Discover North Shore, Minnesota - Where Lake Superior Meets Wilderness

Day 1: Waterfalls and Iconic Views

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your North Shore adventure in Duluth. Start at Canal Park (allow 1.5-2 hours) to see the Aerial Lift Bridge, explore the shops, and walk along the Lake Superior Lakewalk. Grab a coffee at Northern Waters Smokehaus or Duluth Coffee Company. Next, drive up to Enger Tower (allow 45 mins - 1 hour, ~10-minute drive from Canal Park) for panoramic views of Duluth, Lake Superior, and the harbor. Fuel up with a packed lunch or grab a quick bite from a deli in Duluth before heading north. Practical Tip: Parking in Canal Park can be busy; look for metered spots or parking garages.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Depart Duluth for the scenic drive up Highway 61. Your first major stop is Gooseberry Falls State Park (~40 miles, 45-minute drive from Duluth). Spend 1.5-2 hours exploring the Middle, Upper, and Lower Falls, hiking trails, and the visitor center. Be sure to purchase your Minnesota State Parks vehicle permit ($7/day or $35 annual) here, as it’s required for all state parks. Continue north to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (~8 miles, 10-minute drive). Allow 1.5-2 hours to tour the historic lighthouse grounds, keeper’s dwelling, and fog signal building (admission ~ $12/person). The views from the cliffside are breathtaking.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards) Head to your accommodation in the Two Harbors or Castle Danger area. For dinner, enjoy a casual meal at Castle Danger Brewery (known for their craft beers and food truck schedule) or experience local flavors at Vanilla Bean Restaurant in Two Harbors, offering classic American fare with a North Shore twist (dinner for two ~ $40-60). Relax after a day of extensive sightseeing and prepare for more adventures.

Day 2: River Gorges and Grand Views

• Morning (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day by heading further north from Two Harbors. Your first stop is Palisade Head, part of Tettegouche State Park (~20 miles, 25-minute drive from Two Harbors). This dramatic cliff offers incredible vistas of Lake Superior (allow 45 minutes for photos and awe). Continue into Tettegouche State Park (a few minutes drive) to hike to the scenic High Falls of the Baptism River (2.5-mile round trip, allow 1.5-2 hours). Alternatively, explore the easy trails around the visitor center. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the scenic spots within Tettegouche or grab a quick bite at the visitor center’s small cafe.
• Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Continue your drive north to Temperance River State Park (~15 miles, 20-minute drive). Spend 1-1.5 hours exploring the unique river gorge where the river “disappears” into potholes and flows directly into Lake Superior (no estuary). Next, drive to Lutsen Mountains (~20 miles, 25-minute drive). Consider taking the Summit Express Gondola up Moose Mountain for more spectacular panoramic views (round trip ~ $30/person, allow 1-1.5 hours). You can hike at the top or simply enjoy the vista before descending.
• Evening (6:00 PM Onwards) Arrive in the charming artist village of Grand Marais (~20 miles, 25-minute drive from Lutsen). Check into your lodging and then explore the harbor, lighthouse, and unique shops. For dinner, indulge in fresh fish at The Angry Trout Cafe (dinner for two ~ $60-90, reservations recommended) or enjoy a casual but delicious meal at Sven and Ole’s Pizza (dinner for two ~ $30-50). Afterward, take a stroll along the harbor as the sun sets.

Day 3: Borderline Beauty and Homeward Bound

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy a leisurely morning in Grand Marais. Grab breakfast at World’s Best Donuts or Java Moose before taking a final walk around the harbor and browsing the art galleries and shops. Next, drive north to Judge C.R. Magney State Park (~15 miles, 20-minute drive). Allow 2-2.5 hours to hike the challenging but rewarding 2-mile round trip trail to the famous Devil’s Kettle Falls, where half the Brule River seemingly vanishes into a mysterious pothole. This is one of the North Shore’s most intriguing natural wonders.
• Afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM) Continue your journey to Grand Portage State Park (~25 miles, 30-minute drive), located right on the Canadian border. Here, you’ll find the majestic High Falls of the Pigeon River, the tallest waterfall in Minnesota. It’s an easy 1-mile round trip paved path to the viewing platform (allow 1-1.5 hours). This marks the northernmost point of your scenic highlights tour. Enjoy a picnic lunch you packed or grab a snack at the visitor center before starting your drive back south.
• Evening (4:30 PM Onwards) Begin your return journey south on Highway 61. Depending on your final destination, you can make additional quick stops at any overlooks you missed or want to revisit. For a final taste of the North Shore, consider stopping for a casual dinner in Silver Bay at North Shore Pizza Cafe or Rustic Inn Cafe for a classic Northwoods meal (dinner for two ~ $30-50). Reflect on the stunning waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and serene lake views that define Minnesota’s unforgettable North Shore.

Day 1: Cascades & Craggy Shores

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your adventure driving north from Duluth, approximately 50 miles (1 hour drive), to Gooseberry Falls State Park. This is often called the “Gateway to the North Shore” for its iconic waterfalls. Upon arrival, purchase a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit ($7/day or $35 for an annual pass – the annual pass is recommended for this 5-day itinerary). Hike the various well-maintained trails to witness the dramatic Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls of the Gooseberry River. Total hiking distance: 2-3 miles. Allow 2-3 hours for exploration.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the park’s scenic beauty (pack your own to save time and money). Afterward, drive just 10 miles north (15 minutes) to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. While a tour of the lighthouse itself costs $10-12/person, you can access breathtaking views of the iconic landmark for free by hiking the Gitchi-Gami State Trail segments within the park, such as the path to Little Two Harbors overlook. Hike 2-4 miles, taking 2-3 hours, enjoying the dramatic cliffside scenery.
• Evening Drive approximately 30-40 miles north (45-60 minutes) to the Lutsen/Tofte area. Check into your accommodation (e.g., Cove Point Lodge or similar, estimated $160-$180/night). For dinner, consider the Rustic Inn Cafe & Gifts in Castle Danger (a short drive back south, but renowned for homestyle cooking and pies, estimated $40-60 for 2 people) or Bluefin Grille in Tofte for lake views and a slightly more upscale menu (estimated $60-80 for 2 people).

