It’s time for Explore Local Together Episode 7! We are taking you to Minnesota’s iconic North Shore and Bluefin Bay. If you’re visiting from the podcast, thank you for listening. If not, please join us! At Explore Local Together, we share local gems in Minnesota, the Midwest, and Road-Tripping the USA. You will see links throughout the blog post to click and listen to the podcast while you read.
Best Stops along the North Shore in Minnesota
Find your favorite stops along the North Shore from Duluth to Bluefin Bay and click the links to hear an informative interview with Bluefin Bay’s marketing manager, Katie. She shares lodging options, Memorial Day weekend activities, and more!
We highly recommend leaving early and taking your time driving along the North Shore. There are so many interesting places to stop and beautiful things to see. My favorite is when you hit Duluth and see the big lake for the first time! Your eyes have to adjust when you see just how far Lake Superior spans. At nearly 32,000 square miles, it is the world’s largest freshwater lake. The North Shore Scenic Drive runs 154 miles between Duluth and Canada, following Lake Superior, and is designated as an All-American Road.
While driving the North Shore, you will see water that melts into the horizon, forests, wild flowers, pebbled beaches where you can search for beach glass, agates, and fossils, you’ll find lighthouses, high rocky cliffs, and 8 state parks! Make sure to watch for wildlife.
The Aerial Lift Bridge and Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota. Hang out, stretch your legs, and watch the ships come through.
Brighton Beach Park has been there since 1922 and is a great spot to rock hunt or have a picnic. The park is also the start of Duluth’s Lakewalk. An 8 mile paved trail that will take you to Bayfront Park, mostly along the shore.
New Scenic Cafe is a cozy cafe with delicious high-end food and tons of outdoor seating.
Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen offers a ton of yummy candy! They are 3rd and 4th generation candy makers using 100 year old family recipes. There is a short fun bear trail, outdoor art, and picnic tables.
Russ Kendall’s Smoke House – we LOVE their specialty sugar-cured salmon!
Castle Danger Brewing offers delicious craft beer. Grab a growler to enjoy with your smoked salmon. We love hanging out here, plenty of space, dog-friendly, and outdoor games. Favorites Beers include George Hunter Stout and the Lager Royale!
After stopping at Castle Danger Brewing, take a walk at Agate Bay Trail.
Ready for coffee? Stop at Cedar Coffee Company. Not too far off 61 and tucked in the woods; it’s a fantastic escape. Their coffee, teas, and food are fantastic! Plus a dog-friendly patio.
Betty’s Pies OR Rustic Inn Cafe – Betty’s is famous but we really love the pies at Rustic Inn! Betty’s is a place that you have to experience but make sure to try the pie at Rustic too.
Find the famous Black Beach in Silver Bay. Make sure to read and learn how it was actually formed!
Schroeder’s Baking Company has a lot of space to relax and enjoy a root beer floats. Don’t eat too much because you’re almost to Bluefin Bay!
You’ve arrived at Bluefin Bay! Bluefin Bay restaurants offer amazing views steps from the lake. Their 3 unique dining experiences include Bluefin Grille, Coho Cafe and Bakery, and Waves Cafe.
HEAR Bluefin Bay’s marketing manager, Katie’s INTERVIEW
8 State Parks on the North Shore in Minnesota
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a popular stop to see waterfalls. It is home to five spectacular waterfalls, along with scenic, accessible hiking trails. Explore the park’s rugged shoreline and the visitor center, including a theater, interpretive displays, a trail center, a nature store, modern bathrooms, and vending machines. This stop will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to hit the road again.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park feels like you stepped into a piece of art. The historic Split Rock Lighthouse has stood as a beacon of safety for ships and travelers along the shoreline since 1910. Tour the lighthouse, enjoy hiking trails, campsites and picnic areas, fishing docks, and pebble beaches.
Tettegouche State Park is filled with soaring views of Lake Superior including Palisade Head. Experience sea caves, a sea stack, trails, beaches, rivers, and waterfalls. You can walk just a few city blocks from the visitor center to a gravel beach where the Baptism River meets Lake Superior. Whether you love fishing, hiking, camping, kayaking, or just enjoying nature, this is an unforgettable experience.
George Crosby Manitou State Park is serene, with over 1,000 acres offering more beautiful views of Lake Superior and old-growth forests. Visitors can enjoy the Cascades of the Manitou River after a gorgeous hike through a rugged landscape. Plus, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more.
Temperance River State Park is nestled among rolling hills, lush forests, and a winding river. Enjoy scenic overlooks along the river. Even if you only have an hour, you can hike riverside trails along the impressive Temperance River Gorge and see waterfalls. The park is home to various wildlife, including bald eagles, osprey, and deer.
Cascade River State Park is situated along the Sawtooth Mountains and is known for its breathtaking views of Lake Superior, the Cascade River gorge, and the surrounding forests. Discover the Cascades, a series of five small waterfalls, and the Cascade Falls on a half-mile hike on the Cascade River Lower Loop. Enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, bird watching, and photography.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park is well known for its solitude and the famous Devil’s Kettle waterfall! The most popular hike follows the Brule River upstream to Devil’s Kettle, where the river splits around a mass of volcanic rock. Do you know the mystery around Devil’s Kettle? There are also several trails for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. The park also offers trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and access to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Grand Portage State Park is located on the Canada-United States border. It is also home to Minnesota’s highest waterfall! The High Falls Trail is an easy, one-mile round-trip hike to see the waterfall. The park features wild and beautiful landscapes, including the High Falls of the Pigeon River, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife habitats.
Happy travels to the North Shore and please let us know if you have questions.
Adopt a Rescue Dog – Ruff Start Rescue
We are partnering with Ruff Start Rescue and Best Friends Animal Society to feature one adoptable dog each month. We are passionate about rescue dogs and have two of our own, the Explore Local Together mascots, Allen and Carol.
Meet Phyllis!
Phyllis is a sassy senior! She is looking for that special someone who understands aging isn’t always easy, she may not feel the cutest and therefore needs plenty of alone time, lots of naps, and tons of good food and treats. I feel ya, Phyllis! 😉
Phyllis prefers short walks and easy access to her food and potty. She prefers to sleep near you so she knows you’re sticking around and likes to be tucked in. Phyllis does snore (as any self respecting bulldog does) so earplugs may be necessary if she sleeps right next to you. She likes to talk and will tell you when she wants attention, when she is hungry, when she has to potty and most importantly when she needs to be tucked in. Squeaky toys are her favorite!
She is part of their “Seniors for Seniors” program where we offer senior adopters an opportunity to adopt an eligible pet at a discounted fee.
If you think you are that special someone for Phyllis – visit her profile HERE and fill out an application.
Let’s Explore Local Together!
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The set of the Medora Musical
