A Local's Guide to Driving Minnesota's North Shore

From Minneapolis up the Gunflint Trail to a campsite of your choosing

This is my personal route. The route I've been taking since my first family camping trips as a kid growing up around the Twin Cities. It runs from Minneapolis up Highway 61 along Lake Superior, then inland on the Gunflint Trail to the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Take your time. Pull over whenever you feel the urge. When in doubt, ask a local. We have a reputation for being nice. — Nate Baller, Founder, Abode Outside

~230 miMinneapolis to Gunflint

5–6 hrsDrive time, one-way

6Stretches of the route

Year-roundBest late spring–fall

Minneapolis to Duluth

Head north out of the Twin Cities toward Duluth. A few stops are worth building in from the start.

Toby's — the classic gas-and-caramel-roll stop on the way north.
Spirit Mountain — ride the Alpine Coaster on Duluth's south side.
Canal Park & Lincoln Park — plenty of great breakfast and coffee options in either neighborhood.
Trailfitters — one of Minnesota's premier independent outdoor retailers, in a historic downtown building overlooking Lake Superior.

Highway 61 — The North Shore Scenic Drive

From Duluth, Highway 61 hugs Lake Superior north through a stretch filled with state parks, waterfalls, overlooks, beaches, small towns and countless pull-offs. Stop wherever the view catches you.

Two Harbors to Split Rock

Two Harbors — a good stroll through town, plus Castle Danger Brewery.
Silver Creek Tunnel — drive through, then pull off at the overlook right after for one of the best views of Lake Superior on the whole route.
Rustic Inn Café — my go-to stop for a slice of pie.
Gooseberry Falls State Park — one of Minnesota's most photographed spots, and worth every bit of it.
Split Rock Lighthouse — one of the state's most iconic landmarks.
Black Beach & Temperance River State Park — beautiful scenery, minimal walking required.

Tofte & Lutsen

Tofte is a charming lakeside town with several outstanding resorts. Just north of town, Fika Coffee is my favorite coffee stop anywhere along the North Shore. Continue north through Lutsen for more state parks, overlooks and hiking and photo opportunities.

Grand Marais

Frequently recognized as one of America's best small outdoor towns with excellent restaurants, breweries, art galleries and independent outfitters. Don't miss the Lake Superior Trading Post, a wonderful stop for outdoor gear and locally owned shopping before heading up the Gunflint Trail into the wilderness.

The Gunflint Trail & Boundary Waters

A historic logging road out of Grand Marais that now serves as one of the primary gateways into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This is where Minnesota's wilderness truly begins. You'll find an outdoorsperson's playground of outfitters, lodges, campgrounds, hiking trails, lakes, wildlife, and endless opportunities for photography and adventure.

The Trailcenter — about halfway up the trail, good for a burger and a cold drink.
Oberg Mountain, Honeymoon Bluff & Pincushion Mountain — a few favorite accessible hikes with incredible views along the way. Ober is located along highway 61 and the other two are just off the Gunflint Trail.

End the trip at a campsite of your choosing along the Gunflint Trail. It is dotted with campgrounds, resorts and backcountry entry points the whole way up. If you want to go all the way, Trail's End is the literal end of the road: a campground tucked right up against the Canadian border, about 57 miles in from Grand Marais.

There are far more worthy stops, stores and sites than we could fit here. Take your time and enjoy. When in doubt, ask a local. We have a reputation for being nice.

— Nate

“This is the landscape that inspired my love of the outdoors and our clothing brand, Abode Outside."

Nate Baller · Founder, Abode Outside