Day 2: Mighty Falls & Scenic Overlooks

• Morning (8:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Head to Tettegouche State Park, just 5-10 miles north of Tofte (10-15 minutes). This park boasts some of the North Shore’s most spectacular features. Choose your main hike: either the invigorating 2.5-mile round trip (or 3.5-mile rugged gorge trail option) to the 60-foot High Falls of the Baptism River, or the dramatic 1.5-mile round trip out to Shovel Point for incredible cliffside views of Lake Superior. Both options offer rewarding experiences. Allow 2-3 hours for High Falls or 1.5-2 hours for Shovel Point.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy a packed lunch at Tettegouche. Continue 10 miles north (15 minutes) to Temperance River State Park. Here, the river has carved a fascinating gorge with unique potholes and cascades. Hike along both sides of the river, exploring its various falls and rock formations. A 2-4 mile hike here will take 2-3 hours. Be mindful of slippery rocks and cliff edges.
• Evening Return to your Lutsen/Tofte area accommodation. For dinner, experience the lively atmosphere at Poplar River Pub at Lutsen Mountains (casual pub fare, often with live music, estimated $50-70 for 2) or Papa Charlie’s Saloon & Grill (also at Lutsen Mountains, good food and a vibrant setting, estimated $50-70 for 2). Consider a sunset stroll along Lake Superior near your lodging.

Day 3: Grand Marais Charm & River Rapids

• Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Check out of your Lutsen/Tofte lodging and drive approximately 45 miles (1 hour) further north to Grand Marais, the artistic and adventurous hub of the upper North Shore. Check into your Grand Marais accommodation (e.g., The Shoreline Inn or similar, estimated $180-$200/night). Spend the morning exploring the charming town: walk the scenic harbor, visit the iconic lighthouse and breakwater, and browse the unique shops and galleries (e.g., Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Sivertson Gallery). Don’t miss a pastry and coffee from World’s Best Donuts. Allow 2-3 hours for exploring on foot.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Enjoy lunch in Grand Marais at Voyageur Brewing Company for craft beer and casual bites (estimated $40-60 for 2). Afterward, drive 8 miles north (15 minutes) to Cascade River State Park. Hike along the Cascade River to discover its series of seven cascades. For a more strenuous and rewarding experience, connect to the Superior Hiking Trail and ascend to Lookout Mountain for panoramic views of Lake Superior (4-mile round trip, significant elevation gain). The river trail alone is 1.5-2 miles. Allow 2-4 hours depending on your chosen route.
• Evening For a memorable dinner, consider the acclaimed New Scenic Cafe (a short drive south of Grand Marais, reservations highly recommended, estimated $80-120 for 2) or the harbor-front Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais for fresh, local fish and charming views (estimated $70-100 for 2). Enjoy a peaceful evening watching the sunset over the harbor.

Day 4: Gunflint Trail Wilderness Immersion

• Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Prepare for a wilderness immersion by filling your gas tank in Grand Marais (no services on the Trail). Drive approximately 30 miles (45 minutes) up the scenic Gunflint Trail into the heart of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness gateway. Stop at the Chik-Wauk Museum and Nature Center (seasonal, check hours; $5/person suggested donation) for insights into the area’s natural and cultural history, and enjoy its interpretive trails. Allow 1-2 hours here. Cell service will become spotty or non-existent past a certain point.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a packed picnic lunch surrounded by the pristine wilderness. Continue further up the Gunflint Trail and choose an adventure. Options include a relatively easy 1.5-mile round trip hike to Magnetic Rock, a massive iron-rich rock formation. Alternatively, for a deeper wilderness experience, consider renting a canoe for 1-2 hours from a resort like Gunflint Lodge or Bearskin Lodge (estimated $20-40/hour) to paddle a quiet, pristine lake. Budget for approximately 60-80 miles of driving round trip on the Gunflint Trail. Bring plenty of water and bug spray.
• Evening Return to Grand Marais for dinner. Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza at Revival Pizza (casual, estimated $40-60 for 2) or a North Shore institution, Sven & Ole’s Pizza (very casual, estimated $30-50 for 2). Take advantage of the minimal light pollution in the area for incredible stargazing opportunities after dark.

Day 5: Devil’s Kettle & Homeward Bound

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM) Check out of your Grand Marais accommodation. Drive 15 miles north (20 minutes) to Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Embark on the 2-mile round trip hike to the famous Devil’s Kettle Falls, where the Brule River dramatically splits, with half tumbling into Lake Superior and the other disappearing into a mysterious pothole. This unique geological feature is a must-see. The trail involves stairs and can be slick; allow 1.5-2 hours.
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Begin your scenic drive south towards Duluth (approximately 110 miles, 2 hours, from Judge Magney State Park). Stop for a late lunch in the Lutsen/Tofte area. Lutsen Resort’s Poplar River Restaurant offers lovely views and a satisfying meal (estimated $50-70 for 2). For a final dose of North Shore beauty and hiking, consider a stop at the Oberg Mountain Loop (south of Lutsen, a 3-mile loop on the Superior Hiking Trail, moderate difficulty) which offers exceptional panoramic views of Lake Superior and the surrounding ridges (allow 2 hours).
• Evening Continue your drive back to Duluth (another 1.5-2 hours from Oberg Mountain), reflecting on your immersive wilderness and waterfall adventure along the stunning North Shore of Minnesota.