The North Shore of Lake Superior in MN is a great place to visit any time of the year. We took our first road trip along Highway 61 eight years ago & have never looked back since! We have some of our most memorable memories here eight years later. I would not change anything about the way my children were raised on the North Shore! Our Ultimate Itinerary: North Shore MN Lodging, hiking and places to eat will help you plan a summer adventure on Minnesota’s North Shore!
Check out these articles if you are a fan of the North Shore in MN: 20 Best Ways To Experience Grand Marais; Winter Vacation in Grand Marais; Road Trip Itinerary along the North Shore Lake Superior; Favorite Places To Eat on the North Shore, and List Of Scenic Stops Along Highway 61.
Where we stayed
We wanted to do something different, so we set up our base camp near Silver Bay, MN, which is 3 miles from Highway 61. The Balsam House is a newly renovated vacation home with a beautiful mountain view. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom. It also features a fully equipped kitchen and a fire pit in the backyard.
We were in Finland forest, just 5 miles from Tettegouche State Park and Baptism River. Illgen Falls, Palisade Head, and Black Beach are within 2 miles.
What to bring
This adventure takes place in the summer. Summer was the first time I visited North Shore, and some things have remained the same over the years.
Even in July, mornings and evenings are chilly. This is especially true if you’re near Lake Superior. Pack layers on top of your clothes. Add extra socks, sweaters and jackets. Bug spray is also needed in the summertime because of all the bugs. I also bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
Check out the following articles for more packing lists and travel tips: 30 Tips for Traveling with Children, Road Trip Planner Apps that Save Time & Money, Tips for Booking Unique Accommodations and Travel Tips to Pack Light.
Day 1: Two Harbors & Silver Bay Area
1. Cruise Old Highway 61 between Duluth and Two Harbors
Our North Shore adventure began by taking the scenic route. Old Highway 61 follows the shoreline of Lake Superior. There are many cute gift shops, historical markers and scenic overlooks that appear during the summer. We stopped by Moon Market. This is a more recent shop located along Highway 61. This is a beautiful home, clothing and gift shop that is very aesthetically pleasing.
We recommend New Scenic Cafe if you’re looking for something to eat. The Menu features unique French dishes such as winter pear salads, potato sausages, escargots, monsieur brioche, and Norwegian Salmon. New Scenic Cafe has a children’s Menu. Reservations are recommended during the summer months as they can get very busy.
2. Discover Iona Beach at Two Harbors
Have you ever been to a beach that has pink rocks? Here’s your opportunity! Iona Beach is located off Highway 61, north of Two Harbors. You can walk from the parking area to the 300-yard trail of salmon-coloured rocks, surrounded by cliffs and Lake Superior. It’s a great place to stop and take a breather from driving. The area is also quieter than other parts of the North Shore.
3. View the landing area of Temperance River State Park- Silver Bay
The Temperance River State Park can be found in Schroeder along Highway 61. The gorge where the Temperance River empties into Lake Superior is one of my favourite views in this state park. A beautiful overlook is available right off of the highway. You can find a trail to the viewing platform if you park in the lot just after the Temperance River Sign. There are also hiking trails that run along the river and gorge.
4. Hike to Illgen Falls & Along Baptism River- Finland
Illgen Falls is one of my favourite waterfalls on the North Shore. It’s located right off Baptism River. Illgen Falls technically belongs to Tettegouche State Park, but you can’t reach it on the trails.
Turn onto County Road 1 off HWY61 and drive for 1.6 miles. There will be a pull-off along the road. Park there. A sign will say “state park property”. Follow the dirt path that leads down into the forest. In the forest, you will find a cabin. Continue on the dirt path. You’ll see the upper, shallow area of Baptism River. You will see and hear Illgen Falls to the left. What a beautiful sight!
5. Finland: Dinner in the Cabin and Campfire
The night ended with hotdogs and S’Mores roasted over a campfire in the backyard. The stars were beautiful above the pine trees. Even though there is a lot to do on the North Shore of Lake Superior, I would like to remind you to take your time. Enjoy the moment, and take time to process what you see.
