How is the ride up? As I remember, Hwy 2 up to Hwy 1 is as bumpy as all get out.
Have they worked on that at all? I'm thinking about skirting Duluth and going up to Virginia, then over. I will be pulling a boat.

I don't remember it being especially bumpy last summer. Parts of it aren't as curvy as it used to be.

It is not that bad, I drive it a couple times a year pulling a trailer, the area north of White Pine is the worst for 8ish miles.

Through Virginia always seems a more relaxing drive to me. Duluth to Two Harbors feels like I've entered DeathRace 2000 and have 20 miles of anxiety before getting "North". From the Twin Cities, I feel like I am "North" after passing through Cloquet. Roads are smooth and little traffic to contend with.

Good luck, enjoy your trip.

Pulling a boat I'd rather go the Cloquet/Virginia route.

That one section of Hwy 2 the Two Harbors way is real wavy and not much fun. Though it is very quiet and straight. (until on Hwy 1 of course)

Just drove it back from ely today...probilly better the other way

Highway 2 to highway 1, is my favorite route.
Been doing that since 1980.
Rarely go through Virginia, unless hitch hiking .... which I haven't done in many years..... Miss that.

If you're taking about getting to Ely from Duluth. Instead of going to Virginia cut over at Eveleth towards Biwabik then head towards Tower just outside Aurora. Those roads are great plus you get to go through some interest little towns

I just took Hwy 2 home from Ely last week. It was a little out of my way but I wanted to see the Greenwood burn again. Very bumpy I had to slow way down. I wouldn't want to be towing anything.

How about the Vermillion Trail? I use it for my commute to Duluth from the Whiteface Reservoir area. It's a nice highway, good condition and little traffic, especially after you get north of Island Lake. Just a little extra navigating will take you through scenic rural Palo, Aurora, Embarrass, and Babbit then Ely.

coffeetalk: "I just took Hwy 2 home from Ely last week. It was a little out of my way but I wanted to see the Greenwood burn again. Very bumpy I had to slow way down. I wouldn't want to be towing anything.


How about the Vermillion Trail? I use it for my commute to Duluth from the Whiteface Reservoir area. It's a nice highway, good condition and little traffic, especially after you get north of Island Lake. Just a little extra navigating will take you through scenic rural Palo, Aurora, Embarrass, and Babbit then Ely."

Vermillion Trail is nice Our Cabin is right off of that on Lake Esquagema. Not much on there but a great road

Sometimes ya just gotta slow down... haha.