Things to do nearNorth Shore
North Shore stretches along Lake Superior's rugged Minnesota coastline, offering dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and some of the most scenic drives in the Midwest.
North Shore follows Minnesota's Highway 61 along the northwestern edge of Lake Superior, a corridor that has drawn travelers, traders, and artists for generations. The Ojibwe people knew this shoreline intimately, and their presence shaped the region's culture and place names long before European explorers arrived.
Today visitors come for the state parks that anchor the drive. Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, and Cascade River each offer distinct terrain, from wide river mouths to high ridgelines with sweeping lake views. Hikers can tackle the rugged Superior Hiking Trail, which runs the length of the shore and rewards effort with vistas few roads can match.
The small towns along the way add warmth to the wild surroundings. Grand Marais in particular has cultivated a creative community of painters, potters, and musicians, with a natural harbor that frames the lake beautifully. Local restaurants focus on regional ingredients, including wild rice, smoked fish, and foraged mushrooms.
North Shore rewards slow travel. The landscape changes with every season, and the lake itself, moody and vast, ensures no two visits feel the same.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting North Shore
Drive Highway 61 north from Duluth in autumn when the hillsides blaze with color and traffic is lighter than summer.
Visit Gooseberry Falls State Park early in the morning to experience the waterfalls with fewer crowds and softer light.
Pack layers regardless of season, as temperatures near the lake can drop sharply even on warm inland days.
Try fresh-caught lake trout at one of the small harborside restaurants in Two Harbors or Grand Marais.
Stop at Artist's Point in Grand Marais at dusk for an unobstructed view across the open lake toward the Sawtooth Mountains.
Top tours & experiences near North Shore
Oahu Oceanfront Sunset Group Horseback Ride
Experience golden-hour views as you walk polo ponies along a scenic oceanfront trail.
Cage-Free Shark Snorkel Tour on Oahu's North Shore
Cage-free shark snorkel with marine biologist guides off Oahu’s North Shore
North Shore O'ahu ATV & Shoreline Planting Tour
Drive your own ATV on North Shore trails, meet farm animals, and plant a shoreline native
Full-Day Oahu Circle Island Guided Tour From Waikiki
Circle Oahu by mini-bus with admissions and lunch included
Fly a Private 60-Minute Oahu Helicopter Tour
Take a private 60-minute Oahu helicopter flight with guaranteed window seats
Private Group Surfing Lesson on Oahu's North Shore
Surf North Shore waves together on a 2-hour private group lesson
Private 2-Hour Surf Lesson for Two, North Shore Oahu
Learn to surf together in a private 2-hour lesson on Oahu’s North Shore
Private 2-Hour Surf Lesson on Oahu’s North Shore
Learn to surf with a private coach and all gear included
North Shore Whale Watch Eco Tour with Biologist
Spot humpback whales with a biologist-led crew on a comfortable 2-hour boat tour
Fly a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Oahu
Take a 50-minute doors-off helicopter flight over Oahu’s top landmarks
Intermediate Guided Surf Tour on Oahu North Shore
Surf Oahu’s North Shore with an intermediate-level guide
Private Surf Lesson for 2 in Haleiwa
Private surf lesson for two with a 2:1 instructor ratio and all gear provided
Explore North Shore Sunset Safari Cruise
Cruise the North Shore at sunset with a small group and a marine life watch
Explore Oahu North Shore on a Private 12-Hour Tour
Tour Oahu’s North Shore on a private, 12-hour custom day
Ride a Private Sunset Horseback Tour on Oahu
Private sunset horseback ride with oceanfront views on Oahu’s North Shore
Late-Start North Shore Turtle Snorkel Tour From Waikiki
Sleep in and snorkel with turtles on a late-start North Shore small-group tour
Private Stand-Up Paddleboard Lesson in Haleiwa
Get one-on-one stand-up paddleboard coaching on Oahu’s North Shore