North Shore Scenic Drive Minnesota, USA Travel Guide
Always plan to wear multiple layers that you can add or remove as temperatures fluctuate. This allows adaptation to warm sunny spells, cool lake breezes, or sudden rain showers.
Summer (June-August): Lightweight, airy clothes. Shorts, t-shirts, light Long-sleeved shirts (for sun/insect protection). Evenings or near the lake, a warm fleece or Light jacket. A Waterproof rain jacket and slacks for storms.
Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy Trail shoes with ankle support and grip. Trails can be rocky, root-filled, or muddy. Wear sturdy Hiking socks, like Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Socks.
Comfortable walking shoes or Sneakers suit town exploration and beginner trails. Water-resistant Sandals or shoes are useful for pebble beaches or near waterfalls.
Insulated, Waterproof boots with good traction are essential for snow and ice. Consider microspikes or YakTraks for icy trails in winter. Optimal warmth and grip are paramount.
Have both physical and digital copies of your essential documents. This offers a safety net in case of loss or damage to one set.
The U.S. uses Type A (two flat prongs) and Type B (two flat parallel pins with a round grounding pin) plugs. Standard voltage is 120V at 60Hz. If your devices use a different voltage or plug type, an Universal travel adapter is necessary. A Universal travel adapter with surge protection, like an EPCTEK Universal Travel Adapter, protects your electronics.
The North Shore presents abundant photography opportunities. A mirrorless or DSLR camera with both a Wide-angle lens (landscapes/waterfalls) and a Telephoto lens (wildlife/distant shots) is ideal.
Google Maps (download offline maps), AllTrails (hiking info), Avenza Maps (detailed park maps for offline use).
NOAA Weather/AccuWeather, Booking.com/Expedia/Airbnb, Minnesota DNR app for state parks, local tourism apps.
Regularly back up photos and documents to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) or an External hard drive.
A well-stocked health and wellness kit offers peace of mind and handles common issues you might encounter on your North Shore trip.
Over-the-counter medications for common issues: cold/flu remedies, antacids, Motion sickness medication (useful for winding roads or boat trips). Altitude sickness is not a concern on the North Shore, as elevations are relatively low.
A comfortable Daypack, like the Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack, for water, snacks, layers, and a first-aid kit. Hiking poles for uneven terrain, especially on the Superior Hiking Trail.
Camping: Tent, Sleeping bag (rated for temperatures), sleeping pad, Portable stove, cooking gear, cooler.
Photography: Binoculars, like Nikon Prostaff 3S Binoculars, for wildlife and scenic vistas. Plenty of memory cards and spare batteries.
For long drives, consider a Neck pillow, Eye mask, and Earplugs. These help with rest in the car or for light sleepers in accommodations.
Always pack more warm layers than you are think you will need, including in summertime, due to Lake Superior's cooling effect. Frequent rain, mist, or lake spray renders waterproof jackets and pants a frequent necessity.
Reduces plastic waste; refill at safe sources.
For groceries and souvenirs.
For picnics plus getout meals.
For eco-friendly device charging.
Pack clothes that can serve multiple purposes. For instance, a quick-drying long-sleeved shirt can serve as sun protection, insect barrier, and a light layer for cool evenings.
Roll your clothes to maximize space in your luggage and minimize wrinkles, which is especially useful for a road trip where space might be at a premium.
