Everyone from the Midwest knows that Minnesota’s North Shore is a goldmine for views, hikes, food, and everything in between. Lake Superior meets the Northwoods to create the perfect slice of paradise.
If Minnesota’s North Shore isn’t already on your list, I would highly suggest planning a trip. There are so many incredible places to see; I have compiled a list of 9 Stunning Stops along Minnesota’s North Shore to help you get you started! This list hardly scratches the surface, but I guarantee you- if you start here, you’re in for one hell of a trip!
This past summer I explored Minnesota’s North shore in a Vanna Adventure Van and has the BEST experience. I wrote about my experience planning my trip, what I packed, and the logistics of the weekend HERE! Be sure to check it out, and use code KAT40 for $40 off your booking at vannavans.com.
Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park is located just West of Duluth. Although it might not “technically” be along the North Shore, I would still consider it a must-stop location. The unique rock formations provide stunning views from the swinging bridge and a fascinating area to explore.
For more details on Jay Cooke State Park, check out my full blog post HERE!
Canal Park
Summer 2022 was my first time visiting Canal Park. I had seen the lift bridge and lighthouse multiple times from a distance while driving through Duluth, but it’s worth a stop on its own. Seeing the 138 foot lift bridge in action is incredible; it rises high enough to allow large cargo ships to pass through the canal.
Visiting the Lift Bridge and the Lighthouse are just two of the great things to do at Canal Park. The area host plenty of other attractions including restaurants, stores, and other attractions such as boat tours.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park was one of the first places I ever visited along the North Shore. The series of waterfalls is stunning. There are many places to hike and swim throughout the park. The times I have visited we hiked around upper. middle, and lower falls; however, I look forward to hiking up to fifth falls, or down to Lake Superior in the future.
This park has been VERY busy each time I’ve visited. If possible, I would suggest arriving early and/or visiting mid-week.
For more details regarding Gooseberry Falls State Park, check out my full blog post HERE!
Bean and Bear Lakes Overlook
The Bean and Bear Lakes Overlook along the Superior Hiking Trail is not for the faint at heart. The 7.5 mile out and back trail is tough, but the payoff is major. Brutus and I spent about four hours hiking up to the overlook, enjoying the views, and hiking back. The trail and overlook were uncrowded when we visited in July, but I have heard it’s incredibly busy in the fall.
If I were to make a Minnesota Bucket List, Bean and Bear Lakes would definitely be on it! The view from the overlook is unparalleled.
(one of us also enjoyed cooling off our belly in a stream… spoiler: it wasn’t me!)
Palisade Head
Palisade Head is a token North Shore stop. The beautiful view of massive Lake Superior from the towering palisades (it’s appropriately named), are a big payoff for very little work. If you’re driving a smaller vehicle you can drive almost all the way to the top, requiring very little hiking. On my recent trip, I was exploring in a camper van so I had to hike from the lower parking lot, which was about a half mile to the top. However, you can take most normal vehicles almost all the way to the top.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
I didn’t visit Split Rock Lighthouse State Park during my most recent trip to the North Shore, but Jake and I explored the park a few years back. At that time, the lighthouse was closed, but we had a great time hiking along the Lake.
Black Beach
Black Beach is located just outside of the small town of Silver Bay. The black sand and rock found at the beach is not natural, instead are a result of Taconite Tailings that were dumped into the lake years ago by local miners. Nevertheless, the Black Beach is a great place to swim or have a picnic all while enjoying views of Lake Superior. You can tell in the photo below that the day we were there was slightly foggy.
Budget as much or as little time as you would like for this area. The first time Jake and I visited we spent about half an hour enjoying the beach, but recently Brutus and I had a picnic and spent about 90 minutes enjoying the rock and water.
Black Beach Municipal Campground is also a great place to spend the night. Brutus and I stayed here for one night on our most recent trip to the North Shore. Although sites at this campsite were not secluded, the facilities were great and it was only a ten minute walk to the beach.
If you’re looking for more details regarding my solo trip to Minnesota’s North Shore in a Camper Van, be sure to check out my recent post: My Experience Renting a Vanna Camper Van!
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park was a first time stop for me this summer. It had been on my list for a while due to its many waterfalls. Tettegouche State Park is commonly known for the Swinging Bridge and High Falls. Unfortunately due to flooding in spring of 2022 the bridge was closed, so I was able to hike up to High Falls, but not around it. Many people enjoy hiking to the base of the falls and swimming in the large cool pool.
Because I was unable to continue around High Falls, I chose to explore Two Step Falls. Two Step Falls was a treat because it was far less crowded. At one point, my dog and I were the only two at the falls.
Tettegouche State Park also hosts several trails that wind down from the visitors center to Lake Superior. The day we visited was hot, so Brutus and I found a secluded spot for him to cool off his belly.
Cascade River State Park
Cascade River State Park is as North as I have ever been along Minnesota’s North Shore. This State Park has been on my list for a while, so I was excited to finally visit. Brutus and I spent our last night camping here, and we had a great experience.
The Cascades are less than a mile from the parking lot- big pay off for very little work. The area is named appropriately as the river cascades down to the lake in a series of 5 small waterfalls. I spent just over an hour exploring the area, taking in The Cascades, Cascade Falls, and the mouth of the River.
Although there are many, many more- I hope these 9 Stunning Stops along Minnesota’s North Shore are enough to convince you to visit. The North Shore of Lake Superior is a goldmine of beautiful views and I truly believe everyone should visit in their lifetime.
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