Amazing Things to Do on the North Shore-MN

Plan Your Ideal Vacation With These Things to Do on the North Shore-MN

I grew up in Minnesota, and after going to several different colleges (some people just switch majors several times, but not me. I went all out) Finally, I ended up in the beautiful city of Duluth, Minnesota.

Duluth is an amazing place with tons of things to do, but if you are willing to drive just a bit further you will discover even more adventures to be had on the North Shore of Minnesota!

After spending a considerable amount of time exploring this beautiful and sometimes remote area of the great state of Minnesota, these things to do on the North Shore made the top of my list!

And, since you know me, these destinations can (for the most part) be accomplished on any budget.

Tettegouche State Park

This amazing state park is situated right on the north shore of Lake Superior and offers fantastic views of the lake. There are 23 miles of hiking trails that will bring you up to scenic overlooks or to breathtaking waterfalls. You can also easily access Lake Superior’s northern shore line from Tettegougche.

The rocky beaches are a great place to look for agates and other unique rocks for the rock lover in your family. There is one of those in every family right? No? I’m the only crazy rock lover. Oh well, more for me!

In the winter Tettegouche also offers access to cross country ski and snowmobile trails so this park is truly accessible and worth visiting all year round.

Just be sure to bundle up in the winter! Seriously though, if you don’t you could lose body parts.

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Oh I LOVE this state park. This is a perfect place for the whole family to visit, because just a short walk from the visitors’ center you can see the amazing water falls that give Gooseberry Falls its name.

Gooseberry is pretty close to Duluth, so if you are in the city for the day, it is definitely worth taking the drive to get there.

Besides the main waterfalls, Gooseberry has access to multiple smaller water falls if you hike along the 20 miles of trails that follow the river.

You can even overlook Lake Superior from an ancient lava flow.

For the animal lovers in your family, Gooseberry Falls State park is home to over 46 species of mammals and 225 different species of birds.

Gooseberry is also amazingly beautiful in the fall when the leaves begin changing colors. The combination of the view of Lake Superior’s north shore and the fall leaves can’t be beat!

Split Rock Light House State Park

Split Rock Light House State Park doesn’t have as many miles of hiking trails as the first two of the things to do on the North Shore of Minnesota, but it is still just as beautiful.

While Tettegouche and Gooseberry are both filled with natural beauty, there is just something striking about the Split Rock lighthouse sitting high atop the cliffside.

According to the Minnesota DNR, this lighthouse is one of the most photographed lighthouses in the United States making the trip up the North Shore to see it all the more worth it.

Lutsen

Located in the Sawtooth Mountains, a visit to Lutsen will let you experience a landscape not found elsewhere in the Midwest.

Lutsen is home to one of the top Midwest ski resorts. While it can’t really compare to skiing out west, Lutsen does have something most ski resorts lack. It overlooks Lake Superior which offers amazing views all day long.

Plus, since it is situated so close to the lake, lake effect snow makes for some pretty amazing powder days at Lutsen. If you’re in the area in the winter, it is definitely worth it to check it out.

If you can’t make it up to Lusten in the winter, don’t be disappointed. This town allows easy access to dozens of amazing places to hike and camp in the summer. It should definitely be on your Minnesota travel bucket list.

Betty’s Pies

Another one of the best things to do on the North Shore of MN is a stop at Betty’s Pies. This adorable restaurant is a local favorite.

They seriously have the best pies you will ever taste!

Betty’s Pies is located in Two Harbors, Minnesota which is just about 30 minutes from Duluth. So, to access all of the amazing places I mentioned above, you have to drive by Betty’s Pies. And since you have to drive by, you probably have to have some pie. Plus, if you check out their website, they currently have a coupon for 10% off. 

Trust me, you’ll easily burn off the calories with all the amazing hiking you are about to do! It’ll be worth every single, delicious, calorie! I might just have to take a trip back home to stop there. See what you did to me Betty?

Ok, moving on from pies before I have to go find a pie somewhere.

Grand Marais

Grand Marais is another adorable town on the North Shore of Minnesota’s Lake Superior. While you might be thinking, if you’ve seen one small town you’ve seen them all. But Grand Marais really is worth the visit.

Grand Marais has some cute shops and restaurants. It also offers access to amazing hiking, and a chance to kayak right on Lake Superior. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights or no, you are sure to see some AMAZING stars with this little town being so far removed from light pollution.

With everything to see and do near Grand Marais, it is no wonder people drive all the way up the North Shore of Minnesota to visit this lovely town year after year.

Time to Adventure

Whether you live in Minnesota or you are just in town for a visit, it is definitely worth the drive to visit some of these awesome places. There are TONS of amazing things to do on the North Shore.

You could spend weeks up here and never get sick of the views. For the outdoor adventuring, a trip to see the stunning beaches, cliffs, and waves of Lake Superior is a must do.

For more adventure posts, be sure to check out the Adventure tab and have fun exploring America’s hidden gems.

What other things to do on the North Shore of MN do you LOVE? Drop a comment below!