Ahhh….the North Shore. Minnesotan’s love to come here and breathe. As soon as my car veers north onto Highway 61, I can feel my blood pressure lowering and stress just seems to evaporate.
If you’re unfamiliar with what I’m referring to, arguably the most beautiful stretch of scenery in Minnesota lies along the northeastern shore of the state. Bordering Lake Superior along Highway 61 are eight state parks, a national monument (Grand Portage), picturesque waterfalls, and unlimited memories to be made. As a native Minnesotan, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite spots (and a few hidden gems) that make Minnesota’s north shore one of my family’s most beloved destinations.
Parks #1 & #2: Gooseberry Falls &
Minnesota lovingly eases its “wanna-be-outdoor enthusiasts” into Highway 61 with its first park — Gooseberry Falls. The falls are lovely and an easy walking distance from the nearby parking lot packed with campers, motorcycles and mini-vans. Families with littles will love skipping rocks near the falls, climbing across slippery crags and enjoying the easy walking paths.
Venturing north a little further you’ll run right into park #2: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This iconic lighthouse has decorated Minnesota calendars, catalogs and postcards for decades. If you’re looking for a lighthouse tour, make sure to do your research and plan ahead because its hours and tour packages vary. You can find out more information here.
For many people, Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock Lighthouse are as far north as they choose to venture. HUGE MISTAKE. While Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse are wonderful — there’s more things to behold as you continue your trek north.
Lodging: Gooseberry has nice campground options. Split Rock also has nice campground options. Two Harbors (nearby town) has a few hotel choices.
Food Options: There is a great nature store inside of Gooseberry that has snacks and things, but otherwise —BETTY’S PIES is an absolute must visit! They serve breakfast. lunch and of course — world famous pies. Don’t miss out.
Park #3: Tettegouche State Park
Here’s the best bathroom stop along the North Shore! Tettegouche has the best rest stop, gift shop and interpretive center along Highway 61— and once you’ve taken care of the necessities of life, take your time exploring more of the parks amazing features.
My recommendation is to venture up to High Falls and the Swinging Bridge. Be warned though, in order to get a view of High Falls — you will have to venture down (and then back up!) 83 stairs. And then if you plan to continue to Two Step Falls (also gorgeous) you’ll have to be ready for 200 stairs!
If stairs are a no-go for your hiking party, this might not be the best trail for you. But have no fear — there are MANY other trails in Tettegouche and along the North Shore that are stair free. Not to mention there are many other overlook sites and points of interest along Lake Superior just behind the Visitor’s Center. This park truly has so much to offer.
Hidden Gem Alert —> Palisade Head
One of my favorite stops that technically comes BEFORE you reach the Tettegouche Visitors Center is a short (but has a steep incline) hike called “Palisade Head.” It has an incredible view of Lake Superior and shouldn’t be missed!
Lodging:
Food Options:
Park #4: George H. Crosby Manitou State Park
I have to be honest, I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting this park. However, I hear wonderful things about the Benson Lake Trail and the kayaking opportunities that Benson Lake has to offer. Humpback Trail and Middle Trail to the falls also would make a lovely day hike.
I hope to visit soon!
Lodging: This state park only has remote campsites available, so if camping isn’t what you’re looking for, I recommend Bluefin Bay Resort or Poplar River Condos.
**Lodging Tip: Poplar River Condos tends to be cheaper and they have an agreement with Bluefin Bay for amenities (guided kayaking, guided hiking, crafts, live music etc.) This is my go-to spot for lodging because the condo rental includes some fantastic amenities—at a lower price than the resort.
Food Options: Bluefin Grille is hands down my favorite spot for a fancy meal. Their fresh caught fish is absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a quick bite or cup of coffee, I recommend Coho Cafe. Great bakery and coffee options for a bite on the go!
Park #5: Temperance River State Park
This park is not to be missed. The Temperance River Gorge is unlike anywhere else in the state of Minnesota. It has many waterfalls, and a wonderful circular trail that gives hikers great views on both sides of the falls. When you arrive near the park, look for parking on the north side of Hwy 61. Nearby signs will instruct you to hike the circular trail in a counter-clockwise pattern. Hidden Falls is the first waterfall you’ll see and there are many little footpaths that will allow you to get down closer to the water. It’s a wonderful place to skip rocks, relax and dip your feet in the water.
