In a world where driving seems to correlate with going to work or waiting in traffic, there’s nothing more refreshing than the idea of driving just to enjoy the ride (and the sights). And when you take one of the most scenic routes in America, which happens to be located right here in Minnesota, that’s exactly what you’ll get. This drive is seriously one of the best scenic drives in Minnesota – if not the best.

The North Shore Scenic Drive, also known as Scenic Byway 61, follows the breathtaking stretch of land between Canal Park in Duluth all the way to Grand Portage.
Andrew Munsch/flickr
Totaling 142 miles, this drive will take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll be delighted to discover the unspoiled surroundings of the Lake Superior Shoreline.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
While North Shore takes only a few hours to complete, you can easily extend this trip to last all day.
Tony Webster/Flickr
The rivers, streams, and jagged cliffs along the way invite travelers to explore the nearby hiking trails and get an even closer glimpse of the Great Lake. The towns along the way also offer a chance to experience North Shore like a local, with an impressive selection of fine dining and shopping.

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The road itself also happens to be a beautiful one.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
As you glide along the pavement, you’ll find yourself surrounded by an exquisite array of tall pines, birch trees, and maples. While the drive is memorable any time of year, you’ll want to take advantage of all the colors that come with the fall season.
One of the most memorable aspects of the drive is the chance to experience Lake Superior like never before.
Jim Brekke/Flickr
Often times, people don’t realize just how vast this body of water is. With its host of ships and even a few lighthouses, the lake might seem more like an ocean.
Some other not-to-be-missed attractions to enjoy the natural landscape include Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche Park.
Doug Kerr/Flickr
As the route continues to wind its way northward toward Canada, you'll be able to find plenty of incredible dining options as well as bed & breakfast accommodations where you'll enjoy spending the night.
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And when morning comes, you may just want to turn around and see this beautiful Minnesota scenery again!

Have you recently driven along the North Shore? Be sure to share your experience with us! For more memorable drives, be sure to check out these 10 Stunning Scenic Byways In Minnesota.

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Best Scenic Drives in Minnesota

Tori Jane | September 11, 2021

How many scenic Minnesota byways are there?  

Minnesota is a state that takes its incredible beauty seriously; there are a total of 22 scenic byways throughout the state, totaling an incredible 2,900+ miles of road. Each and every byway brings with it a certain magical charm, and we can’t recommend taking the time to explore each one of them enough. Some of our personal favorite scenic byways in Minnesota include gems like the Lake Country Scenic Byway, which features 88 miles of Minnesota’s most impressive lakes, forests, and scenery. After all, they don’t call this state the land of 10,000 lakes for nothing! There’s also the Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway, which is 287 miles of intensely beautiful Minnesota landscapes. For a longer, more in-detail list of our top favorite scenic byways in Minnesota, take a look at this article.  

Where are the most beautiful places in Minnesota?  

Minnesota is an intensely beautiful state with so much to see. As such, it’s pretty hard to create a definitive list of the most beautiful places; there’s so much to see that you’ll need lots of time to check it all out. Some of the places you’ll definitely need to add to your bucket list include the incredible Split Rock Lighthouse, which is often called the most beautiful lighthouse in the United States, and Minnehaha Falls is a waterfall that looks like something straight from a fairy tale. Should you prefer the beauty of the city, Minneapolis is an amazingly gorgeous place; you’ll have to see things like the Stone Arch Bridge and the skyline itself. St. Paul is another scenic city you’ll have to check out! The possibilities are endless, and the limit is literally only your imagination.  

How long is the North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota?  

The North Shore Scenic Drive in Minnesota is a 154-mile stretch of some of the most breathtaking road in the country. It is by far Minnesota’s most famous scenic route, passing through incredible forests, stunning cliffsides, epic lake views, and so much more. At the very least, you’ll want to take an entire day to enjoy it, and at most, you could create an entire road trip vacation around it. It’s up to you – we highly recommend you check it out!  

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