North Shore Scenic Drive

Waves crash against the sheer cliffs of Gold Rock Point, the site of the 1905 wreck of the Madiera.

After it sank in 1933, the George M. Cox became a popular dive site.

The Lake Superior Water Trail offers paddlers an opportunity to explore Lake Superior and provides for rest, shelter and camping areas.

This aerial view shows how the North Shore Scenic Drive winds through forests and hills.

Sunset casts deep shadows, creating silhouettes of the foliage against the blue lake.

An orange sunset provides the backdrop for a romantic evening on the beach north of Grand Marais.

A man strolls across the rocky shores of the beach north of Grand Marais.

Travelers pause in their journey for a look at the lake from the Kodance River Wayside.

A traveler stops for a photo of the expansive view of Lake Superior from Mt. Josephine.

Travelers take in the view from Mt. Josephine.

An aerial photo shows the lay of the land near Palisades Head.

The deep blue waters of Lake Superior contrast against verdant shorelines near Shovel Point.

This aerial view shows the deep blue of Baptism River and the tree-filled landscape surrounding it.

This detail of the Baptism River Wayside shows the visitor center and ample parking space.

A byway visitor tests his arm by throwing rocks at Twin Points (Ione's Beach) on the North Shore Scenic Drive

You can't see it from this aerial view, but you can take a self-guided trail to Shovel Point at Baptism River.

A state historic site, Split Rock Lighthouse has been restored to its 1920s appearance and can be toured.

A car drives past a gentle curve between lake and cliff on the North Shore Scenic Drive.

A visitor looks for good skipping stones at Ione's Beach on the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Two byway enthusiasts skip stones at Ione's Beach on the North Shore Scenic Drive.

The North Shore Scenic Railroad, running between Duluth and Two Harbors is a popular tourist attraction during the summer and fall seasons. Passengers walk around the historic depot area as they wait to board the train.

The waters of the Knife River warp the dark reflection of the bridge in this winter photo.

The red brick of the Two Harbors lighthouse stands out against the silhouette of the Lake Superior coastline.

The North Shore Scenic Drive winds along the coast.

A couple strolls along Ione's Beach with their furry friend.

Visitor skips rocks at Iona's Beach on the North Shore Scenic Byway.

Stones on the North Shore Scenic Drive's Iona's Beach are round and red and lovely for skipping, as Ken Petty discovers.

The Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel is located on the North Shore Scenic Drive and was completed in 1995.

Red cliffs contrast green foliage at Iona's Beach on the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Hikers walk their dog at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

A Byway visitor treks on the Superior Hiking Trail.

This view of the Split Rock Lighthouse was taken from an overlook on the North Shore Scenic Byway.

Visitors get a great view of the lighthouse from a picnic area and overlook on the North Shore Scenic Byway.

The Split Rock Lighthouse sits high above Lake Superior.

Water bubbles and splashes onto the shore of Iona's Beach, showing a closeup of the smooth red rocks that are the beach's unique feature.

Gooseberry Falls is a favorite place to visit on the North Shore. This is one of the largest and most scenic of the falls at this state park, and is on the Lake Superior side of the byway.

Hundreds of miles of groomed trails attract ski and snowshoe enthusiasts to the North Shore in the winter.

At 120 feet, High Falls is one of Minnesota's highest waterfalls.

Fall colors provide some of one of the most spectacular views on the North Shore.

Split Rock Lighthouse is the North Shore's best known landmark. It stands on the edge of a sheer cliff above Lake Superior.

The icy Temperance River cuts through the snowy shores on the Temperance River State Park.

The spectacular Gooseberry Falls make this Minnesota's most visited State Park.

A chicken poses in front of Weldon's Gift Shop in Two Harbors.

Cross River has several falls that are easily visible from the walking bridges.

Wacky and wonderful treasures can be found at this Two Harbors gift shop.

This mural tells the story of Two Harbors through handpainted pictures.

This quaint street in Two Harbors has rows of locally-owned shops.

This old train provides a glimpse of the past on the North Shore Scenic Byway.

A glimpse of part of the Gooseberry Falls cascades can be seen through the trees at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Upper Gooseberry Falls can be found in Minnesota's Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Visitors enjoy a warm fall day at Gooseberry Falls.

Visitors enjoy a day on the shores of the Temperance River.

The Rose Garden is part of Leif Erikson Park, which is located along the byway.

Two byway visitors walk through the lush green foliage surrounding the Superior Hiking Trail.

The Duluth Lakewalk, a boardwalk on Lake Superior, provides a place for joggers, walkers and others to enjoy the outdoors, especially when spring surprises them with unusual warmth. In this photo, Lake Superior is covered with ice and snow, but the shore is dry and clear.

The North Shore's dramatic cliffs are one of the great attractions of the North Shore Scenic Byway.

Dramatic gray cliffs dotted with trees loom along the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive receives their designation plaque at the Designation 2002 event at Union Station in Washington DC.

The white tower of Split Rock Lighthouse stands on the edge of sheer cliffs on the shore of Lake Superior.

This birght photo displays the Split Rock Lighthouse from the shore below on an idyllic day.

Stands of evergreen pines frame the white water cascades of Gooseberry Falls.

The stunning fall colors along the North Shore Scenic Drive have been a major attraction for decades. The contrast of the blue waters and the colors cascading the down the rocky cliffs are not to be missed.

Anglers try their luck at Lake Superior.

The landmark Aerial Lift Bridge sits at the southern terminus of the byway. The bridge serves as the entrance to Duluth-Superior Harbor.

The Duluth Lakewalk spans over four miles along the shore of Lake Superior. The lakewalk is less than one block from the southern terminus of the North Shore Scenic Drive.

These period-dressed servants welcome visitors to Glensheen, a turn-of-the-century mansion located on Lake Superior. Many of the original furnishings still remain in the home.

Fall colors abound at University Park, a small square near the end of London Road. The North Shore Scenic Drive can be seen in the background as it crosses over the Lester River just before the river reaches Lake Superior.

There are many opportunities to leave your vehicle along the byway and walk out among the rocks along Lake Superior. This view is from just North of the Lester River.

Here some people are enjoying a relaxing day on the world's largest freshwater lake.

For those who have not been able to visit the North Shore Scenic Drive, it is important to illustrate just how close the road is to the lake. This slide is an example of the proximity of the byway to Lake Superior.

The cascading rivers that flow into Lake Superior are an important part of the scenic quality of the byway. Here, the French River rushes by during an early winter scene.

Byway visitors to the North Shore enjoy skipping a few rocks into Lake Superior.

Split Rock Lighthouse with some outbuildings stands out against the forest and cliff. The grey stone cliff below is prominent.

A couple sits on the shore of Lake Superior on a lovely fall day.

Lake Superior laps against a long expanse of tan sand underneath a sunny fall or winter day.

Lake Superior laps against a rock and sand beach underneath a sunny fall or winter day.