If you’re new to Minnesota and are looking for a Northern Minnesota roadtrip itinerary or some inspiration you’re gonna want to read this! I love lake superior is such a gem within the states! I’ve been to Northern Minnesota a few times growing up and visited northern Minnesota when I lived in the cities. Lake superior offers breathtaking views on every stop. To start your journey you’re going to head to Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth is just a 2 hours drive from Minneapolis so it’s easy to plan a nice weekend getaway! Let’s get started:
Stop 1: Duluth
Duluth is the main stop of Northern Minnesota. There’s plenty to do here. You can easily make it a day trip from the cities or it can be the start of your weekend up North! Alright so what can you do here in Duluth, Minnesota. First, I think everyone should visit canal park! It’s very walkable with plenty of stores and restaurants near by to choose from. If you’re visiting in the summer time the Portland Malt Shoppe is a must stop!🍨 The malts are fantastic.
Stop 2: Two Harbors – Agate Bay Beach & Cedar Coffee Company☕️
Once you depart from Duluth you’re going to want to take the scenic highway and head towards Two Harbors. Two Harbors is one of my favorite towns on the North Shore. Agate Bay Beach is the perfect sport to watch the sunset in my opinion. If you’re a coffee drinker like me you have to check out Cedar Coffee Company. They have a maple latte which is a must if you’re in Minnesota. I make it iced and half sweet! You can enjoy the coffee under the cedar trees in the backyard of the coffee shop or take it to go while you explore Agate Bay Beach. Agate Bay beach is named after all the natural agates found there. Be sure to walk to the end of the lighthouse as well! If you like a good brewery I have been recommended countless times to try Castle Danger Brewery🍺!
Stop 3: Betty’s Pies and Rustic Inn Cafe 🥧
Wether you’re a sweet treat fan or not. Betty’s Pies is an iconic spot along Minnesotas North Shore and YES you have to STOP there. Now we tried 4 pies: french blueberry cream pie, french cherry cream pie, raspberry rhubarb crunch pie, and old fashioned apple pie. We were blown away with how good the french blueberry cream pie was! It would take first place in my book any day. And I think you should try it too! The raspberry rhubarb was our least favorite which surprised me because i’m a huge rhubarb fan.
Rustic inn cafe is another option roughly 10 minutes form Betty’s pies. I personally preferred Betty’s pies over the Rustic Inn Cafe but it’s fun to do a side by side comparison if your appetite is big enough!
Stop 5: Gooseberry Falls State Park & Split Rock Lighthouse
Gooseberry Falls State Park is one of the most well known places along the north shore of Minnesota. Day parking is free and there is no entrance fee! The park is open form 8am to 10pm. Please check hours to make sure it’s still accurate! It has 20 miles worth of hiking trails! If you’re not big into hiking you can easily take the short walk to see the upper and lower falls! During the summer time it’s super lush and green! Oh and bonus points it has nice clean restrooms in the visitor center.
Just a short drive down the road is Split Rock lighthouse. This is one of the most iconic photos along the north shore! Split Rock lighthouse does have an nice parking lot but the park requires an entrance fee. Along with seeing the lighthouse you will get breathtaking views of Lake Superior! The is a short quarter mile hiking trail to get to the lake shore bottom. I highly recommend doing this! Split Rock lighthouse is also equipped with a nice gift shop and clean restrooms.
Stop 6: Silver Bay: Black Beach & Palisade Head
Silver bay and black beach are easily make second favorite stop on Minnesotas north shore! You’re gonna want to go to the Black beach park. Find your way to the black beach trail head and the beach is just a short walk away! Parking is a little more limited here. Once you leave Black Beach 10 minutes away is the beautiful Palisade Head. Here you can check out the visit center. You will get breathtaking panoramic views of lake superior!
Stop 7: Grand Marais
Another cute town to cute out along Minnesotas’s North Shore. Grand Marais has lots a fun things to check out! First and foremost you need to check out Artists point! When we were there the east bay had the most perfect weather for skipping rocks. Something I hadn’t done in years! If you’re needing a bite to eat you need to check out Voyageur Brewing Company🍺 and if you’re wanting to grab a coffee Java Moose Espresso Cafe☕️ is going to be you’re go too!
also you can not for get to check out World’s Best Donuts🍩 for the best donuts!
Honorary mentions
it’s almost impossible to fit everything into one trip so here are some other Northern Minnesota roadtrip recommendations!
- sugar loaf cove
- Tofte, MN
- Lusten, MN
- Grand Portage State Park in Grand Portage, MN
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