Minnesota North Shore Road Trip

Come view the NATURAL WONDERS of the Minnesota North Shore!

Okay, okay… I know Minnesota is not on the top of everyone’s bucket list, but it is a BEAUTIFUL state full of natural wonders and hidden gems. With over 10,000 lakes, countless waterfalls, and hiking trails, it is a true outdoor-lover’s paradise. A trip up the Minnesota North Shore will lead you to breathtaking views and have you second-guessing that you are still in the Midwest.

I have put together a 100 percent dog-friendly road trip with beaches, views, hiking trails, and waterfalls along the Minnesota North Shore.

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Table of Contents

What is the Minnesota North Shore?

The Minnesota North Shore is a 154-mile road from Duluth, MN to Canada. Along the way, you will see beautiful views of Lake Superior, lighthouses, amazing beaches, and cute small towns.

Map of the Minnesota North Shore from Duluth to Grand Portage

When to visit?

If you have ever visited Minnesota or the Midwest, you already know that the weather can be tricky. There are four definite seasons (unlike the South), that each offer rewards and challenges.

Winters (November-March) are FREEZING with a lot of snow but can lead to beautiful snow and ice-covered views. The average temperature during the winter months is 23 degrees F (high) and 4 degrees F (low).

Fall (September-November) is cold, but you will be rewarded with BEAUTIFUL fall colors. You will most likely be greeted with weather from 35 degrees F (low) to 55 degrees F (high). Definitely bring your sweatshirt.

Summer (June-August) is ideal but can be a bit cold if you are used to southern summers (High of ’80s, lows of 57 degrees F). During summer you will likely be able to swim in some waterfalls and beaches.

Spring (March-May) gets the most rain and may be a bit muddy. Temperatures are still cold in March and April, but start warming up in May. Average temperatures range from 18 degrees F (lows for March) to 69 degrees F (highs for May).

Winter waterfall in Minnesota — Photo by Jan Bolz on Unsplash

How to get there?

If flying, you would be able to fly into Minneapolis (2 hrs. away, but cheaper flights) or right into Duluth (stop #1 below).

You will of course need a car, but you can easily rent one at either airport. The road is accessible to all and easy to navigate. As long as you are traveling in the late spring-early fall (Late April-Early October), a two-wheel-drive car will work just fine!

In the winter months (yes, I know it’s a LONG WINTER), it would be best to take a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Better safe than sorry 🙂

Where to Stay?

There are SO many cute cabins and campgrounds located along the Minnesota North Shore. Make sure to check Airbnb for your dates!

If it’s your first time using Airbnb, make sure to use the link above to save 65 dollars!

Unfortunately, I did not find any cute cabins that were available AND dog-friendly. If you plan further ahead than I did, I am sure you will find some great options though!

We ended up staying at the AmericInn in Tofte, MN. It was dog-friendly, clean, comfortable, affordable, and the perfect stopping point.

Tip:: There are also dog-friendly AmericInn’s located in Two Harbors, and Silver Bay along your route. OR check out the other dog-friendly accommodations along your Minnesota North Shore Route below!

Minnesota North Shore Road Trip Stops:

Stop 1: Duluth, MN

Ariel view of Duluth, MN with lift bridge

Duluth is such a unique city located in Northern Minnesota. There are breweries, hiking, and of course Lake Superior.

Personally, I recommend spending a night or two at the start (or end) of your road trip to enjoy all Duluth has to offer.

For the sake of this road trip, I suggest beginning in Canal Park where you can walk the lake walk and grab a bite to eat overlooking Lake Superior.

Cost: Free to walk on the lake walk, but will vary depend on activities

Stop 2: Gooseberry Falls State Park

Distance from stop 1: 40.4 miles (47 minutes)

Gooseberry Falls State Park in the Fall — Photo by Samantha Gades on Unsplash

Your first state park stop on this amazing Minnesota North Shore Road Trip.

Be sure to grab your state park day pass (only 7 dollars will get you into all your state parks for the day). You can purchase it online, or right at the park!

