minnesota's north shore scenic drive

The Minnesota North Shore Scenic Drive is an alternate route along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The route is peppered with a number of shops and stretches of beautiful views of the Lake. This is a welcomed route to escape the high speed parallel highway to its west. We discovered Russ Kendall's smoked fish house shop along this route and make it a must stop every time (I'll have to submit a review). The gently curving drive is relaxing and is a refreshing temporarily break from the monotony of straight highway driving.

We loved driving up the North Shore for the majestic views, looking at houses and giving the kids a nice long nap.

Lake Superior is gorgeous! The drive this time of year offers plenty of lake views since there are no leaves on the trees yet. Starting from Duluth, the lake was still frozen, but further north it wasn't.

My favorite part of Minnesota is the North Shore. This is a wonderful scenic drive along lake Superior. It starts in Duluth(a great town) and continues through Lutsen, Grand Marais, and then up into Canada. It also connects to Minnesota's Boundary Waters. Put some Bob Dylan on the radio and enjoy the drive!Also, make sure to stop at Betty's Pies along the way!

We loved driving along this scenic route and geocaching along the way! We'd love to come back here again possibly in October as the fall colours were just starting to show themselves at the end of Sept. (our 45th wedding anniversary trip). This was our second time here - the first time we came with my youngest sister and her husband to celebrate anniversaries also :)

The north shore of Lake Superior is like being along the ocean yet you are in the mid-west. Bring your hiking shoes, bike or plan for multiple stops to take it all in from your vehicle. Each day is a different experience.

This is a beautiful drive from Duluth north. Water, rock, pine trees and many scenic overlooks highlight the drive from Duluth all the way to the US-Canadian border. Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock lighthouse are wonderful family stops and hikes.

truly one of the world's wild places - although summer weekends become overcrowded and state park campsites fill up 6 months to a year in advance...rugged beauty well worth an off season trip!

The scenic drive gives you great views of the great Lake Superior. We enjoy stopping and climbing on the rocks along the shore.

So many great places to stop and go exploring. The view is breathtaking. We try to make the drive every few years and during different seasons each time. So much beauty.

We drove it on our way up to Splitrock Lighthouse. The view from the scenic drive is better than that of the paralell highway. If there are ships on the lake, you can see them from a few points. If you do the drive, you should go all the way to the lighthouse.

You cannot go wrong by taking the scenic route north. Breath taking scenes around almost every corner. And there are quaint shops and places to stop and eat all along the way. Take your time and enjoy the view.

Emotional because when I first arrive every time I can't believe the beauty. The lake changes every day especially winter. I live to see the ice on Lake Superior. The views from the top of the cliff at tettagouchi state park are out of this world. Take the climb on the trail to the top and you won't be sorry. Gooseberry state park also has great trails. Take the Gitchi Gummi trail to the top of the cliff. Oh my!!! Most people only take the well traveled trails but this one is my favorite. Winter is special because of the lake changes, snow, and not as many people. Hint: go on week days so there are fewer people and cabins and lodging are less expensive. Fall is my favorite time though with amazing hikes and colors! But prices are high but so what- it's worth it. You can park along the hwy in many area and hike up a river . There are too many to count. Cascade river is a great hike. Late June and July are my favorite times in summer because that is when the Lupine flower is blooming. They grow wild everywhere and you can't miss them. They are mostly purple cut some are pink. Tall bright flower. You can buy the seeds at the candy store in Knife River. I've seen every lookout point and tourist site on the scenic drive. Every one is special. I find peace on the north shore more than anywhere else. If you want an emotional ride, this is it. Do it at least once. But stay right on the rocks on the shoreline for the fullest experience. There are cabins at the Dodges Log Lodges or Breezy Point resort and others. Breathtaking every day and more than enough to see.

Hwy 61 North Shore Scenic Drive - wow! This is a beautiful drive ANY time of the year! Beautiful views, lots of little "pull over" areas to stop and just take it all in. Well marked scenic overlook areas. Little beach areas you can pull off onto for a quick walk or a moment of serenity. The further up the road you drive, the more "rugged" and dense everything is. All of the towns along the way offer something different to enjoy and explore. Many roadside access areas to the Superior hiking trail and state parks. For those who don't do a lot of distance hiking (me!), this is a fantastic way to see some of the most beautiful country in the world! This is my first trip up north during the winter, and it is magical! So pretty!!

Having driven on the North Shore roads for many, many times over the past 60 years, it is still a grand adventure and always something new to behold.From trips to the canoe country, smelting expeditions, ski adventures and the such, and in all seasons, a trip on the North Shore is and has been something to look forward to.There is the sense of being on an ocean coast yet while far inland, the thrill is still there.