"Highway 61, the road that connects the north to the south, the water to the land..." Bob Dylan’s song has been echoing in my head since I started this road trip. The North Shore All-American Scenic Drive, also known as Highway 61, stretches 277 kilometers along Lake Superior’s northern shore from Duluth to Grand Portage, Minnesota. This legendary road is not just a transportation route but a gateway to some of the Great Lakes’ most spectacular scenery. As a travel blogger obsessed with road trips, I spent 5 days driving this route, and every mile was a feast for the eyes.
My journey began in Duluth, a charming port city and Dylan’s hometown. I started at Canal Park, a waterfront area with cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and restaurants. Standing by the 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge, I watched large ships pass through, their hulls cutting through the blue water of Lake Superior. The bridge lifts to let ships enter the harbor, and the sight of it rising is truly impressive. I then visited the Great Lakes Aquarium, where I learned about the diverse marine life of the Great Lakes, from sturgeon to lake trout. For lunch, I tried a local favorite—smoked fish chowder, rich and flavorful, with chunks of fresh fish.
Leaving Duluth, I drove north along Highway 61, with Lake Superior on my right and lush forests on my left. The first stop was Gooseberry Falls State Park, known as the "Gateway to the North Shore." The park has five waterfalls, with the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls being the most popular. I hiked the easy trails to the falls, listening to the roar of the water as it cascades down the rocks into Lake Superior. The spray from the falls refreshed me on a warm summer day, and the surrounding greenery made the scene even more peaceful. I spent an hour here, taking photos and simply enjoying the sound of nature.
Next, I headed to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, one of the most iconic spots on the North Shore. The lighthouse, perched on a 32-meter cliff, was built in 1910 after a series of shipwrecks in the area. Climbing to the top of the lighthouse, I was rewarded with panoramic views of Lake Superior. The lake stretched as far as the eye could see, its blue surface sparkling in the sun. On clear days, you can even see the Canadian shoreline in the distance. I visited the lighthouse museum, which tells the story of the lighthouse keepers and their families, and learned about the important role the lighthouse played in guiding ships. Sunset at Split Rock is unforgettable; the sky turns pink and orange, and the lighthouse casts a long shadow on the cliff.
Continuing north, I reached Grand Marais, a small artist colony and the oldest town in Minnesota. The town has a charming harbor, with colorful boats bobbing in the water. I wandered through the downtown area, visiting art galleries and craft shops, where local artists sell paintings, pottery, and jewelry inspired by the Great Lakes. For dinner, I ate at a waterfront restaurant, ordering fresh whitefish caught that morning. After dinner, I walked along the harbor, watching the stars come out—without the light pollution of big cities, the sky was filled with thousands of stars, and the reflection of the stars on the lake was magical.
My final stop was Grand Portage State Park, home to High Falls, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall. The waterfall drops 30 meters into a deep gorge, and the view from the overlook is breathtaking. I also visited the Grand Portage National Monument, which preserves the history of the North American fur trade. The monument has a reconstructed fur trading post, and costumed interpreters share stories of the traders and Native Americans who lived and worked here.
Driving Highway 61 is more than a road trip; it’s a journey through history, nature, and small-town charm. Every stop has something unique to offer, from waterfalls and lighthouses to art galleries and fresh seafood. If you’re a fan of scenic drives and natural beauty, this is a route you can’t miss.
You must be logged in to post a comment.