What's the deal with the detour getting off the bridge going north. The signs seem to want us to go up along the north shore of the lake. I would prefer the more direct route on US Hwy. 53

I am confused as a Duluth resident. Hwy. 53 goes NNW from Duluth, whereas I-35/Hwy. 61 goes NNE along the lake. Are you trying to go towards Ely or the North Shore?

Ely. Not by way of the north shore.

By your "bridge" reference I assume you're coming from WI.

Follow the detour signs for 53. The direct connection from the bridge disappeared during the duration of the project. You'll be on some side streets for a while as you work your way toward and up the hill. But if you follow the detour signs you will not be headed for the North Shore.

The detour does take you up central but then after that you can get on 53 again, I have been that way many times headed from WI to points westward.

I must have missed the sign.

afromaniac: "The detour does take you up central but then after that you can get on 53 again, I have been that way many times headed from WI to points westward."

Yes, this is right (although I didn't know the name of the street).

It's the same detour they used years ago when they were re-building Miller Hill. You head East on I-35 toward the north shore, but you only go a couple miles (maybe) and the detour takes you up the hill. When you get up on top, you go West a couple miles or so and you're back on Hwy 53 by the mall and heading north toward Virginia and the Hwy 169 turnoff to Ely.

Take hwy 2 through Proctor then turn north on hwy 13 or Midway rd. It will bring you to hwy 53 in Pike Lake. Across the intersection is Fishermans Corner for your license, bait and tackle needs. If you miss the turn at Midway rd continue on #2 to hwy33 turn north and it will merge with hwy 53.

Thanks to all.

Just follow the signs. It takes you up to Miller Hill Mall then off you go