Duluth and Minnesota's North Shore Lift Bridge, Waterfalls & Lighthouses

Two Harbors

The ore dock still loads taconite, and the Agate Bay breakwall light sits at the harbor. A good first stop for coffee and a stretch.

Gooseberry Falls State Park, mile 39

The Joseph N. Alexander Visitor Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. year-round, longer in summer. Paved, accessible paths reach the Middle and Upper Falls in about 30 to 45 minutes. Lower Falls takes stairs. The full Falls View Loop runs 45 to 90 minutes. It's a well-loved park on the shore, so morning is quieter.

Split Rock Lighthouse

The 1910 light stands on a cliff above the lake. The historic site is run by the Minnesota Historical Society; the state park around it is open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fall and winter hours are shorter (Oct 20 to Jan 4: open Monday and Thursday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday). A grounds pass is $8 in that season, with a separately ticketed keepers' program on some days.

The shoreline view of the light

Walk down to the shore trail in the state park for the classic view of the lighthouse from below. Drones are not allowed in the park or the historic site.

Duluth to Gooseberry Falls is about 39 miles on Highway 61. Split Rock follows a few miles on. Watch for deer on the road.

Where to stay

Two Harbors, Beaver Bay or Silver Bay keep you close to tomorrow's first stop.

Bad-weather plan

The Gooseberry visitor center has exhibits and a firelit lobby. The Split Rock visitor center has indoor exhibits when open.

The old Scenic Drive along the water · Paved paths to Gooseberry's falls · Split Rock Lighthouse from the cliff and the shore

Good to know: Split Rock's hours change by season. Check the Minnesota Historical Society page the week of your trip.

Artist's Point and the breakwall

Park near the harbor and walk out onto Artist's Point, a rocky outcrop joined to town by a spit of land. The concrete breakwall to the lighthouse is about a half mile round trip, has no railing, and is not a walk for high wind, big waves or ice. The lighthouse is an active Coast Guard light, viewed from outside only.

Harbor Park and town

Follow the cobble beach around to Harbor Park in town, skip a few stones, and wander the shops and galleries on foot.

Cascade River State Park

About 10 minutes back down Highway 61. A short loop of roughly half a mile crosses a footbridge with views of Cascade Falls in the river gorge.

Cascade River is a short drive southwest of town. The drive back to Duluth is about 110 miles on Highway 61.

Where to stay

A second night in Grand Marais, or start the drive back in the afternoon.

Bad-weather plan

The town's galleries, shops and cafés make a good wet-weather day. North House Folk School holds classes on the harbor.

Artist's Point at the harbor · A walk through town · Cascade Falls on a short loop

Good to know: Lake Superior averages about 42 degrees, so wading is brief, even in August.