The North Shore of Lake Superior is Minnesota's crown jewel and one of the most beautiful drives in the entire Midwest. Highway 61 stretches 150 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border, hugging the rugged coastline of the largest freshwater lake in the world.
Why the North Shore in a Camper?
A camper is the perfect way to experience the North Shore. You can pull over at any scenic overlook, camp right on the lake at state parks, and wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the rocks. No hotel check-in times, no restaurant reservations — just you, the lake, and the open road.
The Route: Duluth to Grand Portage
Duluth (Mile 0) — Start your trip in Minnesota's port city. Walk the Lakewalk, visit Canal Park, and watch the massive ore boats pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Gooseberry Falls State Park (Mile 39) — The most visited state park in Minnesota, and for good reason. Five waterfalls, gorgeous hiking trails, and excellent campsites right on the lake.
Split Rock Lighthouse (Mile 46) — Minnesota's most photographed landmark. The historic lighthouse sits on a dramatic cliff 130 feet above Lake Superior.
Tettegouche State Park (Mile 59) — Rugged cliffs, inland lakes, and the stunning High Falls of the Baptism River. The campsites here are some of the best on the Shore.
Tofte & Lutsen (Mile 80-90) — The heart of the North Shore. Great restaurants, the Lutsen Mountains ski area (with summer gondola rides), and access to the Superior Hiking Trail.
Grand Marais (Mile 109) — A charming artist town with excellent restaurants, a harbor with a lighthouse, and the gateway to the Boundary Waters and Gunflint Trail.
Grand Portage (Mile 150) — The end of the road. Visit Grand Portage National Monument, or take the ferry to Isle Royale National Park.
Best Campgrounds Along the North Shore
- Burlington Bay (Two Harbors) — Right on the lake, walking distance to town
- Gooseberry Falls State Park — Reservable sites, some with lake views
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park — Cart-in sites right on the shore
- Tettegouche State Park — Clifftop sites with Superior views
- Temperance River State Park — Quiet sites along the Temperance River
- Grand Marais Recreation Area — In-town camping with full hookups
Pro Tips
- Book campgrounds early — North Shore sites fill up months in advance for summer weekends. Reserve at mndnr.gov as soon as dates open.
- Pack layers — Lake Superior creates its own weather. It can be 80 degrees inland and 55 on the shore.
- Stop at the fish houses — Fresh smoked Lake Superior fish at Russ Kendall's (Knife River) and Lou's (Two Harbors) is a must.
- The Superior Hiking Trail — 300+ miles of trail paralleling the shore. You can do short day hikes from most state parks.
