33 Best North Shore, MN Hidden Gems You Must See
Are you looking for the best North Shore, MN hidden gems to jam-pack your visit with epic sites and things to do?
The beautiful scenic drive along Lake Superior has so much to do, from hiking to eating to just enjoying the incredible views.
I grew up exploring the North Shore during all seasons. But it wasn’t until recent years that I finally started finding hidden gems. Sure, I had done all of the ‘must-sees.’ But wait until you see these off-the-beaten-path places that are even better than those.
In this post, I’m going to share some of the very best things to do on the North Shore, so you too can experience the real magic of these locations!
Best North Shore, MN Hidden Gems
Here are the best off-the-beaten-path North Shore gems. These aren’t in any particular order.
1. Ely’s Peak and the DWP Tunnel
Starting right in Duluth, this amazing hike has some of the best views without hardly having to leave the city.
I took my dog, Bella, on this hike a few summers ago and we literally didn’t see a single other person on the trail. We hung out at the top for a good hour just enjoying the solitude.
The trek to Ely’s Peak is found right in Duluth’s city limits and isn’t far from the beginning of the North Shore, Minnesota. It’s just under 2 miles roundtrip, but it does get quite steep in some spots.
Along with the epic views, you’ll also get to pass through the DWP Railroad tunnel, which is pretty unique. I will be honest and say that I even got a little spooked walking through it.
2. Agate Bay Beach
Agate Bay Beach in Two Harbors, is right off of Highway 61, making it the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs.
This is a popular place to find Lake Superior agates, hence the name. It’s a nice little spot to stop, and there’s also a public water access, so you might see people kayaking.
If you want to find some of your own agates, head in right after a storm or early in the morning to get the best pickings. You also might find some sea glass.
3. Hungry Hippie Tacos
Along with all of the incredible views and outdoor activities, there are also dozens of restaurants lining the North Shore.
This adorable, locally-owned taco shop is found right in Grand Marais and serves delicious fry bread tacos that are made from scratch, right in their kitchen.
My favorite is building my own and adding the apple smoked pork to it along with other toppings. It’s seriously so delicious and reminds me of when my grandma used to make us fry bread growing up.
4. Iona’s Beach
There are so many great beaches near Duluth and along the north shore, but none are quite as unique as Iona’s Beach near Two Harbors.
Most other beaches only have gray, normal-looking rocks. But Iona’s has bright pink rocks that ‘sing’ when they crash into shore.
You can find this same sound at some other beaches filled with rocks, but Iona’s is so special because of the pink hue that each rock has.
During my last visit, we brought our lunch out onto the beach and just sat there. It’s so peaceful, and if you stay longer, you can typically find at least a few minutes to have the beach to yourself.
5. Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook
Stopping at overlooks along the shore is a must, and when popular viewpoints like Palisade Head are so crowded, it makes more sense to stop at other ones.
Wayswaugoing Bay Overlook (otherwise known as Susie Islands Overlook) is located in Grand Portage and has some pretty spectacular views out into Lake Superior.
You can even spot Isle Royale National Park if you look close enough!
Like many of these other hidden gems on the North Shore, this overlook is simply a pull-off from Highway 61.
6. Isle Royale National Park
Speaking of Isle Royale National Park, this incredible park is one of the most underrated in the NPS! It can be accessed from the North Shore, Minnesota.
You can reach the park by ferry or seaplane, which both leave from Grand Portage.
It’s one of the least visited in the United States and is technically part of Michigan. You can either day trip here or plan a camping trip.
The island is home to hundreds of moose, as well as a large population of wolves. During our visit, we woke up in the middle of the night to a few moose crunching leaves right outside of our tent. It was terrifying, but also pretty darn cool.
7. George Crosby Manitou State Park
If you’re planning a trip to Minnesota’s North Shore, you’ve probably heard of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Tettegouche, and Gooseberry Falls. They’re some of the best things to do on the North Shore.
But if you’ve never visited George Crosby Manitou State Park, you’re missing out! It’s tucked shortly off of Highway 61.
There are plenty of trails within the park, and with most of them, you can expect to have more solitude than you would at other parks. Some even connect to the Superior Hiking Trail.
8. World’s Best Donuts
A lot of people know about World’s Best Donuts in Grand Marais, but I was one of the people who hadn’t heard about them until a few years ago! So I have to share them here.
This family-owned business has been open and serving donuts and food in Grand Marais to Minnesotans since 1969. There’s a reason they’ve been open for so long!
They have over 30 donut recipes, but their most popular are their cake donuts and their Skizzles (YUM!) You’ll be craving them all day long!
