The charming community of Beaver Bay, Minnesota sits on the scenic shores of Lake Superior. It has no stoplights – but three Minnesota long trails pass in or near this small town. It’s kind of a big deal.

Beaver Bay is a small, but historic, North Shore community that's been a going concern since 1856.
Google Street View
It's located on Minnesota Highway 61, where the Beaver River descends into Lake Superior.
Trent Jonas/Google
With a population of fewer than 150 people, it's not surprising that there's no stoplight in town. What may be surprising, however, is its location on or near three of the state's most popular long trails.
A segment of the paved, multi-use Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs straight into Beaver Bay.
Rique L/AllTrails

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This portion of the trail, which passes through Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks, is one of the most popular.
Landon Stark/AllTrails
Check out ​​the Gitch-Gami Trail's webpage on the Minnesota DNR site for maps and more information about the trail and what sections of its planned 86-mile route are currently open.
The Superior Hiking Trail, which is a segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail, has a trail head in Beaver Bay.
Jeanne Roseth/AllTrails
The portion of the trail heading north from Beaver Bay leads to Silver Bay and the scenic Bean and Bear Loop, which is extremely popular with day hikers.
Erin Baker/Google
Visit the ​​SHT Association website for more information about the 300-plus mile Superior Hiking Trail.
The C.J. Ramstad - North Shore State Trail runs more than 145 miles from Duluth to Grand Marais.
Minnesota Parks and Trails/Facebook
It's a natural surface, multi-use trail that's popular with snowmobilers in the winter. In the summer, mountain bikers, equestrians, ATV enthusiasts, and hikers share the trail. As it follows the ridges and forests along the North Shore, it passes within a few miles of Beaver Bay. For trail maps and information, visit the trail's webpage on the Minnesota DNR site.

So, lace up your boots and head for Beaver Bay! While you’re in town, grab breakfast or lunch at the Lemon Wolf Cafe – you won’t be disappointed with the large portions of its hearty and delicious dishes. Make some time to stop into the eclectic and always-different Second Hand Rose to see what’s on their tables when you’re visiting.

Have you visited Beaver Bay and hiked or used one of the nearby Minnesota long trails? What is another Minnesota town that has more awesome features than it has stoplights? Let us know in the comments or tell us about it on the OIYS Nomination Form.

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