4 Days in Duluth and Minnesota’s North Shore

Every August, my family takes a short vacation. We debated staying home this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the need to get out of KC and the strong desire for a change of scenery was too powerful. For us, an airplane trip was out of the question, so we scouted around for a new-to-us destination that was close-ish to home. We chose Duluth, MN, and the North Shore, about an 8-hour drive straight up I-35.

There are resorts and lodges tucked all over the area, By the time we decided to road trip, most were booked or didn’t have the space we wanted. So, we stayed at the Residence Inn in Duluth, which was perfect for us. Plenty of space, a full kitchen and a grocery store right next door.

We spent the first three days exploring the North Shore, which means we did a lot of driving up 61, a mostly two-lane road. It was a commitment, but worth it. The view was phenomenal, with Lake Superior and the Sawtooth Mountain Range as a constant backdrop.

Day 1: Grand Portage, MN

Grand Portage is at the Canadian border, about a 3-hour drive from Duluth. When we went, the border was closed to American, because of COVID-19, but we took a photo for posterity. At least the girls can say they’ve seen another country. Ha!

We toured a reconstructed Ojibwe Village and trading post, which were part of the Grand Portage National Monument. 

120-Foot Waterfall at Grand Portage State Park

Then we headed to Grand Portage State Park for a hike to the 120-foot waterfall. Well worth the long drive.

Drury Lane Bookstore

On our way back west, we stopped in Grand Marais, a sweet tourist town on the coast, with a beautiful harbor. We stopped in Drury Lane Books (adorable), the Ben Franklin/Joynes Department Store and a few other shops. We grabbed takeout from Blue Water Cafe, enjoyed our meal harborside,
then walked the Coast Guard wall out to the lighthouse. 

Day 2: Two Harbors, MN

We started at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, which is about an hour’s drive from Duluth. The main event is the Split Rock Lighthouse, which sits nearly 130 feet atop a cliff, warning boats of the deadly rocks hidden below the water. The view looking up from the shore below and the view looking out from the top of the cliff are amazing. We couldn’t tour the inside of the lighthouse or the lightkeepers’ cottages because of COVID, but the grounds were open and beautiful. Definitely add this stop to your road trip.

Split Rock Lighthouse, Two Harbors, MN

Next, we traveled to Gooseberry Falls State Park for a little hiking. We hiked the Fifth Falls Trail, which was sparsely traveled, sometimes rugged, sometimes easy, very scenic and fun. The waterfalls and cascades were so peaceful and beautiful.

Next, we stopped in Two Harbors, MN, where we walked the waterfront, enjoyed ice cream from Louise’s Place, and had a blast traversing the rocks around the Two Harbors Lighthouse. We heard so many great things about Betty’s Pies & Cobblers and Castle Danger Brewery but didn’t have the time to stop by. If the cars in Betty’s parking lot and line out side the brewery are any indication, these are don’t miss destinations.

To end the day, we drove to Superior, WI, just across the lake. We stopped in a video game shop, walked the downtown area, which is very old school, stopped in an antique story and picked up dinner from Kosta’s Gyro’s.

Day 3: Lutsen, MN

Alpine Slide, Lutsen, MN

We headed back east on 61 Hwy to Lutsen, which is about two hours from Duluth. A little bit off the highway is Lutsen Mountains, a beautiful ski resort. In the summer, it’s a tucked away respite with an alpine slide and a gondola that takes you to the top of Moose Mountain, where you can relax at The Summit Chalet and take in breathtaking view of Lake Superior and the surrounding area.

On our way back, we stopped at Palisade Head Cliff for another breathtaking view of Lake Superior. It’s an amazing rock formation and not for the faint of heart or people who are afraid of heights. Then we headed into downtown Duluth. Our first stop was the Great Lakes Aquarium. Another highly recommended stop, especially if you have younger kids. We walked part of the waterfront, saw the Aerial Lift Bridge and scouted out Canal Park.

Day 4: Duluth, MN

Glensheen Mansion, Duluth, MN

Our first stop was Glensheen Mansion, which is a must see. I recommended splurging for the whole house tour. It’s self-guided and you get to see the attic! The ongoing restoration is impressive and meticulous. But if you just have a little bit of time, the shortened tour and the grounds would be almost as satisfying. To add to the ambiance, the wealthy home owner, Elisabeth Congdon, and her nurse were murdered in the home in the 1970s. But that’s not mentioned on the tour. Do a little digging; it’s a fascinating story.

After the mansion tour, we explored Canal Park, picked up some souvenirs, and then headed to Love Creamery for a sweet treat. The creamery is located in a really cute, apparently up and coming part of Duluth with a main street lined with trendy restaurants, shops, some breweries and distilleries.

This quick getaway and change of scenery was just what our family needed right now. How about you? Any recent road trips to share?

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing … Keep It Real.