Teri’s Guide to the North Shore

Explore.

I always think it’s such a crime that folks drive up here and do not realize all of the magic they are driving past. Most of the wonder and awe of the North Shore is found just a few steps beyond the Scenic Highway 61. I have discovered these over the years in my time on the North Shore; these are some of my personal favorites over the years.
This list originally started with around 20 stops 12 years ago; it’s constantly growing and changing as establishments.

I’m happy to share a few of the small wonders along the way out of the Twin Cities via I-35 toward Duluth, taking scenic Highway 61 towards the North Shore, up the Gunflint Trail, and beyond into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Enjoy your time on the shore!

Before you land on the shore, make a stop in Duluth at Duluth’s Best Bread for some fantastical croissants. Duluth's Best Bread Menu

Travelers should walk the Aerial Lift Bridge and check out the light house in Duluth, Canal Park.

Stop by Enger Tower for a view of the entire city.

Enjoy five miles of sandy beach on Park Point—YES! You can take a swim in the summer. It is shallow enough and quite warm!

While you’re in Duluth, take your pick from these excellent eats:

Cloud Nine Asian Bistro

Little Angie’s Cantina

Bellisio’s

Canal Park Brewing: Grab a beer and some good food with a great view.

OMC Smoke House Enjoy a good ole fashion meat buzz.

Cork Town Deli Such an amazingly good place for a grab-and-go sandwiches; online ordering if you want to drop in/pick up.

Sarah’s Table: Stop by for a yummy breakfast.

Burrito Union Imbibe a delicious Bloody Mary and good breakfast.

Vikre Distillery has true Old-fashioned bartenders making some mixology magic cocktails that are sooo good!

Other breweries worth checking out are Bent Paddle, Thirsty Pagan, 7 West Tap House Duluth Cider and Blacklist Brewing Co.

The New Scenic Café is located just outside of Duluth at 5461 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN 55804. They have fantastic food which is aaa-mazing!

 Cedar Coffee Company - Located off the beaten path (only just a minute or two) but it’s so worth it the deviation from Scenic 61. They make a great cup of coffee and feature really good food and baked goods. Nestled among the cedars, this place has good vibes all around. Call ahead (218) 510-0160) and ask for some fresh shortbread bites to go, they will bake ’em up fresh for you. If shortbread is your jam, these are for you.

Castle Danger Brewery – Their Castle Danger Cream Ale is my favorite and worth the trip alone.

Rustic Inn. Okay, for me, this blows Betty’s Pies out of the water. Sorry Betty! (Lemon Angel Pie...dreamy!) Good Breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Iona's Beach - Stop at Mile Marker 42 for the only sweet “pink beach”. The pink stone are Rhyolite. Park at the public landing and walk to the left past the small cove.

Gooseberry Falls State Park – No state park sticker required if you use the wayside rest and free views on the trails that lead you to the water falls. It’s gorgeous all year long!

Split Rock Light House– This is a state park (Grounds fees starting $8 per person) but there is a lot of history to see and well worth the money with keeper tours available for $25 per person.

North Shore Adventure Park - Featuring an awesome ropes course with zip-line right off of Highway 61 in Silver Bay. $56 for 14+ $46 for children 7-13.

Black Beach in Silver Bay just before the AmericInn. Turn right onto Mensing Road and follow to the lower lot. It’s the only black beach on the shore.

Palisade Head- Mile Marker 57 – Part of Tettegouche State Park you should visit on your way home or on your way up! The two-minute drive up will take you to breath taking views and some crazy sheer cliffs where the lake lies below. This is one of my favorite stops. You’ll have to park at the bottom and hike to the top during winter.

Crystal Beach - Just shy of Mile Marker 60, best viewed from the highway. However if you decide to get off, take the path on the south side.

Baptism River- an incredible to hike from the mouth of the river, plan on getting wet as there are places where you'll have to cross the river to find a walkable trail.

 
Temperance River - A favorite! Stop on the way up to do this one! Temperance is a 15-minute easy hike up the river with great pay off. Lots of waterfalls that have created big cavernous cauldrons by the force of the water. While the river hike to the water is nice, it is the heading back up which makes it worth the stop. This is a do not miss stop!

Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center - A nature reserve located around mile marker 78, featuring a great cobblestone beach with pretty trails with an interactive nature center (open in summer). It’s great for kids! $5 for parking.