9. Caribou Falls
One of my favorite parts of the North Shore is visiting waterfalls, but I don’t really love the crowds that come along with them.
But with a visit to Caribou Falls, you can see a beautiful waterfall without having to worry about the crowds. When we visited, we saw a total of probably 15-20 people. And most of them were on their way back, so we got the falls all to ourselves!
You’ll actually be able to hike right down to the water, so you have the perfect view of the falls, plus the opportunity to wade in the river. The hike is only about 1 mile long.
Some people even swim in the water at the base of the falls! It was October when we visited so we didn’t, but pack a swimsuit it if it’s warm when you visit!
10. North Shore Scenic Railroad
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing and entertaining, then consider booking a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
The station is found right in downtown Duluth and the train brings you for a ride up part of the North Shore.
There are a few options for train rides, including themed ones in the winter, like their Christmas City Express. This is great for families with kids too!
You can even take a ride in the fall months to see the stunning fall foliage along the shoreline.
11. Leif Erikson Park
Growing up, my family always visited Leif Erikson Park in Duluth rather than Canal Park because it was so much less crowded. It’s one of the best hidden gems in Duluth, MN.
There’s a beautiful walkway along the lake, beaches that you can walk on, views of the Aerial Lift Bridge, and a gorgeous rose garden.
The popular Lakewalk paved trail runs right through Leif Erikson Park, so you’re able to jump on that and explore more of Duluth.
One of my favorite parts is how close the park is to the Portland Malt Shoppe. We would always walk and grab a treat to enjoy, and it’s such a fond memory of mine.
12. North Shore Scenic Drive
You’re probably familiar with the main drive up the North Shore, which is known as Highway 61. But maybe you haven’t ever done the real North Shore Scenic Highway.
This is the old highway that starts just outside of Duluth by Brighton Beach and continues all the way until right before Two Harbors.
It is a little slower since it’s just a two-lane, but the scenic views are so much better than the highway! Sometimes we take it if we want to slow down and don’t mind taking our time.
13. White Sky Rock
You’ve heard of Oberg Mountain, Bean and Bear Lakes, and High Falls. But have you heard of White Sky Rock?
I’m not sure why, but I didn’t find this epic North Shore hike until a few years ago, and now I’m totally in love!
It’s different than other hikes like Shovel Point, which lead to views of Lake Superior. Instead, you’ll get amazing views of Caribou Lake and the surrounding forest.
It’s best during fall because you’ll get views of the blazing fall foliage. The hike is really short, only ½ mile roundtrip, but it’s really steep. I was totally out of breath by the end. But it’s SO worth it!
14. Rustic Inn
I know that everyone has heard of the popular Betty’s Pies. People come from all over the state to get their famous desserts. But have you ever heard of the Rustic Inn?
In my opinion, Rustic Inn is even better than Betty’s Pies. It’s not as busy and the pies taste like they’re better quality.
It’s really hard to choose the best one, but my favorite is the blueberry or raspberry cream pie. The last time we went, they told us that they were out and I almost cried. They checked the back and had one more slice.
15. Black Beach
This beach has gotten much busier in recent years, but I think that it’s still one of the best hidden gems on the North Shore that’s worth checking out.
It’s a unique beach that is made of small black rocks. It’s something that feels like it’s out of another country because we really don’t have anything else like it in Minnesota.
When visiting, make sure that you go to the right beach. Keep going to the very end of the road. When I first visited, I stopped at the wrong one and was so disappointed that the pictures online lied to me. They didn’t! It really is black. I just didn’t follow directions.
16. Grand Marais Sled Dog Adventures
Something really unique to do during a visit to the North Shore during winter is to go dog sledding with Grand Marais Sled Dog Adventures.
You’ll almost feel like you’ve been transported to Alaska as you fly through the snow-covered trees on a dog sled. It’s really magical.
Plus, you’ll have the chance to learn about the lives of the sled dogs from the owners.
17. Two Harbors Lighthouse
Lots of people drive straight through Two Harbors to head to the ‘better’ cities like Lutsen and Grand Marais. But then you’ll miss visiting the Two Harbors Lighthouse!
This small lighthouse can be reached by a short breakwater that juts out into Lake Superior. You just walk along the breakwater and you can get nice and close to it.
It’s not a super big lighthouse, but the views of the lake are really pretty, and it’s worth the quick stop.
18. Fifth Falls
You’ve probably heard of Gooseberry Falls State Park. But odds are, you haven’t ever walked past the main falls that are near the parking lot!
Whenever I visit Gooseberry, I head straight past the main falls and go towards Fifth Falls. I always find such smaller crowds, since not many leave the main viewpoint.
