The 150-mile North Shore Scenic Byway, which runs along the coastline between Duluth and Grand Portage, Minnesota, near the Canadian border, makes it easy to enjoy the breathtaking view. The US Secretary of Transportation has even dubbed the route an ‘All-American Road’.
During their journey, visitors meander along the shores of Lake Superior, where waves crash against jagged cliffs and waterfalls crash into the great lake. The route passes through a total of eight state parks and several small lakeside villages known for their fresh seafood and scenic landscapes. It’s also more tempting to get out of the car and take a hike through the Superior National Forest when it’s cool and fall outside.
What activities to do and see
We recommend starting your trip in Duluth, home to the largest freshwater estuary in North America, a 12,000-acre wetland that is currently being restored and is great for kayaking and canoeing. Possibly the North Shore’s greatest attraction, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can be reached by heading north in Two Harbors, Minnesota.
However, if you want to continue on the beautiful Byway, drive through Two Harbors until you reach the pebbled beaches of Kelsey Beach, where you can also grab a slice of Betty’s Pie. On your way to the beach, you’ll pass Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, home to the famous Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations, and Gooseberry State Park.
Where to stay
While you can complete the ride in just a few hours, we recommend splitting it over several days so you can fully experience the North Shore and this famous ride. A five room bed and breakfast with access to Lake Superior beach, Solglimtor the Fitger’s hotel on the city waterfront are both good places to stay in Duluth.
There are also many campsites along the way.
Where to eat
Save a visit Brew Lake Superior in Duluth, which underwent a remodel in 2022 and now has a new location and a wider selection of beverages.
The New Scenic Café, a small restaurant with a garden and lake view, is just off the scenic Byway, just down the street. Located north of Two Harbors, across the street from Kelsey’s Beach Betty’s piesa famous cake attraction that has been around since 1956.
When to go
The North Shore scenic byway is most enchanting in the fall, when the weather cools and vibrant fall hues emerge. The maples of the Sawtooth Mountains typically lead the transformation, reaching their peak coloration from mid-September to early October. Along the shoreline of Lake Superior, where travelers explore, the aspens and birches usually peak between late September and mid-October.
