A beautiful drive any time of year, Highway 61 along Lake Superior's North Shore in Minnesota is particularly impressive in Autumn. Stretching 150 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border, the route offers a near-constant view of the world's largest lake on one side, and the mixed northwoods on the other. In the fall, this makes for a trek like few others in the U.S.
Numerous motels and lodges are available along Highway 61, varying widely in price and luxury. Often, however, particularly during peak times, they require a minimum two-night (or longer) stay. If you haven't made your reservations by mid-summer, you are unlikely to find availability from early September through late October (peak foliage colors along the north shore are usually September 15 to October 10). Prices are often higher than off-peak season as well.
As an alternative to a room, why not consider camping at one of the Minnesota State Parks along the Lake Superior shore? Of the 72 parks in the system, 8 of them are on the North Shore. With a total of more than 225 campsites and 125 miles of trails, it's a chance to get out into leaves themselves, and truly enjoy the season. You will also save some cash.
Here's a list of the Minnesota State Parks along Lake Superior's North Shore, with highlights:
(from South to North)
- Gooseberry Falls State Park / 70 campsites, 1 Kayak site, 18 miles of trails. One of the top state parks in Minnesota. Excellent visitor center and of course, the falls themselves.
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park / 20 cart-in campsites / 1 Kayak site, 12 miles of hiking trails and 6 miles of biking trails. Lighthouse tour hours vary, check MN DNR website.
- Tettegouche State Park / 28 drive-in campsites, 8 walk-in sites, 14 cart-in sites. 23 miles of trails including a section of the Superior Hiking Trail.
- George Crosby/Manitou State Park /
- Temperance River State Park / 51 sites in a lakeside campground and 22 miles of trails, connected to the Superior Hiking Trail.
- Cascade River State Park / 40 campsites and 18 miles of trails.
- Judge C.R. Magney State Park / 27 sites and 9 miles of pristine wilderness trails.
- Grand Portage State Park / no overnight facilities, but view Minnesota's highest waterfalls. You're just a stone's throw from Canada.
Two Harbors, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay, and Grand Marais are the three main towns along this 150 mile route. While there are several other nice villages along the way, it should be noted that travelers in need of gas, groceries, services or supplies should stock up in one of these three, as hours vary widely in the other towns.
For more information on Minnesota State Parks, visit the MN DNR website or call 1-866-857-2757. To check on the fall foliage report, visit Fall Colors Report.
