Minnesota is also known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes."
While Minneapolis draws visitors in droves thanks to its thriving drinking and dining scene, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike can find a truly spectacular array of attractions across Minnesota’s North Shore. Spanning just under 250 kilometers along Lake Superior, this scenic stretch of coastline is rife with cozy communities and spectacular natural preserves, with no shortage of top-tier restaurants and breweries to discover along the way. With summer on the horizon, there’s no better time than the present to plan a nature-filled foray into the picturesque reaches of northern Minnesota.
Duluth
Duluth was named in honor of French explorer Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut.
Serving as the jumping-off point for a road trip along Minnesota’s North Shore, Duluth is home to the busiest port in all of the Great Lakes—and all of that constant commerce has fostered a thriving drinking and dining scene along its shores. After a lengthy birdwatching session along the Duluth Lakewalk, Duluth Grill is a top lunch spot thanks to its massive menu that’s packed with hearty comfort food dishes. Options span from cinnamon roll French toast to fried chicken melts to barbacoa tacos around here, and as an added bonus, the nearby Canal Park Brewing Company is just a few steps away, providing guests with an opportunity to sample fresh craft beer like the toffee-reminiscent Nut Hatchet brown ale and the hearty Stoned Surf IPA.
Lutsen
Cascade River State Park is a popular attraction for visitors to Lutsen.
While Lutsen is home to just over 500 residents, this tiny community offers a wealth of high-end attractions for visitors to enjoy. Just north of the Lake Superior coast, Lutsen Mountains draws visitors in droves all throughout the year, with more than 400 hectares of land set aside for wintertime downhill skiing—but for those hoping to bask in the true splendor of the Minnesota wilderness, an autumn trip is tough to beat. During a voyage on the Summit Express gondola, guests can marvel at the crisp fall foliage from more than 300 meters in the air, while the nearby North Shore Winery has earned abundant acclaim for its gorgeous interior and wealth of high-end wines, serving as the perfect spot for toasting to a successful day with a glass of Boundary Waters Red.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais translates to "Great Marsh" in English.
Once a prominent hub for fur trading, Grand Marais has morphed into a top-tier tourist destination thanks to its picturesque scenery and many boutique shops. Upon arrival, visitors are welcome to pay a visit to The Fisherman’s Daughter—a cozy shoreside venue that’s known for its stellar fish and chips—or make their way to Voyageur Brewing Company, a charming spot that’s perfect for an order of cheese curds paired with a Brule River blonde ale. During the dead of night, Grand Marais visitors can embark on a fascinating journey with Low Light Experiences—a local tour company that offers night hiking and stargazing excursions—but for those hoping for a deep dive on the North Shore’s storied culture, the North House Folk School is an essential spot. Established in 1997, this organization offers a massive array of courses focusing on blacksmithing, boatbuilding, weaving and a wealth of other topics.
Devil Track Lake
Common loons are often spotted along the surface of Devil Track Lake.
Minnesota is renowned for its high concentration of lakes, and for those hoping to spend a few days at the water’s edge, Devil Track Lake is a particularly charming spot. Located just north of Grand Marais, this idyllic water feature is a particularly popular camping and kayaking destination, but for those who prefer to spend their visit lounging in luxury, Skyport Lodge is the perfect place. In addition to cozy cottages and an on-site restaurant stocked with fresh craft beer and decadent American fare, this scenic getaway also offers an ideal relaxation opportunity in the form of the Sisu + Löyly floating sauna. The only public floating sauna in the nation, this picturesque wooden structure provides guests with an opportunity to crank up the heat for 50 minutes before taking the plunge into Devil Track Lake.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
The name "Boundary Waters" refers to a sprawling region of wilderness that's shared between Canada ... [+]
Measuring in at a staggering 4,400 square kilometers, the Boundary Waters shine a spotlight on the abundant beauty found in the most remote reaches of northern Minnesota. Before setting off on the water, visitors can swing by the rustic Gunflint Lodge for a hearty breakfast, then make their way to the water’s edge to set off on a curated day tour across the surrounding preserve. For novice canoers, the Rose Falls journey offers spectacular scenery and provides insight into the art of portaging—a time-honored method of carrying a vessel over land—but no matter which excursion you choose, it’s certain to be filled with a wide array of fascinating native species, with common loons, river otters and even the occasional moose making an appearance throughout the Boundary Waters.
