Minnesota’s North Shore stretches along Lake Superior from Duluth all the way to the Canadian border. This region was at the top of all of my Minnesotan friends’ must-see lists and after five days of exploring, I certainly understand why. There are eight beautiful state parks along this stretch, as well as Grand Portage National Monument which is a cooperative effort between the National Park Service and the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. This park tells the story of the early fur traders, voyageurs and Native Americans who came together on the western shore of Lake Superior. Waterfalls abound along the North Shore, including Minnesota’s tallest - High Falls in Grand Portage State Park. I also found lighthouses, cute little lakeside towns and breathtaking views out over Lake Superior. Also in this region is the wonderful Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway which stretches 40 miles, from Grand Marais to Gull Lake, and offers wonderful lodging and recreation activities in the state’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area. While not technically on the North Shore, I’ve included some of my favorite shots from my two days along this beautiful road as well. I so enjoyed watching the sun set and then rise again in the morning over Gunflint Lake, and the stars at night were simply amazing. I will echo my friends’ recommendation - if you’re coming to Minnesota, the North Shore is definitely a place you must see. For such a compact area, it’s one of the most beautiful regions I’ve seen in my travels anywhere in the country. I hope you enjoy these photos from Minnesota’s North Shore and the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway.

The Coast Guard Station at Grand Marais

Middle Gooseberry Falls

Grand Marais Lighthouse

Lake Superior From Shovel Point

The Swing Bridge at High Falls

Grand Portage National Monument

Split Rock Lighthouse

Grand Marais Breakwater

High Falls - Minnesota’s Tallest Waterfall

Two Step Falls

Two Harbors Lighthouse

Two Harbors Station

Devil’s Kettle Falls

Betty’s Pies

Canoeing the Boundary Waters

House on Gull Lake

Dawn on Gunflint Lake

Gull Lake From Above

Gunflint Lake Reflection

Dusk on Gunflint Lake

Gunflint Lake Sunset

First Light on Gunflint Lake

High Falls on the Pigeon River

High Falls in Tettegouche State Park

Lake Superior

Gooseberry Falls Up Close

Fifth Falls

Lower Gooseberry Falls

Split Rock Lighthouse

Magnetic Rock

Along the Magnetic Rock Trail

Palisade Head from the Shovel Point Trail

Two Harbors’ Ore Docks

Fall at a Picnic Area

Birch Trees and Maples

Beautiful Waterfall

Two Harbors’ Breakwater

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