Minnesota's North Shore and Duluth Guide

Duluth, Minnesota, and the North Shore is a hidden gem nestled on the western shores of Lake Superior. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, Duluth offers a delightful blend of outdoor adventures, arts and entertainment, and a warm, welcoming community.

If you drive north along Scenic Highway 61 which follows the shoreline north out of Duluth, you can find a number of hidden towns, beaches, and trails that will keep you busy for days on end.

As you embark on your journey through this charming city, you’ll find yourself surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, from the shimmering expanse of Lake Superior to the lush forests and rugged cliffs that dot the landscape. But Duluth isn’t just about its stunning scenery; it boasts a thriving arts scene, a variety of delicious dining options, and numerous attractions to captivate visitors of all ages.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast seeking thrilling activities, a history buff eager to uncover the stories of the past, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from bustling city life, Duluth has something to offer everyone. So, join us as we explore the wonders and hidden treasures of this remarkable city, inviting you to make memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into the ultimate Duluth guide, filled with unforgettable experiences.

For this trip, we selected an AirBNB near Two Harbor as it was centrally located near the northern activities we had on our list and was only 25 minutes away from Duluth.

DAY ONE

Woke up, got breakfast fed to our littles, and organized for the day. We love to pack lunches on day trips like these so that we don’t have to work around our girls’ lunch schedule and find restaurants. When they are hungry, we can pull out our cooler and have lunch wherever we are!

Backpacking coolers have been a game changer for adventures with the family. Carry them anywhere, pop out cold food, snacks, and drinks at any point, which is key to a happy family vacation.

Stop One: Gooseberry State Park (must see)

We started the day by driving North on 61 to Gooseberry State Park, which is nestled along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior. It’s a popular park that is known for its cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking views. We loved this park and could’ve spent more time there. The pools at the bottom of the falls in the lowers are great for kids to wander through and it allows them to safely get close to the falls for a unique experience.

Stop Two: Split Rock Lighthouse (must see)

Perched atop a majestic cliff overlooking Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse stands as an iconic beacon of maritime history in Minnesota. This historic landmark and museum offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s past, with its stunning architecture and fascinating tales of shipwrecks and lighthouse keepers, making it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and sightseers alike. We walked the grounds and climbed the lighthouse steps to the top.

After visiting the lighthouse we drove to the nearby Split Rock park for lunch. The view from the shore offers some amazing views of the lighthouse.

Stop Three: Beaver Bay Agate Shop

My wife started Metalsmithing at the beginning of the year and had this on her to-do list. The shop had several jewelry options featuring Lake Superior Agate and she was able to find some cabochons for some projects.

Stop Four: Black Beach

When researching our trip, this was a beach that kept coming up as a must-see but it really fell short for us. Next time, we will skip this. Black Beach is known for its dark sand but the views for us didn’t hold up to some of the other views that we had seen such as the beach by Split Rock.

Stop Five: Betty’s Pies

Betty’s Pies in Duluth, MN, is a legendary institution renowned for its homemade pies. We stopped twice and the first time we bought their Great Lakes Crunch Pie (apple, blueberry, rhubarb, strawberry, and raspberry) the second time we got Bumbleberry (blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries). Prepare for busy parking lots and long lines. Both times we visited, we did take out and had our pies within 10 minutes.

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DAY TWO

Stop One: Iona Beach

We had previously meant to stop by Iona Beach, located just north of Split Rock, the previous day but as we were losing time we pushed it back. The sprawling beach features pink stones and crystal-clear waters. Once parked in the parking lot, it’s a short hike to the beach.

On our hike out, we decided to check out a small inlet and beach and here is where we had a major highlight of the trip. While walking along the beach and searching for interesting rocks with our kids, we found several Lake Superior Agates. Lake Superior agates are formed over billions of years through a combination of volcanic activity, sedimentation, and slow mineral deposition. Iron-rich minerals and silica solutions combine to create the characteristic banded patterns within the agate, resulting in stunning gemstones. We ended up staying for a good portion of the morning and hunting for Agates.

Stop Two: Duluth, Minn

Any trip to the North Shore is not complete without exploring the port city of Duluth, Minnesota. Here is a quick rundown on how we spent our afternoon in Duluth:

Scenic Harbor Railroad: We upgraded our tickets to first glass to sit under the glass domes. Great for kids.
Trailfitters: Great Outdoors store located in the Fitger’s Inn building.
Aerial Bridge in Canal Park: Check ahead for the shipping schedule to watch the boats go through the bridge!
Flagship: The place to go for well-designed apparel and souvenirs. This was my wife’s favorite stop.
Pebble Spa and Boutique: Again, my wife loved this store.
Duluth Pack Store: Another outdoor geared store featuring amazing handcrafted packs.
Lakeshore Walk: On the north side of Canal Park, walk along the lakeshore to get a great view of Lake Superior
Grandma’s Saloon and Grill: Known as the main sponsor of the Grandma’s Marathon, we chose this family-friendly restaurant for dinner. $$

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