The Ultimate Minnesota North Shore Fall Color Road Trip

Begin your North Shore adventure at Jay Cooke State Park, where wooded trails, the rushing St. Louis River, and the park’s famous suspension bridge offer the perfect introduction to northeastern Minnesota. While the bridge is the main attraction, don’t miss the short drive to Oldenburg Point Overlook—it ended up being one of our favorite viewpoints in the park, with sweeping views over the river valley dressed in fall color.

Continue to Duluth for the afternoon and explore Canal Park, strolling the Lakewalk, browsing local shops, or even trying your hand at glassblowing at Lake Superior Art Glass. If you’re looking for a relaxed dinner, Canal Park Brewing Company was one of our favorite places to end the day with locally brewed beer and views of the harbor. If your timing works out, check the ship schedule before you arrive—you may get to watch one of the massive lake freighters pass through the Aerial Lift Bridge, one of Duluth’s signature experiences.

Today, you'll begin making your way up scenic Highway 61, where waterfalls, rocky shorelines, and colorful forests make the drive just as memorable as the destinations themselves. Stop at Gooseberry Falls before continuing to Split Rock Lighthouse. Be sure to hike the trail down to the pump house for one of the best views of the lighthouse framed by brilliant fall leaves.

If you’re a craft beer fan, make time for a stop at Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors. The atmosphere is rustic and laid-back, but it served some of my husband’s favorite beer of the entire trip. Plus, they have seltzers available for gluten-free travelers like myself. If you have room for dessert, Betty’s Pies is another classic North Shore stop that’s famous for its homemade pies.

End the day at Cove Point Lodge, where evenings are best spent relaxing around the lakeside fire pit, wrapped in a blanket on an Adirondack chair, roasting complimentary s’mores, and listening to the waves roll onto the rocky shoreline. It’s one of those little touches that makes the lodge feel like part of the North Shore experience, not just a place to spend the night.

Spend today exploring the dramatic scenery around Silver Bay and Tettegouche State Park. Begin at Black Beach, where the black sand beach set against the deep blue waters of Lake Superior reminded me of our trip to Iceland. Continue to Palisade Head for dramatic cliffs along the shore before hiking Shovel Point Trail, one of my favorite hikes on the North Shore. We hiked the entire trail and discovered a secluded rocky outcropping overlooking the lake that made the perfect picnic spot. If you have time, pack a lunch and enjoy the views before making your way back.

End the day at Bluefin Bay, where you can relax after your hike with a spa appointment before enjoying dinner at Bluefin Grille. If the weather is nice, request a table on the deck overlooking Lake Superior and stay for the live music. It became one of the most memorable evenings of our trip. My husband loved the Cajun pasta so much that he asked if we could come back again before heading home.

Today is the highlight of the itinerary for fall color. Begin with the Oberg Mountain Loop, my favorite hike of the trip and one of the best places in Minnesota to experience autumn color. The relatively short loop rewards you with panoramic views of Lake Superior and rolling hills blanketed in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. After the hike, head to Lutsen Mountains for a scenic gondola ride to the summit, with the option to ride the alpine slide if you’re looking for a little extra fun.

If you’re ready for a break from hiking, stop at North Shore Winery for a tasting flight. You can relax among the wine barrels inside or enjoy a glass around the outdoor fire pit—a reminder that not every memorable stop on the North Shore requires hiking boots. Before arriving in Grand Marais, take time to explore Cascade River State Park, where an easy loop follows both sides of the river with several scenic overlooks. I couldn’t stop noticing the river’s rich amber color—it reminded me of root beer and felt like the perfect finishing touch to a day surrounded by autumn color.

Spend your final day exploring Grand Marais before heading inland along the scenic Gunflint Trail, where you'll discover a quieter side of the North Shore. Start the morning with a walk out to Artist’s Point, then browse the galleries, local shops, and the North House Folk School, where you can often watch artisans demonstrating traditional crafts. For lunch, I highly recommend Angry Trout Café. If you’re going to try fresh Lake Superior fish during your trip, this is where I’d do it. Ask for a table overlooking the harbor, and don’t miss the wild rice fritters. If there’s a chill in the air, warm up with the hot chocolate served in one of the restaurant’s handmade mugs.

In the afternoon, follow the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway, where the landscape shifts from Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline to peaceful forests and inland lakes. Honeymoon Bluff is a short hike with beautiful views over the surrounding lakes and brilliant fall color. If you’re hoping to spot wildlife, the Moose Viewing Trail is another worthwhile stop. If you’re looking for something a little unexpected, make the hike to Magnetic Rock. Standing beside the massive iron-rich boulder reminded me of the standing stones from Outlander, and it ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the trip. Bring a compass with you—the rock’s magnetic properties will actually make the needle spin.