at Temperance River State Park. Make sure to check out trails on both side of the highway to see the waterfalls and views of Lake Superior! For camping, grab your campsite reservation here and your State Park permit here.
Tofte
Tofte is a small town about 30 minutes south of Grand Marais and an hour north of Two Harbors. It’s a good location for lodging while exploring the North Shore and has some beautiful stays as mentioned above, like Surfside on Lake Superior and Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior.
Bluefin Grille
Whether you’re staying at Bluefin Bay on Lake Superior or just looking for a delicious dinner spot, make a reservation at Bluefin Grille. Overlook the crashing waves of Lake Superior while enjoying your meal.
Lutsen Mountain
Year round, Lutsen Mountain is full of adventure. During the winter, ride the gondola up the mountain to ski or snowboard with Lake Superior views. It’s the only Minnesota ski resort with a gondola. You can even ride the gondola up summer through fall for arial views. How cool!
Grand Marais
The most northern point I’ve visited along Minnesota’s North Shore is Grand Marais. It’s a lovely little city that’s worth the long drive!
World’s Best Donuts
May-October, enjoy delicious donuts from World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais. Their cake donuts are pretty special!
Rick Allen Print from Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais
Sivertson Gallery
Grand Marais is wonderful at supporting small and local artists. Sivertson Gallery is filled with stunning artwork from local Minnesota artists. This is a great spot to browse art of all kind and bring a little piece of the North Shore back into your home. We love our print by Rick Allen, a printmaker based in Duluth.
Roam & Whimsy
Check out Roam & Whimsy, a little gift shop on wheels open May-October. One of my favorite parts is the Inciardi mini print vending machines! Make sure to bring your quarters and get a North Shore mini print before you head back.
Joy & Company
Another fun gift shop to check out is Joy & Company. This shop is filled with art supplies, local art and handmade gifts, and some cool antiques. It has a little something for everyone!
Northern Goods
If you’re looking for a place to rent outdoor gear, check out Northern Goods any time of year. They’ll have what you need for cross country skiing, fishing, Boundary Waters paddle permits, you name it.
Salmon chowder at Fisherman’s Daughter At Dockside Fish Market
Fisherman’s Daughter At Dockside Fish Market
Grab some hot soup, locally caught Lake Superior fish and chips, and a Castle Danger Cream Ale at Fisherman’s Daughter before heading back. It’s super casual and they also have everything you’d need for a picnic along the lake!
Agate Bay Beach in Two Harbors, Minnesota
At a Glance: Stops to make along the North Shore of Minnesota
Located South to North
Duluth
Canal Park
Great Lakes Aquarium
Spirit Mountain
Bentlyville Light Show
Two Harbors
Castle Danger Brewery
Burlington Station
Betty’s Pies
Rustic Inn Cafe
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse
Second Hand Rose
Beaver Bay Agate Shop
Black Beach
Palisade Head
Tettegouche State Park
Ninemile Lake Campground
Temperance River State Park
Tofte
Bluefin Grille
Lutsen Mountain
Grand Marais
World’s Best Donuts
Sivertson Gallery
Roam & Whimsy
Joy & Company
Northern Goods
Fisherman’s Daughter At Dockside Fish Market
Overall Thoughts
As you can see, the North Shore of Minnesota has so much natural beauty to see and appreciate. Not only do we love bringing back memories and photos, but Ross and I love stocking up on wild rice before heading home. It’s sold by the pound at many local businesses. You can’t miss it! Let me know your favorite North Shore Minnesota stops and treats! I’d love to keep exploring.
Camera used to document my travels: Canon EOS 5D Mark III & IV 35mm lens and iPhone
