Things To Do
North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61)
If you’re staying in Duluth, you can start right from town and drive north along the North Shore Scenic Drive to enjoy some of the most beautiful views of Lake Superior. The drive follows the lake closely and is dotted with charming small towns, scenic overlooks, and state parks. Along the way, you can stop in places like Two Harbors, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Tettegouche State Park to see waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and stunning lake views. Whether you make a short half-day trip or spend the whole day exploring, it’s a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of northern Minnesota. Xiaoran took her mom on a trip along this drive on her mom's first visit to Minnesota, and they had a blast!
Canal Park
Duluth’s most famous area. Walk along the lake, watch ships pass through the canal, and enjoy shops, coffee, and ice cream nearby. Xiaoran and Jonah came here a couple of times, including when they were planning for their wedding. They really wanted to get some room blocks in the hotels here for the wedding but weren't able to do so because it's so popular here in the summer!
Glensheen Mansion
Glensheen Mansion is a 39-room mansion on a 12-acre estate located on the shore of Lake Superior. It operates as a historic house museum through the University of Minnesota-Duluth and is a popular visitor attraction with beautiful grounds and original furnishings.
The Lakewalk
A scenic paved path stretching along Lake Superior, perfect for an easy stroll, jog, or bike ride with beautiful lake views.
Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden
A peaceful lakeside park with a lovely rose garden, ideal for photos or a relaxing break.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Experience the sights, the history, and the technology behind this signature Minnesota landmark anchored on the rocky coast of Lake Superior. This will be a part of the north shore scenic drive.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
If you are into hiking and also want to enjoy the view of Lake Superior, you can make a stop here along the north shore drive. This is one of the most popular North Shore parks, featuring waterfalls and short, well-marked hiking trails.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
The Apostle Islands are a group of 22 islands forming an archipelago off the northern cost of Wisconsin in Lake Superior. They are known for their stunning natural beauty, dramatic sandstone sea caves, and historic lighthouses. Boat tours are available from Bayfield, WI, about a two hour drive away from Duluth.