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.

Grand Portage State Park: Minnesota’s High Falls at the Canadian Border

There are some state parks that are easy to find, and then there is Grand Portage State Park. Located on Minnesota’s northernmost stretch of Highway 61, the park is just a short distance from the Canadian border. In fact, you can see the border area from the road as you approach the park.

The reason for coming here, though, is High Falls.

At 120 feet, High Falls is the highest waterfall in Minnesota. The falls are part of the Pigeon River, which forms part of the border between the United States and Canada.