Day 2: Gunflint Trail and Grand Marais
6. Breakfast at Java Moose & World’s Best Donuts By the Harbor – Grand Marais
Today is Grand Marais Day! Early in the morning, we hit the road and headed an hour north to Finland. Over the last 8 years, it’s been a tradition to visit Java Moose and get a Maple Latte. (The kids love their smoothies). We then each choose a donut at World’s Best Donuts. The kids love their doughnut kabobs. We enjoy a meal by the harbour in downtown Grand Marais.
7. Grand Marais – Walk Artist’s Point
Artist’s Point is a great place to see the Grand Marais if you’re in the downtown harbour. Pass the World’s Best Donuts & Gift Shop on your way to the coastguard station. The Artist’s Point Walk is located behind the coast guard station. You can walk to the lighthouse and take some beautiful photos!
8. Lunch at Angry Trout & Fisherman’s Daughter- Grand Marais
If you prefer freshwater, Angry Trout and Fisherman’s Daughter are a must. Angry Trout offers a beautiful view during the summer. We usually eat on the dock or chairs next to the cafe. There are many options available on the menus. I would recommend the whitefish chowder or whitefish sandwich. There is also a delicious fettuccine alfredo and a fish & chip.
Fisherman’s Daughter offers more than just a restaurant (their Menu includes great fish & chip options); they also provide a gift store or fish that you can take home.
9. Grand Marais Shopping District
Grand Marais has a wide variety of boutiques, galleries, shops, and chocolate shops. It is where I start my Christmas shopping and find the best unique gifts. Lake Superior Trading Post offers everything from warm gear to housewares, children’s items, sweets, and treats.
At The Big Lake Life in Upstate, MN, you can find a variety of gift shops that are both aesthetically pleasing and filled with cabin cores. Other places to visit include Drury Lane Book Store (with cute trinkets), Picnic & Pine, a small family-owned gift shop, Sweetwater Clothing Co., and The Beaver House.
If you are a fan of sweets, Gunflint Mercantile is a must-visit. The best truffles that I’ve ever had! I also order them at Christmas. Maple Truffles and birthday cake truffles are both delicious.
10. Lake Superior Overlook & Pincushion Trail – Along Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive
During our summer trip along the North Shore, we wanted to explore destinations and trails off the Gunflint trail. The Lake Superior Overlook was our first stop. After 3 miles, turn right onto Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway and continue for three more miles. You will see signs for Pincushion Mount. Take the right turn immediately after the sign and continue driving until you reach the parking lot. You will be able to see the Grand Marais harbour and Lake Superior from this vantage point.
It doesn’t stop there! The Superior Hiking Trail Head is located in the parking area. It lists Pincushion Mountain’s distance, which is approximately 4.1 miles. The trail is mostly easy, but there is one section that requires a little rock climbing to reach the top. The view was worth it!
11. Wildflower Sanctuary Along Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive
The Devil Track Wildflower Sanctuary is a hidden gem located near the Lake Superior scenic viewpoint. This is where you can find pristine Lupine Fields! This wildflower sanctuary has a rain garden, flowers, ferns, woods and a path along Devil’s Track River. This was my favourite spot along the Gunflint Trail. Also- it’s free! Remember to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when you visit!
12. Northern Lights Lake Trail – Along Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive
The Northern Lights Trail is a steep, mostly uphill trail that runs for approximately 1 mile. This was not an easy hike. There were many roots, rocks, and plants that I had to avoid. The top of the mountain was also a scramble. It is important to wear good shoes and go slowly. The view from the top is beautiful!
13. Moose Viewing Trailhead- Along Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive
Moose Viewing trail is our easiest, about 1/4 mile to an overlook. The trailhead has parking, and the drive to Grand Marais on Gunflint Trail is approximately 24 miles. The moose was not visible, but the view of the lake was beautiful.
14. Loon’s Nest coffee- along Gunflint Trail Scenic Drive
Imagine yourself in the middle of Lake Superior National Forest and suddenly finding a coffee shop. Loon’s Nest Coffee is open from 7 am to 2 pm daily from summer through October. It also has a gift store and an outdoor dining area. The Menu offers a wide range of coffees, smoothies, and ice creams. They also offer pastries and a light lunch.
