The North Shore of Lake Superior is Minnesota’s backyard. Set on the edge of the biggest freshwater lake in the world, the land rises and encompasses millions – yes, millions – of acres of national forest, state forest and park land and includes the massive Boundary Waters Area Wilderness.
So, space isn’t an issue. If anything, it can feel a bit overwhelming. The simple directive is to get outside. Sit on some rocks and take in the massiveness of Lake Superior. Stroll paved paths in small towns. Listen to the waves, the birds, the bugs. See if you can spot wild berries, camouflaged grouse, gangly moose.
While those are some of the best things to do outside, here is a list of our 12 favorites.
Head to a Lake Superior beach and search for these banded and speckled little stones. Most of the beaches on the North Shore are pebble or cobbletone, home to agates. Leave time to wave watch and have a picnic. This is an excellent family activity and can be done spring through autumn.
A ridge – the old shore of ancient Lake Superior – rises parallel to the big lake. All the rivers feeding into Lake Superior drop down those ridges making for spectacular waterfalls. Many rivers have multiple falls. Some require a decent hike, some are roadside and some are short walks. Waterfall season tends to be during snowmelt into spring, third week of April into June depending on spring rains. Stopping and seeing waterfalls is an easy add-on to any trip. And winter visitors will be treated to fabulous ice covered falls.
Falling asleep after stargazing and waking to birdsong. Campfires, s’mores, swimming, boating, hiking, exploring. Camping is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and north shore explorers. With more than three dozen campgrounds, you can find the perfect site. Choose inland lake and rivers, state parks, full amenity private and public campgrounds and rustic state and federal campgrounds.
A full moon. The Milky Way. Shooting stars. The northern lights. Most of the North Shore is dark at night. If you’re in town, darkness is just a few miles away. Watch the forecast for cloudless nights and head out from dusk on. The longer you look at the night sky, the more you will see. Bonus – the short days of winter means dark comes early. You can even go out before dinner!
Whether you’ve got a toddler in a stroller or you’re planning the 300+ mile Superior Hiking Trail, the North Shore has got paths and trails. Communities have paved walks, some along Lake Superior. State parks offer easy-to-access trails to the big lake and inland lakes and ridges. The Superior Hiking Trail offers many sections with three-to-mile hikes. Remember, if you hike a hill, you get a spectacular overlook!
From a sunrise spin along the big lake, to riding from Split Rock Lighthouse to Gooseberry Falls State Park, the Gitche Gumee State Trail is a wonderful paved trail paralleling Lake Superior. Mountain bikers will find and impressive variety of single track trails with excellent terrain.
Go for a winter wander through the woods. Families and groups of mixed skill will all enjoy getting out for a winter hike. State parks and lodges have packed trails or you can make your own trail. Many hotels and lodges and parks have snowshoes for rent, too!
Cross-country skiers can choose from hundreds of kilometers of groomed trails. Easy, short, scenic loops to hilly ‘picnic loops,’ you get glide through the quiet woods at your own pace.
Alpine skiers and snowboarders are in for a treat at Lutsen Mountains. Four mountains, high-speed lifts, excellent grooming, a gondola, and amazing Lake Superior views, all open from about Thanksgiving through April.
Dog sled rides are rugged comfort. Bundle up in the sled and be awed by the passing scenery and skill of the musher and dogs. You skim along just above ground level giving a unique perspective. This unusual opportunity includes time to meet the dogs and learn about how the operation works.
Touring forested trails, skimming across frozen lakes, stopping at a lodge for lunch. Snowmobiling lets you explore a large area of the North Shore in one ride. Choosing lodging with a hot tub for the evening lets you relax and be ready for the next day’s ride.
