Highlights of the North Shore Scenic Drive

Gooseberry River in Minnesota
©2007 Byways.org
The Gooseberry River tumbles over five falls on its way
to Lake Superior. Gooseberry Falls State Park
is considered to be a gateway to the North Shore.

The North Shore Scenic Drive offers splendid vistas of Lake Superior and its rugged shoreline, as well as views of the expansive North Woods. The road crosses gorges carved out by cascading rivers, offering views of waterfalls and adding diversity to the landscape. The falls at Gooseberry Falls State Park make this the most visited state park in Minnesota.

A few charming towns dot the shoreline. Most started out as small fishing and harbor towns, shipping ore and timber. For many travelers, the quaint town of Grand Marais is as far as they will go; however, the scenery becomes even more spectacular as you continue driving north toward the Canadian border.

The North Shore Scenic Drive ends at Grand Portage. Here, a national monument marks the beginning of a historic nine-mile portage trod by American Indians and Voyageurs. At Grand Portage State Park, you can view the High Falls. At 120 feet, these are the highest waterfalls in Minnesota. The falls' magnificence is a fitting end to a trip up the North Shore. 

Here are some highlights of the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Canal Park: Begin your experience in Canal Park in Duluth. Follow Canal Park Drive over Interstate 35 to Superior Street. 

Fitger's Brewery Complex: Located in historic downtown Duluth, the refurbished Fitger's Brewery Complex offers many fine shops and restaurants.

Rose Garden: To continue along the byway, take a right onto London Road. Follow London Road for the next 5-1/2 miles, to Leif Erikson Park, which contains the Rose Garden, a popular attraction for visitors.

Two Harbors: Connect with the byway loop in downtown Two Harbors by turning right onto Highway 61 west of town. You can see steam-powered boats and other attractions in Two Harbors. Follow Highway 61 to 6th Street (Waterfront Drive), where you take a right and pick up the byway once again.

Burlington Bay: Continue on the route by taking a left onto 1st Street (Park Road) and following it to Highway 61. Here, hiking trails line the shore of Burlington Bay. Taking a right on Highway 61 and continuing on that route will lead you along the remainder of the drive, which ends about 122 miles later at the Canadian border.

3M Museum: Follow 6th Street to South Avenue, where you take a left. Prior to taking a left, be sure to stop at the 3M Museum. The 3M Museum is the only museum in the world dedicated to sandpaper. As you drive down South Avenue, you can begin to see the massive ore docks that extend from the waterfront.

Really, what could be better than a trip along Lake Superior -- the world's largest freshwater lake? Pack up the car, and get ready for an unforgettable drive.

Find more useful information related to Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive:

  • Minnesota Scenic Drives: The North Shore Scenic Drive is just one of the scenic byways in Minnesota. Check out the others.
  • Duluth, Grand Marais, Grand Portage, Two Harbors: Find out what there is to do in these cities along the North Shore Scenic Drive.
  • Scenic Drives: Are you interested in scenic drives beyond Minnesota? Here are more than 100 scenic drives throughout the United States.
  • How to Drive Economically: Fuel economy is a major concern when you're on a driving trip. Learn how to get better gas mileage.