Shoreside Serenity: Discovering Lake Superior's North Coast
Start from Duluth and Drive Toward Canada
Canal Park
Starting your North Shore adventure, walk the boardwalk provided by the City of Duluth that expands from Bayfront Park to Brighton Beach. Visitors can walk or bike on designated paths or even pay for a carriage ride.
Parking
Seasonal free parking and paid parking lots available
Fees
Potential parking fees depend on the season and parking lot. I list a couple of options below:
Restrooms
Public bathrooms are available in Fitgers, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, DeWitt-Seitz, and on The Lakewalk.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes. There are paved pathways along the Lakewalk and from most parking lots
Park Point
Known for its sandy beaches, Park Point is a popular destination in the summer season but is open year-round. Lake Superior is 55°F on average and the wind cutting across the lake can make even the hottest summer days chilly. I suggest looking at the weather and windchill when planning a trip here.
Parking
Free parking lots and there is a boat launch
Drive Time
It is about 6 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Public bathrooms are available
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Not really. Pushing wheels on the sand would be difficult, but it could be possible
42nd Ave East Park Beach
Parking
Limited street parking
Drive Time
It is about an 8 minute drive from Canal Park.
Fees
None
Restrooms
None
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
No
Congdon Park Trail
Imagine immersing yourself in a mystical forest nestled in the heart of the city. Hike a trail beside a river adorned with infinite waterfalls where your family and pets can revel in the beauty.
Parking
Free street parking
Drive Time
It is around 10 minutes from Canal park
Fees
None
Restrooms
None but Dunn Brothers Coffee is nearby for snacks, beverages, and bathroom breaks.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Hike
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes. There is a paved bike trail. It doesn't run directly along the creek but it's close by. Also, there is a separate trail closer to Tischer Creek that is unpaved and not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Brighton Beach in Duluth
Take your dog for a stroll on the rock beach in Duluth's northern city limits. Visitors can enjoy the picnic pavillion and playground.
Parking
Park on the side of Congdon Boulevard and walk down the paved path to the rock beach.
Drive Time
From Canal Park it's about 15 minutes to get to Brighton Beach
Fees
None
Restrooms
Small bathrooms are available but not guaranteed to be unlocked. Also, this area is under construction (spring 2024)
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes. There is a paved trail that goes by the rock beach
Additional Information
Check the City of Duluth website for construction updates:
Agate Bay
Watch the ships arrive and depart from Two Harbors while enjoying views of Lake Superior. The small beach is great for skipping rocks or freight watching.
Parking
Free
Drive Time
It is 35-minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
None
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes
Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel & Viewpoint
University students rock climb this cliff during the academic year. Part of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, it is an easy 0.3-mile paved walk from the wayside parking lot to the scenic overlook. If you're traveling alone or want group photos, I recommend stopping here to use the built-in selfie station.
Parking
A parking lot sits off to the right after exiting the tunnel heading North.
Drive Time
It is about 40 minutes from Canal Park.
Fees
None
Restrooms
Aavailable on the south side of the trail but not guaranteed to be open at all hours.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes. There is a paved trail
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Don't be off-put by the amber colored river. Tannins cause the water to look muddy but it doesn't change the spectacular rush of the waterfalls. The best time to see the falls is after snowmelt in early spring or after the area has received a lot of rain.
Parking
Free parking near the visitor center because it is considered a wayside rest stop. Reservations are required for campsites.
Drive Time
It is about 45 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Available in the visitor center. Open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM. Check their website or the posted hours upon arrival for seasonal updates.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on a leash and at campsites
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
The upper falls are wheelchair and stroller accessible. There is a paved trail from the parking lot to the visitor center and paths that are flat but also many stairs
Iona's Scientific and Natural Area
Pink rhyolite pebbles cover a 300-yard-long beach. It's open year-round and is a popular quiet spot for locals and bird watchers. Fires are not permitted. While the stones are marvelous to look at, regulations prohibit visitors from taking the pink stones from the beach.
Parking
Free parking lot and boat launch.
Drive Time
It is about 50 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
None
Pets
Dogs are typically not allowed on Scientific and Natural Areas in Minnesota and this beach did not make the list of exceptions. People still bring their pets here on leashes, however, because there isn't signage on site restricting pets. Just remember to pick up after your pets.
