Superior North Shore Region, Minnesota Attractions
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Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior scenic region offers opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, skiing and snowmobiling.
Grand Portage National Monument, Grand Portage, Minnesota
From Duluth, North Shore Drive runs to Grand Portage, in the extreme north-eastern tip of the state, from which missionaries, fur traders and trappers used to travel on old Indian trails into the forests of Canada. The old trading post has been partly reconstructed. From Grand Portage there is a ferry to the Isle Royale National Park in Michigan.The Grand Portage National Monument celebrates the fur trade and Ojibwe heritage of the 18th, 19th and 20th C. Grand Portage National Monument contains the archeological remains of several fur trading posts that were instrumental in the exploration of the West and the economic history of the United States and Canada.
Duluth - Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest covers large areas of north-east Minnesota. The town of Ely, where the International Wolf Center tells all there is to know about this grey predator, is an excellent base from which to explore the unspoiled lake landscape. The Bounded Waters Canoe Area Wilderness provides the best facilities for canoeing.The forest covers more than 3 million acres of which 445,000 acres or almost 700 square miles is made up of water.
Grand Marais
Located along the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by wilderness, Grand Marais offers a wealth of things to do in both the summer and winter. Visitors are drawn here in the summer to enjoy the beauty of the lake and harbor and also to relax on the beach, fish, and boat. In the winter locals also take advantage of the outdoors on skis, snowmobiles, or snowshoes.Grand Marais has numerous restaurants and good shopping, along with plenty of hotels and other accommodation.
Silver Bay - Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park is located northeast of Silver Bay. It features opportunities for fishing, hiking, and viewing the scenic 60ft/18m High Falls of the Baptism River. The park is known for rock climbing opportunities and birdwatching.
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Two Harbors (pop. 3,600) is located on the shore of Lake Superior. The town was named for its two harbors, Agate Bay and Burlington Bay.
Lake County Historical Society Depot Museum
The Depot Museum in Two Harbors is in the 1907 headquarters of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad. The John Beargrease display allows visitors to experience what it was like to deliver the mail by dogsled along the North Shore. Other exhibits include a porcelain doll collection, a butterfly collection and toys down through the years.
3M Museum
The original office and headquarters of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) is now a museum featuring the history of 3M. The company got its start in 1902 and exhibits include Attorney John Dwan's recreated office; company photos, artifacts, and documents; and a "lab" area representing research and development, product diversification and growth.
Lighthouse Point
Two Harbors Light Station was constructed in 1892. Displays explore the development of Agate Bay. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse, explore the grounds which include the assistant lightkeeper's house, the control room of a recovered sunken ship, and a nautical museum.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is located 20mi/32km northeast of Two Harbors. It is home to Split Rock Lighthouse which was built in 1910 to protect Lake Superior shipping. Visitors can tour the lighthouse, foghorn building, keeper's house, tower and light. The Superior Hiking Trail is available as well as camping and fishing opportunities.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park features waterfalls, a river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and stone structures, and Northwoods wildlife. Hiking or skiing are available as well as camping and fishing.
