Duluth, Minnesota

[jcf817]

If you can, take the time to drive all the way to Grand Portage and enjoy some time on the North Shore. There are so many great places to see and visit. One of my favorites is Naniboujou Lodge, which is north of Grand Marais.

Naniboujou Lodge

 

[Cyghhh]

I second driving up north, exploring Gooseberry Falls State Park and visiting Split Rock Lighthouse. There's also some whitewater rafting you can do around the area that's fun as well.

 

[4cy16]

The wife and I are planning a trip to Duluth right after Labor Day. Has anybody been and what did you do when you were there that you liked?

Doesn't winter start the day after Labor Day in Duluth?

 

[Cyghhh]

Doesn't winter start the day after Labor Day in Duluth?

I went Memorial weekend and it was still winter, but it was summer 15 minutes southeast. The wife and I were not prepared.

 

[Gonzo]

Not gonna lie. I was disappointed that it hadn't been posted. Easily in my top 10 shirts that have appeared in a movie.

Completely forgot about that one. It's now on my list of movie t-shirts that I give out as Xmas gift ideas. I already have a half dozen or so. This one will quickly rise to the top of my priority rankings.

 

[cyclone13]

One really cool area before you hit Duluth is Jay Cooke State park. Definitely worth a stop and hike, lots of falls and rapids on that stretch of the St Louis River.

Kayak trips on Superior if weather allows are awesome. Also Sawbill is not far away if you want to try a day paddle in the BWCA.

Lots will recommend Gooseberry just due to proximity. But Tettegouchie and Cascade are far better hiking and have better falls along the way.

Grand Marais is the coolest town in the country. A great brewery and fish market all walkable from each other. Best fly shop in the Midwest if you are into that, have gotten to know him over the years and is always great to work with. Grand Marais is worth the long drive.

I could go on forever on the hidden gems that I’ve found on my many hiking and fishing trips up there but above are some of myself and kids favorites.

I concur with Tettegouche and Grand Marais.

If you have time, you can drive further north to Canadian Border to see Grand Portage State Park and the highest waterfall in MN. The high fall is a short walk (I wouldn't call it a hike) - maybe 10 mins from the parking lot.
CR Magney is also good besides Cascade River. Gooseberry is really popular and crowded.

 

[jcf817]

For a less popular (although increasingly popular) waterfall hike, try Caribou Falls. There's a wayside parking lot a few miles north of Tettegouche. The waterfall is lovely, a hidden gem on the North Shore. The hike is pretty easy uphill and then down a whole lotta stairs to the foot of the falls.

 

[Cydways15!]

Go to Gordy’s Hi Hat for lunch in nearby Cloquet. You can go down to Canal Park and explore. Going up to the North Shore on 61 is definitely a must. A lot of waterfalls and cool views of the lake all the way up to Grand Portage. If you are staying awhile go the less than 2 hours over to Bayfield, WI and do a boat tour of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. It is beautiful!

 

[NWICY]

Doesn't winter start the day after Labor Day in Duluth?

Was up in Duluth for a labor day weekend 1st 2 days gorgeous Monday cold rainy didn't have enough clothes in the suitcase to stay warm ran the heater all day in the car. Followed a freighter coming into Duluth when it went under the lift bridge waves were breaking about 6 ft over the long walking pier. That's when I realized how quick things could turn on Lake Superior.

 

[cytor]

A little past Duluth (two Harbors) on 61 (left side) go to Betty's Pies. Phenomenal.

Also in Duluth try the Blackwoods Grill (where 35 stops and turns into 61). Similar to Timberlodge or Outback.

 

[NWICY]

I concur with Tettegouche and Grand Marais.

If you have time, you can drive further north to Canadian Border to see Grand Portage State Park and the highest waterfall in MN. The high fall is a short walk (I wouldn't call it a hike) - maybe 10 mins from the parking lot.
CR Magney is also good besides Cascade River. Gooseberry is really popular and crowded.

When I went you ended up in Canada did they redo that so you don't have to or would they need their passports for that jaunt?

 

[Cyhig]

The entire North Shore is a trip in itself. The city of Duluth is great, but it can be pricy especially in Canal Park. There are many state parks along the North Shore, most with great hiking areas and waterfalls. If you can make your way up to Lutsen Mountain, they have a nice alpine slide and some great views of the lake.

My personal favorite waterfall is Devil's Kettle in Magney State Park. This is a dual waterfall where nobody knew where one side of the waterfall emptied out until the last few years. The waterfall appears to fall into a hole and disapear. It's quite a drive from Duluth, but one could easily spend an entire week just on the North Shore

 

[Cyhig]

I concur with Tettegouche and Grand Marais.

If you have time, you can drive further north to Canadian Border to see Grand Portage State Park and the highest waterfall in MN. The high fall is a short walk (I wouldn't call it a hike) - maybe 10 mins from the parking lot.
CR Magney is also good besides Cascade River. Gooseberry is really popular and crowded.

The suspension bridge in Tettegouche washed away just over a year ago from flooding. I was there in August last year and the bridge hadn't been repaired yet. I'm not sure if it is fixed yet, but the park still has great views

 

[carvers4math]

Duluth is nice. Lift bridge museums, etc.

Put me down for Grand Marais. Wonderful small town. Sven & Ole’s pizza. Taco place is good too. Has an interesting art scene. Just wandering the lakeshore. Relaxing, beautiful, and wonderful people.

 

[cyclone13]

When I went you ended up in Canada did they redo that so you don't have to or would they need their passports for that jaunt?

I didn't cross the border so unfortunately I am not able to answer the question but I believe you will still need the passport.

 

[cyclone13]

The suspension bridge in Tettegouche washed away just over a year ago from flooding. I was there in August last year and the bridge hadn't been repaired yet. I'm not sure if it is fixed yet, but the park still has great views

Yup, I think someone posted a video - that was quite scary

 

[KidSilverhair]

Take it to Grand Marais and stop into Sven and Ole’s.

When my wife worked for an association of municipal utilities (based in Rochester) Grand Marais was one of the members. She’d take a trip up there once or twice a year - I loved tagging along. Incredible drive, so much to see on the way.

We always enjoyed the chicken tetrazzini at Grandma’s Saloon in Duluth, too, that’s recommended.

 

[KidSilverhair]

I didn't cross the border so unfortunately I am not able to answer the question but I believe you will still need the passport.

You can get into Canada without a passport I believe - but you won’t be able to cross back into the United States without one.

 

[zumbro clones]

There is something happening all summer on the North Shore:

https://northshorevisitor.com/events/

 

[jcf817]

When I went you ended up in Canada did they redo that so you don't have to or would they need their passports for that jaunt?

Grand Portage is a MN city, and Grand Portage State Park is just before the border. No passport necessary.