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Parts are accesible. There is a paved trail but the beach is a rock beach
Split Rock Lighthouse
Guests can pay for a historic tour of Split Rock Lighthouse and take pictures on top of the cliff or hit the trails down to the shoreline.
Parking
Free parking lots and there is a boat launch
Drive Time
It is about 55 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
No fee to hike the trails.
View Split Rock Lighthouse's website for tour ticket prices
Restrooms
Available in the visitor center
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes on the trails but not on the historic site
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Most of the tour is accessible with available wheelchairs at the lighthouse. The trails are not paved and have stairs
Black Beach
Locals love this beach for engagement and Instagram photos.
Don't be mistaken by the first parking lot you'll come across. If visitors drive to the end of the road, they will see a cove of fine black sand known as Minnesota's Black Beach. Fires are permitted in the fire rings only. Grilling and picnic areas are available as well.
Parking
Free parking
Drive Time
It is about 1 hour and 5 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Public non-flushing bathrooms are available
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
No
Tettegouche State Park
Shovel Point
Parking
Free parking because the parking lot is considered a wayside rest stop.
Drive Time
It is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Available in the visitor center
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
The visitor center is paved. The trails are not paved and have stairs
Caribou Falls Trail
Caribou Falls trail offers beautiful views of Lake Superior and a 35-foot waterfall.
Parking
Free parking lot
Drive Time
It is about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Public non-flushing bathrooms are available
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
No
Sugarloaf Cove
Follow the trails to a pebble-covered cove. Visitors skip rocks, have picnics, bird watch, and swim in the cold waters of the cove.
Parking
There is a parking lot
Drive Time
It is 1 hour and 20 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
$5 per vehicle suggested fee
Restrooms
None
Pets
Dogs are not allowed
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
No
Tofte
Parking
Visitors who want a bite to eat can park at Coho Cafe & Bakery or Bluefin Grille. After lunch, head down to the shore to enjoy the views.
Drive Time
It is about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Available in restaurants for patrons. Grab a quick cup of coffee or pastry from Coho Cafe.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on the beach on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets. Coho Bakery & Cafe has seasonal outdoor seating that allows dogs on leashes.
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes
Lutsen
Lutsen Mountains is a hub for visitors all year-round. In the winter months, the mountains provide various runs for visitors to hit the slopes. In the spring and fall, guests love to take a gondoloa ride to see the beauty of the changing seasons. Summertime is one of the more popular times to hike the many mountain trails.
Parking
Street and lot parking available
Drive Time
It is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
Gondola tickets
Restrooms
Available across the deck from the Summit Chalet on the top of Moose Mountain
Pets
Dogs are welcome to ride the gondola as long as they are on a leash at all times
Hikes
For those who would rather hike than ride the gondola, check out the AllTrails App for available hikes. No permits are required.
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
The gondolas are wheelchair and stroller accessible. The trails are not paved
Cascade River State Park
Parking
Wayside parking lot off highway 61 and parking lot inside the state park
Drive Time
It is 1 hour and 50 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
Free wayside parking or parking lot inside the state park which is free with a Minnesota State Park pass or daily parking passes are available.
Restrooms
Available at the campground
Pets
Dogs are not allowed
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes on the side of the highway and wayside rest view overlooks. However, the trails are not paved
AllTrails Information
Grand Marais
A small city with an artistic, logging, and fishing culture. It's close to the Canadian border and serves one million visitors on there way to and from the border.
Parking
Street parking and shop parking lots are available. For Artists' Point, park in the lot by the Coast Guard station and head past the station to visit the lighthouse or to get to a more natural area.
Drive Time
It is about 2 hours from Canal Park
Fees
None
Restrooms
Available for patrons in various establishments and a public restroom near The World's Best Donuts.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes. There are sidewalks and paved pathways
The High Falls of Pigeon River in Grand Portage State Park
Take in the spectacular views of Pigeon Falls from several observation points. Visitors can enjoy picnics in the pavillion with their pets on leashes.
Parking
State park pass or daily pass required for parking lots
Drive Time
It is about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Canal Park
Fees
Parking fees unless you have a Minnesota State Park Pass
Restrooms
Available in the visitor center
Pets
Dogs are allowed on leashes and owners must pick up after their pets
Wheelchair / Stroller Accessible
Yes. There is a paved pathway to the waterfall
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