North Shore is a beautiful and diverse area of Minnesota that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, there is something for everyone in North Shore. Here are a few things to do in North Shore with your family that are sure to please.
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Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a long-distance 310-mile hiking trail that trail that runs along the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior in northeastern Minnesota, offering stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding wilderness.
The trail is a well-maintained with a variety of features and amenities, including campsites, shelters, and privies along the way. The trail is well-marked, with clear and easy-to-follow signage to help hikers navigate. Additionally, the trail is accessible to hikers of all skill levels, with sections that range from easy to challenging. There a number of trail sections to choose from that allow for simple day nature walks, perfect for enjoying with kids.
One of the main attractions of the SHT is the varied and spectacular scenery that it offers. You can experience a wide range of landscapes, from lush forests and sparkling rivers to rugged cliffs and scenic overlooks. The trail also offers a chance to see a variety of plant and animal life, including rare and endangered species.
Another feature of the trail is that it passes by several small towns and communities, giving you the opportunity to resupply, rest, and explore the local culture.
The Superior Hiking Trail is well-known for the breathtaking view of the lake and the diverse vegetation along the trail, also you can enjoy the wildflowers that bloom in the spring, colorful fall foliage and the snow-covered landscapes in the winter.
Temperance River State Park
Temperance River State Park is a beautiful and secluded park located in northeastern Minnesota, near the town of Schroeder. The park is known for its rugged and scenic beauty, as well as its hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing opportunities. This state park offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through beautiful forests and along the Temperance River. You can see cascading waterfalls and unique rock formations.
One of the main attractions of the park is the Temperance River, which runs through the park and offers you the chance to fish for rainbow trout, brook trout, and steelhead. The river is also popular for swimming and tubing during the summer months.
The park also boasts several hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the river. These trails offer you the chance to see a variety of plant and animal life, as well as some incredible views of the river and the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular trails is the trail that leads to the Upper and Lower Falls, which offers a spectacular view of the falling water.
Another attraction of the park is the historic CCC structures, including the historic bridge that spans the Temperance River. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a public work relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men. The park’s CCC structures, including picnic shelters, bridges, and trails, are a testament to the hard work and ingenuity of the men who built them.
Temperance River State Park is also a popular destination for camping, with several campsites available for tent and RV camping. The campsites are located in a secluded and picturesque area, making them a great option for those looking for a peaceful and natural camping experience.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park is a beautiful and rugged park located in northeastern Minnesota, near the town of Silver Bay. The park is known for its scenic beauty, as well as its hiking trails, waterfalls, and recreational opportunities. One of the main attractions of the park is the Baptism River, which runs through the park.
The park also boasts several hiking trails that wind through the forest and along the river. These trails offer you the chance to see a variety of plant and animal life, as well as some incredible views of the river and the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular trails is the trail that leads to the High Falls, which is the highest waterfall in Minnesota, it offers a spectacular view of the falling water.
Another attraction of the park is the historic Tettegouche Camp, which is a historic retreat center built in the 1920s by the Tettegouche Club, a group of influential businessmen and conservationists. The camp offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with its rustic cabins, dining hall, and other historic buildings.
Tettegouche State Park also offers recreational opportunities such as rock climbing and sea kayaking. The park is home to some of the best climbing routes in Minnesota, with over 100 routes that are suitable for climbers of all skill levels. The park also offers sea kayaking on Lake Superior, which is an excellent way to explore the lake and its many islands.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a beautiful and popular park located in northeastern Minnesota, near the town of Two Harbors. The park is known for its scenic beauty, as well as its hiking trails, waterfalls, Gooseberry River and recreational opportunities.
This state park offers a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Middle Falls Trail, which takes you to the base of the Middle Falls waterfall. You can also hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view of the area. Another popular trail is the trail that leads to the Gooseberry Falls, which offers a spectacular view of the falling water.
Another attraction of the park is the historic Gitchi-Gami State Trail, an 89-mile long paved trail that runs along the North Shore of Lake Superior. The trail is used for hiking, biking, and rollerblading and offers spectacular views of Lake Superior, the forest, and the river.
Gooseberry Falls State Park also offers recreational opportunities such as picnicking, camping, and birdwatching. The park has several picnic areas and a campground that is open year-round, making it a great option for those looking for a peaceful and natural camping experience. The park also offers great birdwatching opportunities, with a variety of species that can be observed throughout the year.
Cross River Heritage Center
7932 W Highway, Schroeder, MN 55613
Locally known as The Heart of Schroeder the Cross River Heritage Center was originally built as the Stickney Inn in 1929 as one of the first roadhouses along the new Northshore Highway 1. This center offers a variety of hiking trails that take visitors through the beautiful scenery of the Cross River Heritage Center. Visitors can explore the natural and cultural history of the area.
