5 Can’t-Miss Destinations Across Minnesota’s North Shore

27.04.2024 - 23:07 / forbes.com

While Minneapolis draws visitors in droves thanks to its thriving drinking and dining scene, nature lovers and outdoor adventurers alike can find a truly spectacular array of attractions across Minnesota’s North Shore. Spanning just under 250 kilometers along Lake Superior, this scenic stretch of coastline is rife with cozy communities and spectacular natural preserves, with no shortage of top-tier restaurants and breweries to discover along the way. With summer on the horizon, there’s no better time than the present to plan a nature-filled foray into the picturesque reaches of northern Minnesota.

Serving as the jumping-off point for a road trip along Minnesota’s North Shore, Duluth is home to the busiest port in all of the Great Lakes—and all of that constant commerce has fostered a thriving drinking and dining scene along its shores. After a lengthy birdwatching session along the Duluth Lakewalk, Duluth Grill is a top lunch spot thanks to its massive menu that’s packed with hearty comfort food dishes. Options span from cinnamon roll French toast to fried chicken melts to barbacoa tacos around here, and as an added bonus, the nearby Canal Park Brewing Company is just a few steps away, providing guests with an opportunity to sample fresh craft beer like the toffee-reminiscent Nut Hatchet brown ale and the hearty Stoned Surf IPA.

While Lutsen is home to just over 500 residents, this tiny community offers a wealth of high-end attractions for visitors to enjoy. Just north of the Lake Superior coast, Lutsen Mountains draws visitors in droves all throughout the year, with more than 400 hectares of land set aside for wintertime downhill skiing—but for those hoping to bask in the true splendor of the Minnesota wilderness, an autumn trip is tough to beat. During a voyage on the Summit Express gondola, guests can marvel at the crisp fall foliage from more than 300 meters in the air, while the nearby North Shore Winery has earned abundant acclaim for its gorgeous interior and wealth of high-end wines, serving as the perfect spot for toasting to a successful day with a glass of Boundary Waters Red.

Once a prominent hub for fur trading, Grand Marais has morphed into a top-tier tourist destination thanks to its picturesque scenery and many boutique shops. Upon arrival, visitors are welcome to pay a visit to The Fisherman’s Daughter—a cozy shoreside venue that’s known for its stellar fish and chips—or make their way to Voyageur Brewing Company, a charming spot that’s perfect for an order of cheese curds paired with a Brule River blonde ale. During the dead of night, Grand Marais visitors can embark on a fascinating journey with Low Light Experiences—a local tour company that offers night hiking and stargazing