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Travel Articles by Rick Byerly
Why You Should See the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota
by Rick Byerly
The North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota has numerous unique aspects to experience all year long. The natural beauty of the largest freshwater lake in the United States, one that is so powerful it creates it's own weather, is reason alone to make the trip. The expansive seven state parks, numerous smaller parks , and 3 million acres of land of the Superior National Forest are more reasons to call this region one of the most beautiful in the United States. What makes it so convenient and amazing to experience is Scenic Highway 61 which wraps along the lake for 154 miles. No other Great Lakes state has what the North Shore does, from the parks and views and the road with which to access it all. Encompassing all these features lies the history behind how this region was formed, responsible for all of it's beauty. Over 1.1 billion years ago started the beginning of what is now here. Many periods of volcanic activity, deformation, and sedimentation created the regions' features. Massive glaciers then formed a few million years ago to the most recent ice age 14,000 years back. As the glaciers moved they created pathways through the mountains to reach the Lake, forming many waterfalls along the way which still grace the landscape today. From the waterfalls to the rocks found all along the shore and rivers the magnitude of what created this region is breathtaking.The North Shore has seemingly limitless experiences within given the large amount of public land. Whether it's hiking, biking, boating, hunting , snowmobiling, fishing, or history you can find it all along the scenic Highway 61 drive with towns along the way to visit. Don't let the time of year stop you from visiting the North Shore. The winter is my favorite time to experience the region as it opens up more spaces to walk and enjoy the wonders of the ice and snow. A major reward for visiting in the winter could be the blue ice created from the depths of Lake Superior and the many miles of ice shelves that The Lake winds disperse day to day. Fall is unique because of the two different ecosystems which exist. Both cedar and boreal forests reside within the region, creating two types of fall foliage, most notably near the town of Two Harbors, around 20 miles Northeast of Duluth along Scenic 61. Summer is the obvious choice for the North Shore given what Lake Superior offers as far as weather, resorts and boating are concerned.
Many of my favorite waterfalls to photograph and soak in are short walks from the state park lot or even the side of the road on 61. Gooseberry, Cascade, and Temperance falls are some of those easy access sights. Don't think you have to be a hiker to experience this region! For those that do hike and backpack there are worlds beyond the shore inviting you to explore. And then you have almost endless waters North of Lake Superior to canoe.
The North Shore is also about the towns, the people, and yes the food from the region! Betty's Pies, a few miles East (the highway is 61 north) of Two Harbors on 61, is a pie mecca you should pay homage to, even if you're not a fan of pies which i would find hard to believe!
Driving from Duluth heading Northeast along Highway 61 is the best approach. You can pace your travel based on the weather and what you feel like doing as far as activities. There are only a few rules I employ when making the trek and that includes taking the scenic drive from Duluth to Two Harbors instead of the expressway and obeying the speed limits, better to even go slower so you don't miss the many views and chances to pull over!
Proximity from the Twin Cities is also a huge plus. You can drive from the Twin Cities to Duluth in around 3 hours, or better yet travel from Duluth and the amazing views start right there! I recommend driving from Duluth along 61 up to just before the Canadian Border, on the left where Grand Portage State Park is, for the full experience. There is so much within that 154 mile drive you will want to keep returning.
Be sure to check my driving guide for the North Shore for more details and my other articles on nature stops, hiking, lodging, eating and more! There are hints in there you won't find on most sites!
Other North Shore MN articles and info from Rick Byerly here.
Rick Byerly is a fine art digital and film photographer, knowledgeable and experienced in internet security and privacy, and maintains his own websites.
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