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.

Cascade River State Park: A Beautiful Stop Along Minnesota's North Shore

One of my favorite things about a road trip along Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior is that you never really know what you're going to find.

Highway 61 is filled with scenic overlooks, waterfalls, state parks, and little places that are worth pulling over to explore. Many times, we would see a parking lot full of cars or people stopped along the road and wonder, What are they looking at? Of course, we'd have to stop and find out.