North Shore

Minnesota’s North Shore is one of the state’s most dramatic and distinctive resort destinations, stretching along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior from Duluth to Grand Portage and the Canadian border. Here, rocky cliffs, cobblestone beaches, waterfalls, boreal forests and sweeping views of the world’s largest freshwater lake create a resort experience that feels distinctly different from Minnesota’s traditional inland lake country.

Rather than one centralized resort area, the North Shore is made up of a series of communities and destinations connected by Scenic Highway 61. Duluth serves as the southern gateway, followed by Two Harbors, Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais and Grand Portage. Each has its own character, with accommodations ranging from historic lodges and family-owned resorts to lakeside cabins, boutique inns, vacation rentals and upscale properties.

The Lutsen and Tofte area is particularly well known for destination resorts and year-round recreation. Visitors come for hiking and biking during the warmer months, fall colors along the Sawtooth Mountains and skiing during winter. Farther north, Grand Marais combines the feeling of a small Lake Superior harbor town with restaurants, galleries, shops, lodging and easy access to some of northeastern Minnesota’s most spectacular wilderness.

Unlike Minnesota’s traditional fishing-and-boating resort areas, a North Shore vacation is often centered around exploration and scenery. Guests spend their days hiking waterfalls, walking Lake Superior beaches, visiting state parks, exploring small towns, photographing sunrises, paddling, biking and driving the shoreline.

The region is home to some of Minnesota’s best-known natural attractions, including Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche State Park. The Superior Hiking Trail, Superior National Forest and numerous waterfalls and overlooks add even more opportunities for outdoor recreation.