North Shore Scenic Drive Minnesota, USA Travel Guide
This airport is closest in proximity to the start of the North Shore Scenic Drive, located just north of Duluth. It offers immediate access to the beginning of Highway 61. For those focusing on the southern part of the North Shore and Duluth itself, DLH offers convenience.
As a key global hub, MSP is approximately a 2.5-3 hour drive south of Duluth. While further, it has a significantly greater number of flight options, including direct international connections, and often more competitive pricing due to higher airline competition.
Flight prices to DLH tend to be higher. Prices to MSP are generally more competitive. Booking several months in advance is advisable, especially for peak seasons.
Higher flight prices occur during summer (June-August), fall foliage (late Sept-mid-Oct), and major holidays.
DLH is smaller with basic amenities. MSP is large and modern, with extensive dining, shopping, and lounges across two terminals.
For better rates, book flights several months in advance, especially during peak season. Flexibility with travel dates can also lead to savings. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals.
MSP offers direct flights to numerous major North American style cities and international hubs like Amsterdam, London, Paris, Dublin, and Reykjavik. DLH has limited direct flights, primarily to MSP and ORD. Use Skyscanner for comparisons.
For domestic flights from DLH or MSP, get there at LEAST 2 hours before departure. For international flights from MSP, arrive at least 3 hours before departure. Security lines vary.
The North Shore Scenic Drive reaches to Grand Portage, very close to the Pigeon River Port of Entry into Ontario, Canada. All travelers, including children, must carry a valid passport. Canadian citizens may use an Enhanced Driver's License or NEXUS card for land entry.
Greyhound and Jefferson Lines provide long-distance bus service to Duluth from Minneapolis/St. Paul and other regional cities. However, no public long-distance bus service travels along Highway 61 itself between the towns north of Duluth.
Drive on the right side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants. Speed limits are strictly enforced; Highway 61 is mostly 55 mph (88 km/h) outside of towns, with lower limits in populated areas.
Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive) is generally well-maintained. However, it might be winding and hilly, specifically north of Two Harbors, as it navigates the rugged terrain.
No regular passenger ferry services directly serve the Northern Coast Scenic Drive for international or domestic arrival. While cruise ships occasionally call at Duluth as a port on Great Lakes cruises, this is not a typical transport mode for independent travelers arriving at the Northern Coast. These cruises are generally multi-day tours.
As sea arrivals are not a standard method of entry for this location, specific immigration procedures at seaports are not a concern for the typical North Shore traveler. The main mode of exploration remains land-based.
Cruise ships occasionally visit Duluth. Passengers disembark directly into the city, with access to taxis and rental cars.
Rivers flow into Lake Superior; they do not serve as main travel paths for destination arrival.
No special immigration procedures for sea arrivals as they are not standard for this place.
No specific departure taxes or exit fees for leaving the U.S. By air or land for tourists. The different taxes and fees that apply to air travel are typically part of your flight ticket price at purchase time.
If departing the U.S. And crossing into Canada at Grand Portage/Pigeon River, allow extra time for border crossing procedures. Wait times vary significantly. Check current border wait times online through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website or the Canada Border Services Agency website.
Have your passport and any other required documents (e.g., Canadian ID for land border) readily available.
Before heading to the airport, confirm your flight status and terminal information.
Make sure you have enough time to return your rental car, especially at MSP where shuttle lifts to the terminal are necessary.
Check airport security wait times if available, and organize your documents well in advance of reaching the airport or border crossing.
