MileHacker Logo
North Shore Scenic Drive Travel Resources

North Shore Scenic Drive Travel Resources

North Shore Scenic Drive Minnesota, USA Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Navigation & Trails

  • Google Maps

    Download offline maps for spotty cell service.

  • AllTrails

    Detailed hiking information and offline maps.

  • Minnesota DNR

    Official app for state park info, maps, permits.

  • Weather App

    Up-to-date local forecasts for outdoor activities.

  • Booking Apps

    Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb for accommodation.

Travel & Local Services

  • Uber/Lyft

    Ride-sharing for Duluth city exploration.

  • North Shore Visitor Guide

    Comprehensive resource for attractions, lodging, dining.

  • MN DNR Parks & Trails

    Official site for state park details and reservations.

  • Explore Minnesota

    State's official tourism information.

  • Superior Hiking Trail Association

    Official source for SHT details.

Useful Websites & Social Media

Visit Duluth

Official tourism website for Duluth attractions and events.

Visit Grand Marais

Official tourism web page for the popular northern town.

Travel Updates

MN DOT 511 for real-time road conditions. Social media: @exploreminnesota, @MNStateParks, @NorthShoreMN.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

  • "Driving the North Shore: Guide to Highway 61" by Andrew Slade.
  • "The Superior Hiking Trail: A Guide" by Matthew Davis for SHT sections.
  • Minnesota Atlas & Gazetteer: Detailed topographic maps for exploring.
  • State Park Maps: Free at visitor centers for trail navigation.

Books & Local Publications

  • "Boundary Waters: The Grace of the Wild" by Paul Gruchow.
  • "Canoeing with the Cree" by Eric Sevareid: Adventure narrative.
  • "Iron and the Dragon" by Walter Van Tilburg Clark: Regional themes.
  • Lake Superior Magazine: Covers culture, history, natural beauty.

More Reading & Discovery

Outdoor News MN Edition

  • Regional publication for hunting.
  • Fishing.
  • Other outdoor recreation.
  • Local tourist guides and brochures.

Documentaries & Films

  • The Largest of the great lakes documentaries.
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness films.
  • Minnesota's natural beauty and history.
  • Travel bloggers and YouTubers content.

Music & Art

  • Bob Dylan: Duluth-born music with Minnesota spirit.
  • Folk Music: Local artists inspired by the region.
  • North Shore Art: Regional artists capturing lake and forest.
  • Online Communities: Reddit (r/minnesota, r/duluth) & Facebook groups.

Emergency & Medical Information

Contacts & Facilities

Emergency Numbers

  • All Emergencies: Dial 911.
  • Non-Emergency Sheriff: Look up county-specific numbers.
  • U.S. Coast Guard: For water emergencies on Lake Superior, dial 911 or Channel 16.
  • Lost Passport: Contact local police, then your country's embassy.

Hospital Locations

  • Duluth: Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center, St. Luke's Hospital.
  • Grand Marais: North Shore Health.
  • Two Harbors: Lake View Hospital.
  • Familiarize yourself with nearest medical facilities.

Document & Disaster Prep

  • Lost Documents: Contact issuing authority.
  • Weather Alerts: Monitor local forecasts (NOAA, smartphone alerts).
  • Ways To evacuate: Follow local authorities for rare emergencies.
  • Bushfires: Adhere to fire bans; check MN DNR for danger levels.

Further Reading & Exploration

Cultural Insights

  • Documentaries: Stream about The Freshwater sea's history and ecology.
  • Music & Art: Experience regional folk music and local artists.
  • Online Communities: Join Reddit and Facebook groups for tips.

Historical Context

  • Anishinaabe heritage: Valuable perspective on the region's past.
  • Early inhabitants: Learn about their heritage.
  • Cultural interactions: Approach with openness and respect.

Explore More

Regional Connections

  • Combine with Minnesota's Iron Range industrial heritage.
  • Integrate the North Shore into a larger Great Lakes Circle Tour.
  • Return for fall foliage: Unparalleled beauty in late Sept/early Oct.

Seasonal Visits

  • Winter wonderland: Skiing, snowshoeing, frozen lake formations, Northern Lights.
  • Spring (April/May): Waterfalls at fullest flow from snowmelt.
  • Summer: Ideal for hiking and water activities.

Where to Go Next

For More Wilderness

  1. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for canoe camping.
  2. Voyageurs National Park for boat-based lake exploration.
  3. Isle Royale National Park, a rugged island wilderness.
  4. Explore more remote nature settings.
  5. Find your next outdoor adventure.

For City Culture

  1. Head south to Minneapolis/St. Paul for urban amenities.
  2. Museums, arts, dining, and shopping await.
  3. culinary scene and live music venues.
  4. Discover unique city experiences.
  5. Transition from nature to urban exploration.

Great Lakes Beauty

Apostle Islands

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin for sea caves and islands.

Michigan's UP

Explore Michigan's Upper Peninsula for more rugged coastline, lighthouses, and forest.

Great Lakes Tour

Integrate the North Shore into a larger Great Lakes Circle Tour, a multi-state/province driving adventure.

Critical Alert

Prior to travel, locate your country''s diplomatic mission in Washington D.C. And its nearest consulate in the United States. Keep their contact information readily available for lost passports or consular assistance.

Further Reading & Exploration

Connecting with the North Shore

Cultural Insights

  • Documentaries

    Stream about The Freshwater sea's history and ecology.

  • Music & Art

    Experience regional folk music and local artists.

  • Online Communities

    Join Reddit and Facebook groups for tips.

Historical Context

  • Anishinaabe Heritage

    Valuable perspective about the region's past.

  • Early Inhabitants

    Learn about their heritage.

  • Cultural Interactions

    Handle with openness and respect.

Beyond the North Shore

More Wilderness

If the Northern Coast ignited your love for isolated wilderness, explore these.

City Culture

If you crave urban amenities after wilderness, head south to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Great Lakes Beauty

Continue your Great Lakes exploration with a trip to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Regional Connections & Return Visits

Regional Combinations

  • Combine return North Shore visit with Minnesota's Iron Range industrial heritage.
  • Integrate the North Shore into a larger Great Lakes Circle Tour.
  • Come back for fall foliage: Witness unparalleled beauty of peak fall foliage.
  • Winter: Skiing, snowshoeing, frozen lake formations, Northern Lights.

Return Visit Seasons

  • Spring (April/May): Waterfalls at fullest flow from snowmelt.
  • Summer: Ideal for water sports and longer hikes.
  • Autumn: colors and crisp air.
  • Spring/Fall: Quieter trails and special views.

Responsible Travel Pledge

Ways to Give Back

  • Support Local: Patronize locally-owned restaurants, shops, and accommodations.
  • Spending directly benefits the community.
  • Helps sustain unique local enterprises.
  • Experience authentic local character.

Minimize Your Impact

  • Leave No Trace: Strictly adhere to principles for preservation.
  • Dispose of Waste: Leave no trace.
  • Stay on The marked routes: Prevents erosion and protects plant life.
  • Respect Wildlife: Minimize disturbance to habitats.

A Lasting Impression

The Northern Coast Scenic Drive offers a journey that invigorates the spirit and connects you to the raw beauty of Minnesota. Carry responsible travel lessons with you, and memories of this special place perdure.