This could go in Trip Planning, but I think it fits better here. It's not a Boundary Waters or Quetico trip so it's probably more suited to the off-topic area.

My parents and my aunt and uncle are taking a trip in a few weeks, largely encompassing the upper Midwest. They're going to start maybe in Montana, maybe in South Dakota, then work their way north, then west across North Dakota, Minnesota, and the UP of Michigan, and they are eyeing the North Shore as a major attraction.

I suggested a short stop in Duluth, and that they stay at least one night at the Lutsen Lodge and see Tofte and Grand Marais. They also expressed interest in going up to Ely.

As my trips to the area have been focused almost entirely on getting to and getting back from the BWCA, I've missed some of the "tourist" sights in the north shore area.

Anyone have any suggestions of places to see, restaurants to try, etc? This is a road trip, not a hiking or paddling trip and they're all in their late 60s or 70s, so short walks to scenic spots could be ok, but long hikes are out.

I have a bunch of suggestions for Minneapolis, but I think they're trying to avoid MSP.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Ely: Dine at the Burntside Lodge. See the Dorothy Molter Museum. Shop at Kess Gallery. Perhaps the short hike to Kawishiwi Falls?

Grand Marais: Perhaps the hike out to Artist's Point is too much, but my husband and granddaughter really enjoyed it on a lovely day last week. We enjoy dining at the Crooked Spoon.

But my first choice in the Grand Marais area would be to dine at Naniboujou Lodge on Lake Superior near Hovland. Fabulous view of the lake, good food (they do not serve alcohol, if that would be a deal-breaker), and a beautiful, unique dining room setting. One of my favorite places in the whole world; like stepping back into history.








If you travel up north toward the border a bit more, the hike to High Falls at the Grand Portage State Park is a very easy hike, only a half-mile each way, and paved, with benches along the way and a boardwalk at the end. If you follow it to the right at the end, you have a magnificent view of the falls. We were there just this past Sunday and it was really neat!

The drive along 61 up the north shore will put them close to a lot of good stuff.

Palisade Head is a must see. An easy drive up and step out of the car for great overlooks of the lake. There are a lot of little pull offs on 61 that allow easy access to rocky beaches that are good for stretching the legs, picnic lunches, etc.

Grand Marais is a must do. For food there Angry Trout is my favorite, Worlds Best Donut is an obvious stop as well.

Duluth is another must stop and has a lot of food choices but Duluth Grill is my favorite. A swing over to Superior for Anchor Bar is also a good choice.

If they are into beer they could also stop at a few tap rooms. Bent Paddle in Duluth, Castle Danger in Two Harbors, and Voyagers in Grand Marais are good options that stretch the length of 61.

That should be enough to get the ball rolling for them.

Thanks for the suggestions so far, folks! Keep 'em coming!

Gooseberry Falls on 61 about an hour south of Grand Marais. Nice visitor center, beautiful waterfalls about a 5 minute walk away.

Here's a link for The North Shore Visitor. It has a great deal of info for attractions, dining, accommodations, etc.
The North Shore Visitor

I like to stop at Canal Park for a break after a long drive, sometimes spending a night. Watching ships come through the canal and under the bridge is very interesting, walk on the Lakewalk up to Fitgers Complex or further, good beer , restaurants, ice cream along the way, visit the Maritime Museum, drive down to Park Point. If I'm just stopping for a break, I'll get a sandwich from Northern Waters Smokehouse (highly recommended) and take it to Leif Eriksen Park and have a late lunch in the Rose Garden near the lake. The drive on the North Shore all the way to the border has so many interesting places to visit that it could take a week or longer. Check out the attractions listed in the link for a mile by mile guide to see what interests them. " So many things to do, so little time."

Thanks for the responses everyone! They're in South Dakota now, about to turn west.

The mile-by-mile North Shore guide was especially helpful, I even bookmarked it to do some research on my next trip.

If they want to dip into Wisconsin after visiting the U.P., there are lots of options there, too. Let me (us) know.

If they get to the eastern upper peninsula, Mackinaw island is great in September the weather is normally nice and less people which makes for a good combination.

Duluth Pack store is a fun place to stop, near Canal Park and Grandma's.

quote BuckFlicks: "Thanks for the responses everyone! They're in South Dakota now, about to turn west.


The mile-by-mile North Shore guide was especially helpful, I even bookmarked it to do some research on my next trip."

We'll if they are turning west, they aren't coming here. At least for a while. Or are they going west, then north and then east to here?
Housty9 showed me caribou falls just north of little Maria. But there is construction going on.
I think if going up the shore, a trip up the trail to trail center is worth it. Maybe even stay at Clearwater lodge a night.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls and Grand Portage National Monument are three of my favorites along the North Shore.


Down in Duluth, I love visiting the Maritime Museum and Canal Park to watch the huge lake freighters come and go.