The Land of 10,000 Lakes is home to unsurpassed natural beauty and thrilling adventures, though perhaps there is no better lake than our very own Lake Superior, one of the United States' five Great Lakes. And while we love making a splash in the lake itself when the temperatures allow, the destinations you’ll find on its shore along Highway 61 are even more incredible — and all you’ll need is an awesome driving playlist, some snacks, and your vehicle (preferably one with off-roading capabilities) to enjoy them.
Hugging the shoreline for 150 miles, the drive along Minnesota’s North Shore stretches from Duluth all the way to Thunder Bay, near the Canadian border, passing near eight magnificent state parks as well as countless natural wonders — from breathtaking beaches and landmark lighthouses to wondrous waterfalls and fantasy forests.
Our adventure starts in the port city of Duluth — population 85,915 — where you might stop to visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: Canal Park. Here, you can walk along the Lakefront and take in views of the historic 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge. Be sure to stock up on road trip snacks from Duluth’s Best Bread.
Just north of downtown Duluth, you’ll stop for breakfast at the New London Cafe, a cozy diner known for its hearty breakfasts and a full espresso bar. Would you prefer an omelet, biscuits and gravy, or cinnamon fritter French toast?
After fueling up, we're headed to the beach — but not just any beach. The only beach of its kind in Minnesota, Black Beach is known for its striking fine, black sand that lines the shore of Lake Superior.
Bordered by jagged cliffs and unique rock formations, this unique wonder is, perhaps surprisingly, unnatural. The black sand is the result of taconite being dumped into the water by mining companies for years, then washing ashore with the waves. The particles of this mineral mixed with the sand to create an otherworldly destination unlike any other.
Now, it’s time to check out the iconic Palisade Head.
Near Silver Bar at milepost 57, turn onto a narrow lakeside road. This steep road features some tight maneuvering and leads to the top of a coastal cliff where you will discover jaw-dropping views. Made of rhyolite, a light-colored volcanic rock that provides a stark contrast to the dark basalt common along the shore, this 350-foot vertical cliff face is, in a word, awe-inspiring.
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Next, it’s off-the-paved-path we go into the Superior National Forest on Forest Rte 362. Stop by the Finland Cooperative, Minnesota’s oldest continuously operating co-op, for some snacks before heading out on a gravel road that takes you off Highway 61 and into the forest. This path is best enjoyed in a 4x4 vehicle— like the Nissan Frontier pictured here.
This tiny, two-block community was built by the Erie Mining Company in the 1950s to provide housing for the employees of the nearby taconite plant. In 1988, the last remaining resident of the town moved away, and today, all that remains are foundations, streets, and a few street lights. Walk through the once vibrant community, marvel at a place since left to nature, and if you visit at night, look up to the skies — with little to no light pollution, this spot is a stargazer’s dream.
Further north still is Artist’s Point. Located in the charming lakefront community of Grand Marais, Artist’s Point is popular with painters who enjoy setting up their easels on the jagged rock formations along the coast.
To visit, park on any of the city’s streets and walk south towards the Grand Marais Coast Guard Station, where you will turn left and venture out onto the rocky coastline. Be sure to walk out to the pine-covered "island" for a fantastic vantage point of the shoreline.
Last, but certainly not least, on our grand North Shore adventure is the breathtaking Grand Portage State Park.
Situated on the Canadian border, this 278-acre park is held by the surrounding Grand Portage Indian Reservation and leased to the state of Minnesota for just $1 a year. It is the only U.S. state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band and is the only Minnesota state park not owned by the state.
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The park is home to the state’s tallest waterfall, High Falls, which measures 120 feet in height and is viewable from three different viewing decks. After snapping a few photographs of this gem, we’re off on a rugged adventure to Middle Falls.
Covered in rocks and roots and featuring several hundred feet in elevation gain, this 4.5-mile backcountry trail will lead adventurers to a stunning natural wonder that cascades 30 feet into a wide pool surrounded by prehistoric volcanic activity. Along the way, hikers can practically reach across the international boundary, touching the Ontario side of the Pigeon River.
Whether you live in Northern Minnesota or have never gazed upon the magnificence of Lake Superior in person, this off-the-paved-path adventure is sure to fuel your wanderlust and leave you excited to explore all the road trip possibilities available to you across this beautiful country of ours.
So, what are you waiting for? The next time you’re aching for a little adventure, you’ll want to pack up your car, fill up the tank, and enjoy a thrilling, off-the-paved-path day trip along Minnesota's scenic, serene, and sensational North Shore. Of course, if you prefer to add the classics to your drive, the North Shore is also full of more well-known destinations, too, like Tettegouche State Park, the Split Rock Lighthouse, and Glensheen Mansion.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
There are some things that we Minnesotans simply must do in the summertime to mark the season and others that may be a new adventure for some of us. Regardless, we think there are several things to do in summer in Minnesota that belong on everybody's bucket list; and whether you get to them all or not, you should try and squeeze in at least of few of them while this glorious season lasts.
From Luverne to Lanesboro, Lillydale to Lutsen, most folks in Minnesota live within an hour or so of one of our state's amazing waterfalls. So get out there this summer, and enjoy them - I, for one, have visited several of my favorites this year!
One great way to enjoy the sights and fragrances of the summer season is to visit one of Minnesota's sunflower farms. There are several across the state, and you'll often find food, entertainment, and u-pick sunflower deals in conjunction with the season.
Most Minnesota state parks are, of course, open all year long, but many of them are at their best in the summertime. Even better, state parks are scattered across Minnesota, so there's certain to be an awesome park near you. Keep AllTrails Plus on your smartphone, and you'll have the trail maps you'll need at your fingertips - whether you have a signal or not.
We have some truly fine beaches in Minnesota - but our window for enjoying them is pretty small. So, if you don't get out to the beach during the summer, you'll probably have to wait until next year to do so.
Whether you prefer an RV, a camper cabin, or are a diehard tent purist, there may be nothing better than camping in Minnesota. With so many settings - deep woods, gorgeous lakeshores, and wide open prairie - you're sure to find just the kind of camping experience you love in our awesome state.
In 2024, Danish artist Thomas Dambo oversaw construction of a handful of massive trolls in the Detroit Lakes area. The trolls are tucked back along trails in area forests, part of a scavenger hunt that takes the troll seekers to some lovely natural settings in the region. It's a super fun way to spend a summer afternoon.
Is a summer in the Land of 10,000 Lakes complete without a visit to the Minnesota State Fair? Whether you go for the food, to check out the prize-winning pumpkins and pigs, or head out to see one of the grandstand headliners, everyone should attend the Great Minnesota Get Together at least once in their lives. It's our long, Minnesota goodbye to summer!
Hopefully, you've had - or will have - a chance to get out and enjoy at least a couple of these things to do in summer in Minnesota. What's on your Minnesota summer bucket list? Let us know in the comments!