Pincushion Mountain Trail
This trail is located in Grand Marais, MN and offers a challenging hike with steep inclines and rocky terrain. The trail leads to the summit of Pincushion Mountain where hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of the area. The trail is considered a moderate challenge, so probably not the trail for you if you are traveling with kids.
Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on the north shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, United States. The lighthouse was built in 1910, after a series of devastating shipwrecks along the rocky coastline of the lake. The lighthouse’s beacon and fog signal helped guide ships safely through the treacherous waters, saving many lives and preventing further shipwrecks.
Split Rock Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination, offering you the opportunity to explore the lighthouse, the surrounding grounds, and the nearby hiking trails. You can take a tour of the lighthouse, which includes a climb to the top for a stunning view of the lake, and learn about the history of the lighthouse and the lives of the lighthouse keepers.
The lighthouse is also surrounded by a state park with hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the lake and the surrounding landscape. You can also enjoy swimming and fishing in the lake, and there is also a campground nearby for those who want to stay longer.
The lighthouse is also part of the North Shore Scenic Drive, which is a beautiful drive that runs along the shore of Lake Superior, offering a wide variety of scenic views, including the lighthouse. The lighthouse is also considered as one of the most photographed and painted lighthouses in the United States.
North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive is a beautiful and popular road trip that runs along the shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota, United States. The drive starts in Duluth and travels east along Highway 61 for about 150 miles, ending at the Canadian border. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake, as well as the rugged and rocky coastline.
The North Shore Scenic Drive is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Lake Superior and the Minnesota North Shore. Along the way, you can stop and explore a number of state parks, including Gooseberry Falls State Park, which features a series of cascading waterfalls, and Tettegouche State Park, which offers hiking trails and stunning views of the lake.
One of the highlights of the North Shore Scenic Drive is Split Rock Lighthouse, which is considered as one of the most photographed and painted lighthouses in the United States. You can take a tour of the lighthouse, which includes a climb to the top for a stunning view of the lake, and learn about the history of the lighthouse and the lives of the lighthouse keepers.
The drive also offers opportunities to explore the local culture and history. You can stop at the Grand Marais Harbor Park, which features a small beach, picnic area and playground, and visit the nearby art galleries and shops in Grand Marais, a charming small town that is known for its art colony.
The Oberg Mountain Loop
The Oberg Mountain Loop is a popular hiking trail located in the Sawtooth Mountains of Minnesota. The trail is approximately 8.5 miles long and takes you through a variety of landscapes, including dense forests, rocky cliffs, and alpine meadows. The trailhead is located at the Oberg Mountain parking lot, which can be accessed via County Road 7.
The hike is considered to be moderate in difficulty, with an elevation gain of approximately 1,400 feet. The trail is well-maintained and well-marked, making it easy to follow for hikers of all skill levels. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, as well as a variety of flora and fauna.
Some highlights of the hike include the stunning panoramic views from the summit of Oberg Mountain, as well as the beautiful alpine wildflower meadows found along the trail. The trail also passes by several small lakes and streams, making it a great option for those looking to do some fishing or picnicking.
This scenic hike offers a cultural experience by showcasing the history of the area and the logging industry that built the towns along the North Shore. You can see remains of the logging camps, and learn about the impact of logging on the environment and the local economy.
Grand Marais Art Colony
This historic art colony offers art classes, workshops supporting artists through residencies, intensive and mentoring classes, as well as signature events. Our Entry Points program provides opportunities for people of various ages and skill levels to attend artist talks, demonstrations, and mini-classes. Our classes provide immersive mentoring experiences for beginners to established artists.
North House Folk School
500 W Hwy 61 PO Box 759, Grand Marais, MN 55604
This school is modeled after Danish folk schools from the 1800s and offers a variety of classes and workshops that teach traditional skills such as woodworking, blacksmithing, sailing and fiber arts. Visitors can learn a new skill or craft while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the North Shore.
Lutsen Mountain Summit Express
467 Ski Hill Rd Lutsen, MN 55612
Lutsen Mountain Summit Express is a chairlift at Lutsen Mountains, a ski resort located in northeastern Minnesota. The chairlift takes skiers and snowboarders to the summit of the mountain, where they can access a variety of runs and terrain, including groomed cruisers, moguls, and backcountry bowls.
The chairlift is a high-speed quad, meaning that it has four seats per chair and can carry skiers and snowboarders up the mountain quickly and efficiently. The lift also has a bubble to protect skiers and snowboarders from wind and cold temperatures.
One of the main attractions of Lutsen Mountain Summit Express is the stunning views it offers of Lake Superior and the surrounding area. Skiers and snowboarders can take in the beauty of the landscape while they ride up the mountain, and enjoy even more spectacular views from the summit.
Another feature of Lutsen Mountain Summit Express is that it is open for night skiing, which is a unique experience, skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes under the stars and lights.
That’s A Wrap!
When planning your next family vacation, you’ll find there is no shortage of fun and adventurous things to in North Shore, Minnesota. Hope this list helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your family. Now go have some fun.
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