Visit waterfalls, lighthouses, steep cliffs, rocky shores, wilderness hiking, canoeing, restaurants with views, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the International Wolf Center.
Duluth may not be everyone’s idea of a perfect vacation destination, but it’s a great starting point for this spectacular experience in Minnesota’s North Country. You can head out along the rugged Lake Superior coast on Route 61 where rocky shores, lighthouses, waterfalls, and steep cliffs cause you to consciously pull your eyes away from the scenery to watch the road.
At Tetaguchee State Park, after a short hike to see its Baptism River Falls, drive north on Route One to Ely, the canoer’s heaven and a silent, unspoiled retreat from the world. Just past Two Harbors, about 15-20 miles outside of Duluth, there are two restaurants with magnificent views of Lake Superior. A late
lunch at the Scenic Point or Cliff House Restaurants would be perfect. While in Duluth, a short drive across the river to Superior, Wisconsin is worthwhile to also view the Great Lakes ship S.S. Meteor. This 1896 “Whale Back Ship” provides great insight into the life on board the ship more than 100 years ago. Also in Duluth is The Depot, a replica of 1920s Duluth with cobblestone streets, trolleys, and a collection of steam locomotives.
Tom’s Logging Camp (15 miles northeast on Route 61) replicates life at the turn of the century with evidence of a lot more rugged way of life. The next stopover is Gooseberry Falls, 25 miles farther along the road, where falls take water 100 feet down to Lake Superior. Split Rock Lighthouse, 22 miles beyond, is the most popular landmark on the route. It was constructed in 1910, and its spectacular location hugging onto a 170-foot cliff has been captured by many photographers and artists. The gem of the drive is Ely with its big country feel with thousands of connected otters, moose, lakes, loons, and bears. Dozens of outfitters supply all your needs for a fantastic wilderness experience, or you can take a few days and nights in a cozy cabin by one of the more accessible lakes. You should not miss the International Wolf Center. Its resident wolf pack and lively exhibits are very interesting and well presented.
Starting Point:
Duluth, MN
Distance of Drive:
120 miles
Must Eat:
Scenic Cafe
5461 North Shore, Duluth, MN 55804
Phone: 218-525-6274
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Summer. You can imagine how hard it is in Ely in the winter.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Great Lakes ship S.S. Meteor
Baptism River Falls
Lake Superior
Tetaguchee State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse
Tom’s Logging Camp
Gooseberry Falls
The Depot
Tagged with: Minnesota • waterfalls
Filed under: Best Road Trips