The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Road Trip: 12 Incredible Stops Along Lake Superior

 There are some road trips where the journey is just as memorable as the destinations, and Minnesota's North Shore is definitely one of them.

Following Highway 61 along the shores of Lake Superior, this scenic drive takes you past rugged cliffs, rocky beaches, waterfalls, historic lighthouses, quiet coves, charming small towns, and some truly incredible views.

During our trip, we explored the North Shore from Duluth all the way to Grand Portage near the Canadian border. Along the way, we stopped at waterfalls, walked along the rocky shoreline, visited historic lighthouses, discovered a black sand beach, and found several beautiful places that made us want to slow down and simply enjoy Lake Superior.

If you are planning a trip to Minnesota's North Shore, this guide will take you through our route from south to north and help you plan your own unforgettable road trip.

Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park

Some places stay with you long after you leave, and the Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park is one of those places for me.

There were no dramatic waterfalls here on the day we visited. Instead, there was something I sometimes enjoy even more — peace and quiet.

The river was calm, the surroundings were beautiful, and there was a wonderful sense of being away from everything. I even joined another couple as we skipped rocks across the water, something I hadn't done in many years. It was such a simple thing, but it became one of my favorite memories from our trip.