Here you will find waterfalls, hiking trails, paved biking trails, and camping. There are modern restrooms to use and picnic areas throughout the park.

Check out the trails here!

Cost: 7 dollars

Make sure to check out this EPIC LIST of state parks in the United States with the BEST VIEWS.

Stop 3: Split Rock Lighthouse

Distance from stop 2: 18 miles (20 min)

This is the perfect place for a picnic with a view. Once you park (there is plenty of parking), you can take the short and accessible trail down to the beach. After arriving at the beach, you can set up your picnic with the Lighthouse as your background.

If you are traveling without a dog, you are also able to tour the lighthouse. There are currently some COVID restrictions, so be sure to check this website before planning your tour.

Cost: included in your State Park Pass (7 dollars from stop 1)

Stop 4: Black Sand Beach

Distance from stop 3: 10.1 miles (15 minutes)

I love a good unique beach. This beach will make you feel as though you have entered a different planet overlooking the massive ocean. But, don’t be fooled, you are still in Minnesota overlooking beautiful Lake Superior.

If you are interested in other black sand beaches around the world, be sure to check out Iceland’s Black Sand Beach and Maui’s Wainappa State Park.

Tip:: If you are planning on staying on Minnesota’s North Shore for two nights, this would be a great stopping point on Night 1. There is a campground at Black Beach that starts at 30 dollars a night!

Cost: Free to enter

Stop 5: Palisade Head

Distance from stop 4: 2.6 miles (5 minutes)

A short walk with beautiful views 937 ft above Lake Superior.

There is a small parking lot at the top, or you can park below for a short hike to the top.

Insider tip:: If traveling with children or dogs, make sure they are close by. Palisade Head is beautiful but can be quite dangerous as there are no guardrails.

looking down at Palisade Head to blue water of Lake Superior

Cost: Free

Stop 6: Tettegouche State Park

Distance from Stop 5: 1.7 miles (6 minutes)

This state park blew me away. Throughout the state park, there are 23 miles of hiking trails and multiple waterfalls along the way.

In the winter, you can also snowshoe, ski, or snowmobile (on the designated trail).

Insider Tip: Hike to High Falls and Two Step Falls (3 miles round trip). You can access this trail by driving to the furthest parking lot (trailhead parking). Once at the parking lot, follow signs to High Falls and Two Step Falls.

We walked to Two Step Falls first (furthest waterfall-pictured above), as you are able to get real close to the falls and even go swimming in them! After swimming, we hiked back to High Falls and took in the beautiful views (below).

Make sure to wear your KEENS (or waterproof hiking shoes) so you can swim in the waterfall comfortably!

Picture by a waterfall at Tettegouche State Park

Stop 7: Temperance River State Park

Distance from stop 6: 21.2 miles (23 minutes)

This will make for a quick, but unique Minnesota stop. You are able to park right on the road (no need to pay state park fee), and hop on the trail. It is a very short trail to the river gorge.

After walking over the bridge, you can walk down to a small beach to swim or relax.

Tip:: You can see my favorite hiking backpack in this pic 🙂 It has a water bladder, it’s comfy, and there is plenty of room for snacks!

Cost: Free

Stop 8: Lutsen, MN

Distance from Stop 7: 10.4 miles (12 minutes)

This was our furthest point on the Minnesota North Shore. Lutsen is a cute small town with a lot to do.

We grabbed a bite to eat at Papa Charlie’s Tavern. There is a dog-friendly patio and delicious food.

After dinner, we drove up the road and found more trailheads. We didn’t walk far, but we did find another waterfall!

If traveling without a dog…there are many more things to do in Lutsen. You can ride the Gondola, slide down the Alpine Slide, or relax at the spa.

Man carrying dog on shoulders on a trail in Lutsen, MN

What to Bring?

Since it is an outdoorsy road trip, make sure you are prepared. Pack your hiking clothes, keens (or other hiking shoes), water pack, and hiking snacks.

Check out this FREE road trip PACKING LIST to help you prepare for your next vacay!