Father Baraga's Cross – A great spot for rock picking! This is a local secret spot with almost never anyone around. There is a cozy little beach cove! Take Father Baraga’s Cross Road to the land. While you’re there check out the Cross River Falls on 61. It’s best enjoyed in spring, summer and fall.

Bluefin Grille - You have to at the very least grab an order of the duck and bacon wontons or dine in and enjoy a great meal by Lake Superior

Coho Bakery

Sawbill Outfitters– Take a day canoe trip out of Sawbill Outfitters at the end of the Sawbill Trail in the Boundary Waters Canoe area. This is a 45-minute drive so go early and enjoy the day out in the most peaceful place on earth ~ Seasonal

Oberg and Leveaux Mountain Trails- The Oberg Mountain Loop is a must! Find your way up to the Onion River Road Parking lot at the end of the road. Easy climb and 365-degree amazing views! 45 min to 1 hour roundtrip.

Carlton Peak- Strenuous hike up about 45 min to 1 hour one way for some incredible views of the lake. Bring lunch and enjoy.

 
Alpine Slide- Part of Lutsen Mountains-The slide makes you feel like a kid all over again. Open Seasonally

Summit Express Gondola to Moose Mountain: Views like these do not come any easier! Hop on and 4 minutes later you’re at the top of Moose Mountain! Enjoy the views while sipping a beer or having a snack at the Chalet.

North Shore Winery and Cider house: So so so good! Owners Chuck & Kim were voted Entrepreneur of the year 2016 for Cook County. They've earned it! Seriously good wine and cider-made in Minnesota! You have to have to try the bourbon-infused Hari Kari. Date Night on Thursdays with live music!

Caribou Cream Maple Syrup Sugar Shack: All transactions on your honor- Make change from the bowl of money on the counter. 2.4 miles up the Caribou Trail, 558 Caribou Trail Lutsen, MN 55612 on right hand side little red shed open 24/7 Best/inexpensive syrup around. Lovely in spring when they are sapping & boiling!

White Sky Rock- Best sunrise hike up the Caribou Trail. Bring a thermos of coffee and a breakfast snack. Sit. Breathe. Enjoy.

The North Country - Gallery & Gifts, 4210 West Highway 61, about 5 miles East of Lutsen between mile markers 97 & 98 - 218-387-2585 --info@thenorthcountrymn.com Sweet little gem of a shop!

Cascade Pub Visit this local favorite pub for some good food and a great vibe! Best breakfast, great views, lovely staff!

Pincushion Mountain Trails- Great for a view of the sleepy little town of Grand Marais and harbor. Great single-track mountain bike trail. Only about 5 minutes outside Grand Marais. It’s perfect for those of who don’t want to commit to the full drive up the trail. Also the great cross-country trails should be checked out in winter months.

Trail Center Lodge- Most likely place to spot a moose, so drive carefully. The Trail Center has some great food and delicious malts. It’s a great way to spend a day!

Poplar Haus- Located just past the Trail Center Lodge. A great spot for dinner! Get the brussels sprouts and then call us to swoon. They have a seriously dreamy menu.

Sawtooth Aviation - Take a flight over the lake for some sightseeing with Captain Mike Raymond who offers flights any time of year to see the beauty of the the lakes and surrounding areas.

Chik-Wauk Museum - Located at the end of the Gunflint Trail. The drive takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Grand Marais one way. Chik-Wauk features a great interactive nature center which is wonderful for kids and grown-ups alike!

Gunflint Lodge- Try the walleye chowder on the menu. If it’s nice out, head to Saganaw Lake for a swim at the very, very ends of the earth.

Kadunce River State Park- Located in Covill, follow the river upstream, get wet, you won’t be sorry. An excellent place to snowshoe in winter when the river freezes, but watch your step!

Naniboujou- Stop for high tea, a beautiful and unique building with lots of history. A pretty great Sunday buffet and a magnificent beach. Open Seasonally

Judge C.R. Magney State Park- Mile marker 123: for Devil's Kettle hike. They have no idea how deep it is (State park sticker required, and it’s a great hike.) Be prepared for lots and lots of stairs and some more stairs.

Grand Portage Heritage Center- Mile Marker 144: - So well worth the visit, very well done and informative, and FREE. Visit the encampment down by the lake and stroll through history with

Pigeon River High Falls-Drive to the Canadian Border and enjoy one of the most incredible scenic drives you will ever see! 1.5 hours- Stop at Pigeon Falls at the border to see Minnesota’s highest waterfall!