15. Sven & Ole’s Pizza – Grand Marais
They were thrilled to bring back to the cabin a class of Sven & Ole’s pizza. They also serve wings and salads. The restaurant is located in downtown Grand Marais, facing the harbour. It is best to order ahead as there can be a long line in the summer.
16. Lake Superior Creamery & Shook Smoothies – Grand Marais
Lake Superior Creamery has a great ice cream menu and a huge food menu (check out the Pan Noodles and Cilantro Lime Shrimp). We decided to try their ice cream after a long travel day. We loved their sorbet (all the ice cream is made on-site).
Smoothies are a wonderful addition to North Shore. They offer protein shakes, smoothies, acai, and oatmeal bowls. The set-up is super cute, too. There is a lounge with games.
Day 3: Boundary waters, Grand Portage
17. Tofte & Baragas Cross – Lakeside Area
We decided to stop at a few places on the way to Grand Portage. One of the stops was at the Father Baragas Cross Beach area. A small area of beach is available, and there are some easy rocks to climb near Lake Superior. We love this area because it’s so serene and quiet. You won’t see anyone else here. If you like this area, there is a beautiful cabin for rent near Father Baragas Cross. We rented it in summer 2021!
18. Coho Cafe- Tofte
The Coho Cafe is my favourite breakfast & lunch spot on HWY 61. We were excited to stay south of Grand Marais and have breakfast at this cafe as we drove to Grand Portage. Their coffee, pancakes and chocolate chip twists are the best. You can be sure that anything you order here will be delicious. In the summer, they have a beautiful patio that faces Lake Superior.
19. Kadunce Creek Hike and Paradise Beach – Colvill
Colvill can be found just off HWY61, approximately 10 minutes north of Grand Marais. Paradise Beach can be found right off HWY61, just after the Kadunce Creek signs. My kids enjoy walking on the beach and skipping rocks.
There is a trailhead for the Kadunce River Wayside Trail across the street. This hike is 1.1 miles long, with wildflowers. We walked along the trail until the bridge and waterfall. When the water level is low, I’ve seen a lot of people walking in the canyon. The flowers make it one of my favourite hikes on the North Shore!
20. Horseshoe Bend – Hovland
Horseshoe Bend is located 20 minutes north of Grand Marais, near the Arrowhead Trail Junction. It’s off HWY 61. Here, you can stroll the dock and enjoy the scenery. Some people may be pulling up to this location with their boat.
21. Susie Islands Overlook- Grand Portage
There is a pullout area near Grand Portage off HWY 61, or an Overlook Area, where you can see amazing views of Wayswaugoing Bay, Hat Point and the Susie Islands, 13 islands south of the Canadian Border. This is one of my three favourite views on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Every time we pass by, we stop.
22. Grand Portage State Park – Grand Portage
Grand Portage State Park along Pigeon River is stunning and accessible. High Falls, the tallest waterfall in MN, can be found there. High Falls can be seen from three different viewing areas behind the visitor centre. It is a fully accessible hike located about one mile away from the visitor center. The trail has paved paths and wooden ramps. Side note: We saw a gorgeous fox here during our last visit!
23. Boundary Waters
We drove Arrowhead Trail to reach McFarland Lake, one of the eastern entry points to the Boundary water. Although we did not canoe on this trip, the view of the rolling bluffs and lush green trees lining the lake was just as enjoyable.
24. Grand Marais – Supper at My Sister’s Place
Are you super hungry? After hiking, I was eager to try the cheese curds and chips at my sister’s place in Grand Marais. The kids’ Menu is great, and the service was excellent. They are well-known for the variety of burgers they offer.
25. Relax in the Cabin & Final Lake Views – Finland
Our time was spent here relaxing in our cabin and preparing to leave. We stopped off at Palisade Head on our way back the next day. It’s probably about 13 minutes from where we were in Finlands. Palisade Head is my second top view of the North Shore. Take a long drive up the mountain to get 360-degree views! I saw people rock climbing here, but I was not brave enough! ).