Plus, it’s a short hike that’s fairly easy, so it’s worth the great views of Fifth Falls without having to bump shoulders with people at the main lookout.
19. Grand Portage National Monument
Minnesota only has a few sites that are in the National Park Service, and Grand Portage National Monument is one of them.
If you’re a history lover, then you’ll love stopping at the monument to learn about the Great Lakes Fur Trade and how Lake Superior played a role in transportation between the US and Canada years ago.
You can spend time exploring the museum, wandering through the historic fur trade depot, or wandering along the trails.
20. Beaver Bay Wayside
Somewhere that I’ve always loved stopping off at during a North Shore trip is Beaver Bay Wayside. For one, it’s just down the street from my favorite wing place (read below!), and secondly, it’s so stunning.
It’s basically just a little pull-off on the road and there’s a huge waterfall, known as Beaver Falls. The falls are just cascading, but if you visit during spring, they are SO fast-flowing.
You can walk down closer to the water on the little trails that lead off of the wayside. Or walk along the bridge near the road for a better view.
21. Cove Point Crossings
I mentioned my favorite wing place above, which is Cove Point Crossings. This amazing little bar has a pretty limited menu, but don’t let that fool you. Their wings are SO good!
A few summers ago, they had a special with a blueberry barbeque wing sauce and I still dream about it. I don’t think they have it anymore, but either way, the wings are too good to pass up. Plus, they give you a huge serving size, so I always have leftovers.
It’s worth the stop if you’re looking for somewhere to grab lunch.
22. North Shore Scenic Lookout
Another great scenic lookout to make a stop at is found right in the town of Silver Bay. The North Shore Scenic Lookout is found at the top of a hill just off of the main road.
It looks out over Lake Superior and the city, and I’ve actually never seen anyone else up there when I’ve visited. We love going during the fall months because you can get a pretty spectacular view of the fall foliage!
23. Two Step Falls
If you’re visiting Tettegouche State Park, then you might be visiting one of Minnesota’s best waterfalls, High Falls of the Baptism River. But did you know that there’s another waterfall on the same trail to also see?!
Two Step Falls is tricky to get to, as you’ll need to climb down (and back up!) 200 stairs. But it’s so worth the time! It’s a small flowing waterfall that rarely gets any visitors.
We loved stopping and eating our lunch here as we watched everyone else pass by because we didn’t have to share the views with anyone!
24. Artists’ Point
A great stop for visitors to Grand Marais is Artists’ Point. This beautiful Lake Superior viewpoint is a must-see, and is overlooked far too often!
It’s located right in the downtown area, so it’s easy to get to, and there’s a breakwater that you can walk to see the lighthouse.
My favorite part is that it’s just a short walk to Sydney’s Frozen Custard, and after taking in the views at the lake, I can grab myself a cup of custard. Score!
25. Seven Bridges Road
If you’re looking for a slightly shorter scenic drive near Duluth, then check out Seven Bridges Road. It’s another of the best hidden gems in Duluth, MN!
It starts right down by Lester Park and meets up with Skyline Parkway near Snively Trail. Seven Bridges Road passes by Amity Park, some of the best waterfalls near Duluth, and leads you to one of the best views of the city.
You’ll get to see the city of Duluth from above as well as have views of Lake Superior. It’s really a spectacular viewpoint that is unmatched!
26. Gunflint Trail
Another great scenic drive to take is the Gunflint Trail, which starts in Grand Marais and winds through the Superior National Forest through Cook County, almost all the way to Canada.
It is a pretty long drive, so you definitely don’t have to take the entire thing. But even just driving for a little bit will give you some really gorgeous views. If you have a drone, bring one! You can get amazing photos like the one above.
The Gunflint Trail is best driven in the fall months when shades of red and orange line the road. Driving this road also gives you the best chance of spotting wildlife, like moose and bears.
27. Illgen Falls
As I mentioned above, there are a few hidden waterfalls on the North Shore that are often times better than the main ones people visit. That’s also true about Illgen Falls!
It’s located just a short bit upstream from High Falls in Tettegouche State Park, but offers a much more secluded experience.
When I visited last time, I actually didn’t see anyone else on the trail. I was so surprised because it’s so easy to get to and the hike is actually shorter than High Falls!
28. Schroeder Baking Company
Whether you’re looking for breakfast or just need a snack, Shroeder Baking Company has got your back. They serve super yummy breakfast sandwiches, muffins, donuts, and other pastries.
It’s a nice little stop in Shroeder on your way up the shore, and is great if you just need something quick to grab and go!
29. Eckbeck Campground
If you’re planning to camp on the North Shore, you may have realized that campgrounds can be expensive and fill up quickly. That’s why I love Eckbeck Campground.
