When it comes to road trips in Minnesota, travelers have nearly endless options. Minnesota road trips that you can go on include a haunted road trip, a waterfall road trip, or even a trip to all of our wackiest roadside attractions. In fact, one of the state’s most gorgeous regions is also one of the easiest to plan a road trip around; the North Shore has weeks worth of attractions to offer, and this is just one of many of the best road trips in Minnesota.

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Use your smart phone to follow along with our itinerary for this epic road trip along the North Shore of Minnesota.
1. Canal Park, Duluth
Canal Park Brewing Company, 300 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
Canal Park, Duluth, MN 55802, USA
Richard Yuan/Flickr
As the gateway to the North Shore, you wouldn't want to go on this road trip without first stopping in Duluth. While there are things to do all over the city, we suggest sticking to the Canal Park area. There are plenty of local shops and restaurants nearby, so grab a bite. Canal Park Brewing Company is one of the best.

After your stomach is full, head on out to the breakwater to take in some gorgeous Lake Superior views. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the famous Aerial Lift Bridge rise to let in a massive lake boat.
2. Gooseberry Falls State Park, Two Harbors
Gooseberry Falls State Park, Minnesota 61, Two Harbors, MN, USA
Trevis Rothwell/Flickr
Next up is one of the most popular places in all of Minnesota. Gooseberry Falls State Park is filled with trails that take you through forests and alongside incredible Lake Superior views. But of course, the main event is the gorgeous waterfalls from which the park gets its name. Some go swimming in the pool at the base of Middle Falls, but it is equally fun to take in the beautiful view without getting wet. Whatever you decide, you can't miss this famous North Shore stop.
3. Iona's Beach Scientific and Natural Area, Two Harbors
Visitors enjoy the unique landscape of Minnesota’s North Shore.
Jeff Wallager/Getty Images
Next up is a lesser known beach that is full of beauty as well as mystery. As you walk up to the pink pebbled expanse, you'll notice a musical sound as the waves crash ashore. This is all of the thousands of rocks tinkling against each other as the water moves in and out. It's unlike anywhere else in Minnesota. The quiet stop will relax you as you prepare for the next leg of your journey. When it comes to the best parts of the best road trips in Minnesota, Iona's Beach SNA is on every single list.
4. Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors
Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Beaver Bay Township, MN 55616, USA
Pete Markham/Flickr
This spot is one of the most iconic views anywhere on Lake Superior, and it's a must-see regardless of how many times you've seen it. The best views are from the road below the cliff, but visiting the lighthouse is a great way to learn about Minnesota history. Either way, make sure to stop to appreciate this crown jewel of Minnesota's North Shore.

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5. Lemon Wolf Cafe, Beaver Bay
Lemon Wolf Cafe, MacDonald Avenue, Beaver Bay, MN, USA
IowaGirlTravel/TripAdvisor
After all that driving, hiking, and waterfall viewing, you'll probably be hungry. While there are some famous restaurants in the area - Betty's Pies, to name one - why not try something a bit lesser known? Lemon Wolf Cafe is a lovely spot with absolutely delicious food. The menu combines fresh ingredients in new ways to bring you old favorites as well as flavorful new creations. No matter what you get, you're going to walk away with a full stomach.
6. Black Beach, Silver Bay
Beach Drive, Beach Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614, USA
Will H/TripAdvisor
Our next beach stop is one of the most unusual places along the entire North Shore. The black sands are such a departure from the typical rugged rocks of the North Shore that you won't even feel like you're in the same state. The bright red rock formations along the beach, coupled with blue waters and sky, are downright otherworldly. You do not want to miss this unusual location along the North Shore.
7. Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay
Tettegouche State Park, Minnesota 61, Silver Bay, MN, USA
NatureNerd (probably outside)/Flickr
One of Minnesota's most rugged state parks, Tettegouche is full of great trails. One of the best is a short and sweet trail that leads to the second waterfall of our road trip. The 70-foot Baptism River Falls is the largest waterfall entirely within Minnesota, and it's a gorgeous way to experience the great outdoors. Tettegouche State Park was recently named the best state park in Minnesota!
8. George Crosby Manitou State Park, Finland
George Crosby Manitou Saint Park, George Crosby Manitou St Park, Lake No. 1, MN 55614, USA
Justin Meissen/Flickr
The entrance to this lesser known state park isn't directly on Highway 61 - although it does stretch all the way to the shore - but that doesn't make it any less worth visiting. In fact, the location means fewer people, which means more opportunity for you to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. As a designated wilderness park, Crosby Manitou is largely undeveloped, so it is best for those equipped with good hiking shoes and a desire to trek through untrammeled forests. If that's not you, continue on to the final destination of the road trip. But if it is, prepare for thick forests, tall grasses, and possible wildlife sightings!
9. My Sister's Place, Grand Marais
My Sister's Place, 401 MN-61, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
My Sister's Place/TripAdvisor
Grand Marais is a bit of a hike from Duluth, so it would be wise to book a campsite if you think you'll arrive late. There are many in the area, including plenty in the various state parks along the North Shore. But if you plan on driving back the same day, you might want to stop for dinner in this charming town. There are lots of options, but our pick is My Sister's Place. This spot is a cozy, charming taste of the North Shore, and a fantastic way to end your road trip. You won't want to miss this stop that's for sure.

What do you think? Have you been to any of these places on Minnesota’s North Shore? What are your ideas for the most unforgettable road trips in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments – we love hearing from you. Or use our nomination form to tell us about your favorites!

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Best Road Trips in Minnesota

Tori Jane | September 22, 2021

What are some must-visit attractions in Minnesota?  

The Land of 10,000 Lakes is often dismissed as a “flyover state” by folks who have simply never been there before - and who are missing out on all of the must-visit attractions in Minnesota. It’s a fascinating state with plenty of natural beauty and resources, and we really love it! You’ve just got to know where to look. Of course, there are always the obvious ones – like Mall of America, for example – but did you know that Minnesota is also home to a staggering 65+ state parks and recreation areas? It’s true – Minnesota is an outdoorsy person’s dream come true. You can’t miss places like the Weisman Art Museum, or the Science Museum of Minnesota, either. Sure, there is a ton and a half of remarkable natural splendor here, but don’t count out the man-made attractions either – you just might learn something! Minnesota’s waterfalls are another must-see to add to your to-do list; there’s the incredible Minnehaha Falls, in Minneapolis, and Gooseberry Falls State Park is sure to thrill even the most diehard waterfall fans.  

What kinds of day trips in Minnesota can I go on?  

With more than 65 awesome state parks scattered about the state, there’s no shortage of amazing day trips in Minnesota to be had. You could always do more city-based ones – go on a trip where you sample the best ice cream shops in the northern part of the state, for example – or you could do nature-based ones. One of our favorite scenic drives in the history of forever is right here in beautiful Minnesota: cruise along the North Shore for some of the most incredible views in the Midwest, if not the entire United States. You could also spend an entire day at any of Minnesota’s educational and fun zoos, museums, or parks – it's up to you! 

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