Exploring the North Shore at your own pace—perfect for campervan and road-trip travelers
Minnesota’s North Shore, stretching along the edge of Lake Superior, is one of the most scenic regions in the Upper Midwest. Towering cliffs, rocky beaches, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls define this rugged shoreline, creating a landscape that feels both wild and welcoming. Traveling the North Shore in a Mini-T Campervan allows you to experience it at your own pace—pulling off for viewpoints, short hikes, quiet beaches, and small harbor towns whenever something catches your eye. From iconic scenic drives to memorable stops, nearby camping options, and worthwhile tours, this stretch of Minnesota offers countless ways to explore and enjoy the journey.
Scenic Routes
Minnesota Highway 61, often referred to as the North Shore Scenic Drive, is the backbone of any trip along Lake Superior’s shoreline. Running between Duluth and Grand Portage near the Canadian border, this iconic 140-plus-mile route follows the lake on one side and the rugged Sawtooth Mountains on the other. Along the way, drivers are treated to sweeping water views, dramatic cliffs, forested ridgelines, and frequent pull-offs that invite you to slow down and take it all in. Whether you’re driving the full length or exploring shorter segments, Highway 61 sets the tone for the North Shore experience.
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Sites to See
Gooseberry Falls State Park is often considered the gateway to Minnesota’s North Shore and is an ideal place to begin exploring the region. The park is best known for its series of powerful waterfalls flowing over ancient basalt rock, connected by miles of well-marked hiking trails and scenic overlooks. Visitors can walk along the river gorge, explore forested trails, or follow paths that lead to the rugged Lake Superior shoreline. Gooseberry Falls also offers a well-equipped campground, making it a convenient overnight stop for travelers who want to stay close to the water and trail system. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick hike or setting up camp for a few days, the park delivers a classic North Shore experience that showcases the area’s natural beauty in every season.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse is one of Minnesota’s most recognizable landmarks, perched high above Lake Superior on a dramatic stretch of rocky shoreline. Built in 1910, the lighthouse offers sweeping views of the lake and a glimpse into the region’s maritime history. The surrounding state park is just as compelling, with scenic hiking trails that wind through boreal forest and along the rugged lakeshore below the cliffs. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park also features a popular campground with sites suitable for campervans, making it an excellent place to spend the night and experience the North Shore after the day visitors have left. From sunrise over the lake to evening walks along the shoreline, this stop combines history, scenery, and camping in one unforgettable location.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park is one of the North Shore’s most striking stops, known for its dramatic cliffs rising high above Lake Superior, crystal-clear inland lakes, and rugged hiking terrain. The park is home to the High Falls of the Baptism River, the tallest waterfall located entirely within Minnesota, along with several scenic overlooks that reward even short hikes with sweeping views. Tettegouche also offers a well-loved campground and walk-in sites that make it easy to turn a day visit into an overnight stay. Whether you’re hiking along the cliff edges, paddling on Mic Mac or Nipisiquit lakes, or settling in for a quiet evening at camp, Tettegouche delivers a classic North Shore experience that feels both wild and accessible.
Grand Marais
Grand Marais is the heart of the North Shore and an ideal place to slow down for a while. This small harbor town sits right on Lake Superior and offers a relaxed mix of local art galleries, independent shops, coffee houses, and lakeside restaurants. It’s an easy place to spend an afternoon walking the harbor, watching sailboats come and go, or listening to live music during the warmer months. For travelers, Grand Marais also makes a practical stop with nearby campgrounds, access to groceries and supplies, and some of the best views on the lake. Whether you stay for an hour or a few days, it’s the kind of place that naturally draws you in and makes you want to linger.
Grand Portage National Monument
Grand Portage National Monument offers a meaningful look into the history that shaped the North Shore long before modern highways existed. Located near the Canadian border, the site preserves the former headquarters of the North West Company and tells the story of the 18th-century fur trade that once moved goods between Lake Superior and the interior of the continent. Visitors can explore the reconstructed depot, walk the grounds, and learn about the critical role the Ojibwe people played in trade, travel, and survival in this region. The setting itself—where forest meets lake—adds to the experience, making it both educational and reflective. It’s an ideal stop for travelers who enjoy combining scenic drives with deeper historical context, and nearby campgrounds make it easy to turn a visit into an overnight stay.
Places to Camp Along Minnesota’s North Shore
Camping options along the North Shore range from rustic lakeside settings to full-service campgrounds, making it easy to tailor your stay to your travel style. Lamb’s Resort and Campground offers a classic Lake Superior experience with simple, campervan-friendly sites just steps from the shoreline. Falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up to sunrise over the lake is part of the appeal, especially for travelers who enjoy a quieter, more natural setting.
For those who prefer camping immersed in state park scenery, Tettegouche State Park provides campsites surrounded by birch, aspen, and evergreen forest. Staying here places you close to some of the North Shore’s most dramatic hiking trails, inland lakes, and cliff-top overlooks, making it an excellent base for exploration.
If you’re looking for more amenities and easy access to town, Grand Marais Recreation Area and RV Park offers well-maintained sites near both Lake Superior and the harbor. Its location makes it easy to walk into town for meals, shopping, and local art while still enjoying lakeside camping.
Tours and Scenic Experiences Worth Taking
Seeing the North Shore from the water adds a new perspective to the trip. Vista Fleet Harbor Cruises operates boat tours that explore Duluth’s harbor, the shipping canal, and Lake Superior itself. These cruises offer insight into the region’s maritime history while providing impressive views of massive lake freighters and the surrounding shoreline.
For travelers drawn to wilderness and wildlife, the Gunflint Trail is a memorable drive. Beginning in Grand Marais, this winding route leads deep into the Superior National Forest, passing lakes, trailheads, and remote resorts. Moose sightings aren’t guaranteed, but the sense of solitude and natural beauty makes the drive worthwhile in any season.
History comes alive during the annual Grand Portage Rendezvous Days and Powwow, typically held in August. The event celebrates the area’s fur trade heritage and Ojibwe culture through reenactments, traditional dance, music, and food, offering visitors a deeper connection to the region’s past.
The Lake Superior Circle Tour
For those with extra time and a desire to see more, the Lake Superior Circle Tour is an unforgettable extended journey. This roughly 1,300-mile route loops around the world’s largest freshwater lake, passing through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and back again. Along the way, travelers encounter waterfalls, rocky coastlines, historic towns, and ever-changing landscapes. Proper planning is essential, especially for border crossings, but the reward is a road trip unlike any other.
Exploring Minnesota’s North Shore at your own pace allows the scenery, history, and quiet moments to truly sink in. Whether you’re camping along the lake, hiking forested trails, or following the shoreline north toward the border, the region offers a balance of adventure and reflection that keeps travelers coming back. It’s a place where the journey matters just as much as the destination—and where every mile reveals something worth stopping for.
Happy Camping!
DLM-Distribution / Campervans is a licensed manufacture and dealer located in Lake Crystal Minnesota serving clients around the country