You will need to be a bit more spontaneous with this North Shore hidden gem campground, as it’s first-come, first-serve, but it’s so great for those who don’t need a lot.
Eckbeck Campground is a primitive campground with minimal facilities. But it’s perfect for escaping the busyness of other campgrounds. Plus, it’s very affordable!
30. North Shore Camping Co.
On the other hand, if you aren’t so much into primitive camping, then staying somewhere like North Shore Camping Co. might be more up your alley! It’s a campground so close to the lake, and is beautiful.
This newly opened glamping campground offers something a bit more luxurious than your average campground. With glamping tents, warm blankets, cooking essentials, pet-friendly sites, and more, this is perfect for the luxurious camper.
I mean let’s be honest, being able to go camping close to Two Harbors but not have to worry about setting up a tent or bringing along camping gear seems pretty legit, right?!
31. Shook Smoothies
If you know me, you’ll know that I love smoothie bowls. I have one almost every day for breakfast, so I was SO pumped to learn about Shook Smoothies in Grand Marais.
This food truck serves up some of the most delicious smoothie bowls, and they even have some poke bowls on the menu.
I think that it’s the perfect breakfast to start the day of exploration near Grand Marais.
32. Mount Josephine
Another of the best, but overlooked hiking trails on the shore is Mount Josephine, which is located almost on the Canadian border in Grand Portage.
It isn’t a super long hike, but it does have some steep points. The views over Lake Superior and the forest are incredible though, and highly worth it.
For some reason, it feels worlds away from other hikes on the shore. I think mostly because you can see so many islands from the top and it just feels so unique.
33. Naniboujou Lodge
I always love finding unique restaurants when I travel, and the Naniboujou Lodge in Grand Portage is somewhere that you are not going to want to miss.
The entire dining room is painted with bright, elegant colors that capture the cultural importance of this area. Every wall, plus the ceiling is painted with these colors and it’s just stunning.
And when it comes to their food, they offer delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner seasonally. Their menus change throughout the year, and may even change by the day.
Where to Stay on the North Shore
If you’re visiting the shore, having a home base is one of the easiest ways to explore. Here are some of the North Shore’s best places to stay for your travels.
➡️ Bluefin Bay
As one of the best North Shore resorts, Bluefin Bay is perfect for those looking to stay near Lutsen. It’s minutes from the ski resort, has an outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the lake, and offers free outdoor equipment rentals for guests.
➡️ See Rates and Availablity for Bluefin Bay here!
Located right on the shore of the lake, Grand Superior Lodge features a variety of lodging options. Guests love the pet-friendly rooms, lake views, and nightly s’mores at the communal firepit.
➡️ See Rates and Availablity for Grand Superior Lodge here!
If you want to be near all of the best things to do North Shore, MN, then Cove Point Lodge is perfect. It’s centrally located in Beaver Bay and is also loved for its cozy rooms, picturesque views, and great on-site restaurant.
➡️ See Rates and Availablity for Cove Point Lodge here!
Best Time to Visit the North Shore
The North Shore is beautiful any time of year, but the time you visit should really depend on what you’re planning to do.
For hiking and outdoor exploring, I would recommend visiting in the summer and fall months. Between June and October are best, with October being perfect for fall colors!
But winter is also great for outdoor activities with things like skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding being at peak!
Do remember though that Minnesota has extreme weather and it’s important to be very prepared for cold temperatures and lots of snow.
Wrap-Up: North Shore, MN Hidden Gems
There are so many popular places to visit along Lake Superior, but what about the North Shore hidden gems that not many people visit?
If you’re hoping to avoid crowds and go off the beaten path, these amazing places will allow you to do just that. It’s where I’ve found some of my favorite spots!
Now that you have all of the best hidden gems picked out for your visit, be sure to check out the rest of the great activities on the North Shore to complete your itinerary.
Read More About Things to Do on the North Shore:
- The North Shore, Minnesota: 27 Things to Do & Ultimate Travel Guide
- 11 Best Hikes on the North Shore of Minnesota
- Restaurants on the North Shore, MN: 21 Best Places to Eat
- The 11 Best Places to Stay on the North Shore, Minnesota
- 13 Fun Winter Activities on the North Shore, MN to Beat the Cold
- 7 Cross-Country Skiing Trails on the North Shore, MN
- Visiting the North Shore, MN With Kids: 11 Things to Do
- 9 Beautiful Cabins on the North Shore, MN for a Getaway
- 21 Awesome Things to Do in Two Harbors, MN
- 19 Great Things to Do in Grand Marais, MN
