North Shore Scenic Drive

An aerial view along the North Shore Scenic Drive
Along the North Shore Scenic Drive

The North Shore Scenic Drive is a 142-mile route that follows Minnesota Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage along the northern shoreline of Lake Superior. Along the way the route passes seven state parks, several state forests, Superior National Forest and some spectacular scenery along the shoreline of the world's largest body of fresh water.

Near the northern end of the trail is Grand Portage National Monument. West of there in the National Forest is Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The North Drive Scenic Byway also connects with the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway, the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway and the Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway.

A view of Gooseberry Falls
Gooseberry Falls
Map of the North Shore Scenic Drive area

Upper left photo courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Tourism
Other photos and map are in the public domain