Hidden Gem Alert: For extra stunning views — follow the short trail on the south side of Hwy 61 towards the campground (as pictured to the left). You’ll see a beautiful gorge, bridge and stunning views of where the river flows into Lake Superior. This trail is between Upper and Lower campgrounds.
For an extra added adventure, hike up to Carlton Peak and enjoy the overlook. There are just so many overlooks, waterfalls and scenic stops in this area. If you weren’t hooked on the beauty of the North Shore by visiting the previous parks — this one will solidify its place in your memory.
Lodging: Temperance River has a nice campground setup with flushing toilets and showers! Wahoo! But if camping isn’t what you’re looking for, I recommend Bluefin Bay Resort or Poplar River Condos.
**Lodging Tip: Poplar River Condos tends to be cheaper and they have an agreement with Bluefin Bay for amenities (guided kayaking, guided hiking, crafts, live music etc.) This is my go-to spot for lodging because the condo rental includes some fantastic amenities—at a lower price than the resort.
Food Options: Bluefin Grille is hands down my favorite spot for a fancy meal. Their fresh caught fish is absolutely delicious. If you’re looking for a quick bite or cup of coffee, I recommend Coho Cafe. Great bakery and coffee options for a bite on the go!
Park #6: Cascade River State Park
This one is another stunning park. The Cascade River Loop hiking trail is a gorgeous trek and will help you get a feel for the layout of the land. If you plan to stay at the campground, just to the east, you’ll have many opportunities to venture down to the river and hear its roar.
On our latest trip to this park, we decided to head up to Lookout Mountain and rest at a beautiful overlook. It was a taxing trek due to the wildfire smoke coming in from Canada, but the view was a nice treat at the end.
Special Note: The trails around these cascades require a decent amount of mobility. There are many steps, uneven tree roots and rocky boulders that hikers will be navigating around.
Hidden Gem Alert—> Grand Marais:
Gorgeous Grand Marais. The eye-catching costal town will have you snapping photos for your social media sites left & right.
Although only the most adventurous of people ever make it up to Grand Marais, the ones who do are left memories of a captivating coastal skyline.
Lodging: There is a decent campground within the state park, but venture into Grand Marais for some additional lodging options.
Food Options: Downtown Grand Marais will the have the best food options near this park. Click this link to read all about Grand Marais and the great restaurants it has to offer.
Park #7: Judge C.R. Magney State Park
Get ready to be wowed with this park! Devil’s Kettle Trail is one of the most unique trails in the country. It was recently selected as the best hiking trail in the country by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Judges of this award were enamored by the fact that this waterfall seemingly parts into two halves and then disappears underground. Yep, it’s worth seeing for yourself.
Lodging: There is a campground inside the park — otherwise check out options in either Grand Marais or Grand Portage. My personal favorite is staying in the Hungry Hippie Hostel or camping at one of their glamping campsites!
Food: Grand Marais is the closest town to this park with the best food options. The same owners that run Hungry Hippie Hostel also run a fantastic taco shop downtown Grand Marais. Click here for a more detailed article on Grand Marais and allllll the food choices.
Park #8: Grand Portage State Park & Grand Portage National Monument
High Falls! Since you’ve chosen to venture up to Minnesota’s northernmost state park, be sure to walk the mile loop and visit the highest waterfall in the state. Or if you’ve got some added time, trek up to Middle Falls and its four mile loop. I hear the view of the falls with Lake Superior in the background is stunning.
Once you’ve explored the state park adequately, cross over the highway to Grand Portage National Monument. This national monument teaches visitors all about the North American fur trade that inhabited the area in the 1700s. If you choose to visit in the summer — there are days where Grand Portage has educational demonstrations about blacksmithing, beading, wild rice collecting, fur trapping, canoe building and more. Be sure to check out this page to see when and what demonstrations are happening.
Whew! You made it through my list of North Shore favorites! This is an area that you could explore again and again and always find new fascinating treasures.