Drive Along Lake Superior

The term breathtaking view is often used to describe extraordinary beauty. If ever there were a location where this term is justifiably used the Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive fits the bill. The road follows the shoreline of Lake Superior and offers travelers one exhilarating spectacle after another. Tourists should plan on driving slowly and anticipate numerous stops in order to take in the full beauty that the drive has to offer.

The North Shore Scenic Drive originates at Canal Park in Duluth. The trek through a natural wilderness that brushes up against the largest freshwater lake in the world will be an experience that both young and old alike will remember forever. Passersby will marvel at the wonderment of the rugged cliffs and pristine beaches along the drive. The road is bordered by the Sawtooth Mountains with thousands of acres of birch, pine and aspen trees. Numerous streams and rivers wind their way down the mountain to empty into the great lake.

Lighthouses dot the shoreline alerting visitors to the potential danger ships often encounter sailing the mighty Lake Superior. Travelers will come across small, pleasant villages along the way offering historic and educational museums and displays. These communities also present exceptional dining, shopping and unique places to stay overnight. The drive along the Scenic Drive takes only 3 hours from Canal Park in Duluth to Grand Portage, but many visitors end up taking several days to travel the 154 mile course around beautiful Lake Superior.

Along the route sightseers can gain entry into eight state parks and the Superior National Forest with its 200 mile hiking trail. Hikers can experience up close and personal the raw beauty of the forest woodlands just off the Scenic Drive. The trails offer boundless opportunities for the outdoor enthusiasts. Side excursions often include hiking, bird watching, fishing and picnicking. For those interested in lake activities there is charter boat fishing trips, sailing, touring boats and kayaking.

On the northern end of the byway visitors have a chance to stop at Grand Portage National Monument. A rebuilt fur-trading post is located on the monument grounds. Grand Marais is a charming harbor community where entrance can be gained to the Gunflint Trail, a paved path heading inland to the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness.

On the southern part of the Byway visitors can view the 100 year old tugboat, The Edna G. Giant ore boats can be seen at the docks of Two Harbors. Several museums are located nearby. Bayfront Festival Park is a spot where music can often be enjoyed during the warm summer evenings.

Other points of interest or points of destination for some are the Duluth Lakewalk and the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Both trails attract numerous biking enthusiasts throughout the year. Gooseberry Falls State Park is quite often the starting point preferred by biking enthusiasts due to its long, flat riding surface. The road biking opportunities near North Shore Scenic Drive are a must-do cycling destination.

The North Shore of Lake Superior isn't limited to warm weather visitors. The snowmobiling opportunities draw thousands of visitors every winter. The North Shore area is well known for hosting competitive snowmobiling events including one of the largest in December, when thousands of fans and hundreds of entrants from all over the globe attend the Pro-Am race and Winter X Games.