Highlighting Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

The North Shore Drive (aka Highway 61) is a 150 mile scenic drive beginning in Duluth and ending in Grand Portage, Minnesota.  There are so many things to see and do … waterfalls, state parks, lighthouses, historic sites, tunnels, and lots of recreational opportunities.   We have printed a mile-by-mile guide off the Internet and are ready to see the sights and sounds of this “Superior” scenery.  Our tour begins in Duluth, Minnesota …

Tettegouche State Park

Minnesota’s North Shore Drive (aka Highway 61) has a lot of roadside scenes that you can enjoy from your car.  However, there are times when you should turn-off the main highway to really see what the place is all about.  Tettegouche State Park is one of those places. 

Grand Portage State Park - High Falls

Located one-half mile from the US/Canadian border is Grand Portage State Park.  This park has Minnesota’s highest waterfall aptly named High Falls (estimated to be 120 feet high).

We walk a half mile paved trail thru a mixed hardwood forest.  At first, we can not see the river but we can hear the sounds of rushing water.

Trail to High Falls

We walk up the 30+/- steps to an overlook of the falls.  It may not be raining but the mist from the falls dampens everything (and everyone) in the area.  I think it is nature’s way of welcoming us – we are kissed by the mist.  There are a couple of viewing platforms along the wooden stairway that parallels the river offering slightly different views of the falls.  

High Falls

Pigeon River

We begin our walk back to the parking lot straying from the main trail onto a spur trail that leads to the river's edge.  A series of ferocious looking rapids continues down this stretch too.

Rapids on the Pigeon River

We return to the car having spent almost two hours here.  You could do this trail quicker but we take our time and enjoy nature.

For information on Grand Portage State Park, click on the following link:

Grand Portage State Park

To view a detailed Mile-By-Mile Guide of the North Shore Road (PDF), click on the following link:

North Shore Mile by Mile Guide

Nearby food and lodging in this ares (Minnesota) is limited to the Grand Portage Lodge & Casino. The Lodge was remodeling (half the rooms were not available) when we were there (May 2015).  We did not have a reservation but we did get their last room.  So, I would recommend making a reservation if you plan to stay here.  Once you leave the Indian Reservation, there will be local restaurants and places to stay the night farther down Highway 61 South.