Adventure on the North Shore
We both grew up with Lake Superior in our home states. Over the past handful of years, we’ve had a lot of fun exploring the North Shore in Minnesota and Michigan. If you’re going to be in the area for a little while, we highly recommend doing some adventuring. We’ve listed some of our favorite Minnesota North Shore eats, hikes, and things to do below for inspiration!
If you’re travelling from out of state and looking for Twin Cities recommendations, let us know!
Eat and Drink
Betty’s Pies
It’s a classic for a reason. If you’re looking for a place to land for pie or pasties, Betty’s is a fun stop. Having trouble picking a pie? The Great Lakes Crunch is a tried and true favorite of ours.
Duluth Coffee Company
Duluth Coffee Company is a great stop for coffee (obviously), pastry, or breakfast. Their patio is a delightful spot to enjoy downtown Duluth.
Canal Park Brewing Company
It was one of those situations where we weren’t hungry and then suddenly we were. We were walking along the lake at it was there, so we stopped. It ended up being an excellent meal. Locally owned, fun location with a big menu and patio seating.
Northern Waters Smokehaus
Northern Waters is one of those places that has been recommended to us many times, but we have yet to visit. If you’re walking around Canal Park, this would be a great stop for smoked fish and sandwiches.
Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen
Rachel has wanted to stop here many times, but we’ve never been able to. If you’re looking to a cute spot with handmade, small-batch candies, many say that this is the place. There’s a gentle hiking trail next door if you need to stretch your legs.
Castle Danger Brewery
Good beers and good atmosphere in a beautiful spot in downtown Two Harbors looking over Lake Superior. Check the website for information on food trucks that will be at the brewery. You can also bring in your own eats.
Lou’s Fish House
Lou’s Fish House is less than a mile from Castle Danger Brewery. We’ve stopped here for fish, crackers, and dip before enjoying some local brews.
At Sara’s Table
Breakfast here is great (they also serve, lunch, dinner, and have a bakery). Friendly for most dietary restrictions. Great energy - this restaurant is focused on sustainability, connection to community, and they grow their own produce across the street.
Duluth’s Best Bread
Excellent bread and pastries made by nerds who bake with love, care, and cold fermentation. Pictured: flaky, fruity, delicious homemade poptart and coffee.
Vikre Distillery
We try to stop into Vikre any time we’re around Duluth. The co-founders are former academics with playful spirits (get it) that really resonate with us. If you like cocktails it’s definitely worth stopping in. We’ve never had a problem getting seats, but there is an option to join an online waitlist if you’re going at a very busy time. Zero proof drinks and sacks available. Pictured: Strawberry Gimlet
OMC Smokehouse
Oink, Moo, Cluck - our go-to spot if we want barbeque around Duluth. Fun atmosphere, friendly folks, and really good classic sides.
Not a top choice for vegans nor vegetarians, but do accommodate gluten-free diets.
See and Explore
Superior Hiking Trail
Kevin ran his first marathon on the Superior Hiking Trail. Rachel enjoyed the trail and the sights at a leisurely pace. The trail is long - 300 miles end to end - and there are many places you can along Lake Superior.
Gooseberry Falls State Park is a beautiful spot to explore. It accesses the SHT as well as other excellent trails.
Castle Danger Trailhead is right in Two Harbors. It’s about a 9 mile hike from here to Gooseberry Falls.
There are also a handful of spots to pick up the trail in Duluth.
Canal Park and Lakewalk
Canal Park is a great spot to walk around when the weather is nice. There are many small businesses and shops to browse. The Lakewalk is lovely. Follow it along the shore and walk out the pier to the lighthouse.
Vikre Distillery, Northern Waters Smokehaus, and Canal Park Brewing are all in this area.
Love Creamery also has a Canal Park location. This is supposed to be excellent ice cream. We’ve never had it because there’s always a line out the door and around the corner.
Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke State Park has 50 miles of hiking trails and camping options, if that’s your jam. IT’s just a short hike to the dramatic swinging bridge across the St. Louis River. Do heed the advice of park staff and posted signs… we had a fun but very muddy hike thanks to our own stubbornness.
Navigation:
Swinging Bridge Trailhead
The Lift Bridge
The Aerial Lift Bridge is a popular sight and a fun spot to watch ships go by or spend some time outside. When the bridge is down you can take a walk across to the south pier and along a sandy Lake Superior shoreline.
Fitger’s Complex
We often visit historic Fitger’s Complex when we visit Duluth in the winter. It’s a nice place to wander indoors with shops and spots to eat and drink. On Wednesday evenings in August you can watch sailboat races from the Fitger’s Courtyard.
Tettegouche State Park
Tettegouche State Park has 23 miles of hiking trails with views of bluffs, falls, rivers, and lakes. Palisade Head is a beautiful spot in the park. It’s separate from most of the main hiking, but worth a stop for the views.
Navigation:
Tettegouche State Park
Palisade Head
Great Lakes Aquarium
If the weather isn’t great or you need an air-conditioned break, the aquarium is a fun wander. See fish and wildlife native to the North Shore and beyond (there are otters!). Within walking distance of Canal Park and the Lift Bridge.