North Shore Scenic Drive
If you want to see spectacular jaw-dropping scenery in the area and leave the city for a while then the North Shore Scenic Drive is for you. Driving from Duluth to Two Harbors, or even all the way to Grand Portage is one of the most scenic roads in the country! You will be rewarded with incredible lake views, forested hills, spectacular Minnesota waterfalls, steep cliffs, and some of the most picturesque scenery you have ever seen. The 154-mile drive takes in seven state parks and some really cute towns. Definitely a scenic drive for a great Midwest road trip.
Split Rock Lighthouse
If you fancy a little drive and seeing something outside the city we highly recommend a visit to Split Rock Lighthouse. It’s one of Minnesota’s best-known landmarks and when you see it you will know why. It’s about an hour’s drive along the scenic north shore of Lake Superior and the drive is beautiful. Perched high on a cliff this 1910 lighthouse is a photographer’s dream. You can visit the lighthouse, the grounds and the keeper’s house, the oil house, and the signal building.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
This popular North Shore park features spectacular waterfalls, scenic overlooks, a wonderful visitor center and superb trout fishing. Be sure to take in an interpretive program to learn more about the history, geology and wildlife of the North Shore. Park has 20 miles hiking trails, 12 miles cross-country ski, and 2 miles snowmobile trails. Trails run along the Gooseberry River, through aspen, cedar, spruce & pine forests. Mostly intermediate trails.
Iona’s Beach
Iona’s Beach curves in a salmon-colored crescent for over 300 yards along Superior’s North Shore. It is bound to the north by a roughly 30′ high cliff of pink rhyolite and felsite bedrock—source for the stones that make up the beach—and on the south by a headland of gray basalt.The Gitchi Gami State Trail and the Twin Points Water Access are adjacent to the site.
The Adventure Park On The North Shore
Zip lines and climbing fun on the North Shore! Choose from seven aerial trails, color-coded from beginner through accomplished climber. (Plus the“Adventure Playground” for three to five year olds.) Also, e-Bike rentals for nearby bike trails. Non-climbing family & friends admitted free. Easy to spot from Highway 61.
Alpine Slide At Lutsen Mountains
Ride to the summit of Eagle Mountain with a leisurely chairlift ride, then hop on your sled and cruise down an exhilarating half-mile of twisting, turning track. You control the speed. It’s amusement park fun the whole family will enjoy in classic North Shore style. Open mid-May through mid-Oct. 10am-5pm 90 min. NE of Duluth on Lake Superior’s North Shore.