15 Things To Do Along the North Shore
Minnesota’s North Shore is one of the hidden gems of the Midwest. Here are 15 things to do, starting North of Duluth going up to Grand Portage, you don’t want to miss!
#1 – Cedar Coffee Company
Start your North Shore journey with some caffeine at Cedar Coffee Company in Two Harbors, MN. The coffee is fantastic and the shop is nestled in a wooded area that gives prime North Shore vibes!
#2 – Rustic inn Cafe
Rustic Inn Cafe is one of my favorite restaurants along the North Shore. Serving American food and amazing pies. I recommend the Reuben and the North Shore Berry Crumb pie! It’s a pretty busy restaurant so expect to have to wait for a table.
#3 – gooseberry falls State Park
This State Park is filled with waterfalls and Easy hikes. A short walk from the parking lot there are plenty of waterfalls. If you want to do some hiking, I really like the Fifth Falls Trail. Find more trail info here.
#4 – Split Rock Lighthouse
One of the most famous spots along the North Shore, the only downfall is that it is not free. You can get a “Grounds Pass” for $8 that gives you access to visitor center and historic grounds. Or you can pay $25 for the Private 60-minute guided tour that includes the lighthouse and keeper’s house. Make sure to check the hours and what’s available because the tours fill up quick. Find out more info here.
#5 – Black Beach
You don’t have to go to Hawaii to find a Black Beach! This is located in Silver Bay, MN. Lake Superior can get pretty wicked so make sure to dress appropriately when visiting this beach depending on the time of the year. We went in May one time and still had to wear a winter coat.
#6 – Palisade Head
It’s a quick .9 mile roundtrip Easy hike from the parking lot to Palisade Head. You’ll find scenic views of Lake Superior and the rock formations that make the North Shore famous. More details here.
#7 – Tettegouche State Park
There are many different trails in Tettegouche State Park. I would suggest picking one that takes you to the “High Falls” and the “Two Step Falls”. Find the best trails here.
#8 – Shovel Point
Shovel Point is part of Tettegouche State Park and some of the best views you can get looking North and South along Lake Superior!
#9 – Temperance River State Park
This is one of my favorite State Parks in Minnesota. The last time we went it snowed and was absolutely beautiful! The Temperance River Falls Loop is one of my favorite trails. Find more trail info here.
#10 – White sky Rock
The hike up to White Sky Rock is only .3 miles (.6 miles rountrip) with some quick elevation but it’s a decently Easy hike. When you get to the top you have amazing views of Caribou Lake as well as Lake Superior far off into the distance! When you Google this hike, it might come up as “Caribou Trail Trailhead”. Find trail info here.
Pro Tip: If you’re a coffee lover, grab a coffee from Fika Coffee in Lutsen and enjoy your coffee at the top.
#11 – The Fisherman’s Daughter
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat that’s convenient and delicious, this is the place to stop in Grand Marais! The Fish and Chips are caught fresh. Being a Wisconsin girl, the cheese curds were pretty mediocre so I wouldn’t recommend those but everything else was SO good!
#12 – Explore Grand Marais
Walk out to the Grand Marais Lighthouse, shop at the little shops around town or grab ice cream at Superior Creamery. Grand Marais is a super cute town to take a stroll around and explore!
#13 – Mount Josephine
All the way up to the Minnesota/Canadian border is my favorite hike and view in all of Minnesota, Mount Josephine! It’s a steeper hike as it gains elevation quick over just a mile in distance but it’s so worth it once you get to the top! On a clear day, the water shows colors that mock the West Coast with different blues and greens. Find trail info here.
#14 – Susie Islands Overlook
If you don’t want to hike Mount Josephine you can still get amazing views from the Susie Islands Overlook and it’s right off the highway!
#15 – Betty’s Pies
Betty’s Pies has some World Famous Pies. I will say that I recently tried Betty’s Pies versus Rustic Inn Cafe’s Pies and I would argue that Rustic is better, however Betty’s does pie shakes and that’s something you can’t get just anywhere so I think it’s still worth a stop!
