North Shore Scenic Drive

North Shore Scenic Drive

All-American RoadMinnesota

All Photos (76)

  • Gold Rock Point

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

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  • Swimming around the Wreck of the George M. Cox

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

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  • Kayaking Lake Superior

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

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  • Aerial View of Gooseberry Falls State Park

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

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  • A Beach North of Grand Marais

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

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  • Sunset at Grand Marais

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

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  • A Man Walking the Rocky Shores

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

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  • A Kodance River Wayside

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

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  • View of the Lake from Mt. Josephine

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

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  • View from Mt. Josephine

    Travelers take in the view from Mt. Josephine.

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  • An Aerial View of Palisades Head

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

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  • A View of Shovel Point at Baptism Wayside

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

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  • Aerial view of Baptism River

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

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  • Baptism River Wayside

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

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  • Throwing Rocks at Twin Points

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

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  • Shovel Point at Baptism River

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

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  • Split Rock Lighthouse

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

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  • North Shore Curve

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

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  • Searching for Stones at Ione

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

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  • Throwing Rocks at Ione

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

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  • North Shore Scenic Railroad

    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.

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  • Knife River

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

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  • Two Harbors Lighthouse

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

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  • Aerial View of Minnesota

    The North Shore Scenic Drive winds along the coast.

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  • Walking the Dog at Ione

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

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  • Skipping Rocks is a Popular Pastime at Iona

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

  • Skipping Stones on Iona

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

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  • The Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel

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

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  • The Red Cliffs at Iona

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

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  • Walking a Dog on the North Shore

    Hikers walk their dog at Gooseberry Falls State Park.

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  • Walking the Superior Hiking Trail

    A Byway visitor treks on the Superior Hiking Trail.

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  • The Split Rock Lighthouse

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

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  • Visitors at the Split Rock Lighthouse Viewing Area

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

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  • The Split Rock Lighthouse

    The Split Rock Lighthouse sits high above Lake Superior.

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  • Bubbles at Iona

    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.

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  • A Lovely View of Gooseberry Falls

    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.

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  • Skiing the North Shore Trail System

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

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  • High Falls at Grand Portage

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

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  • Fantastic Views of Fall Colors Along the North Shore

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

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  • Split Rock Lighthouse

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

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  • Temperance River

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

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  • Gooseberry Falls

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

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  • Chicken Statue in Two Harbors

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

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  • Falls at Cross River

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

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  • A Gift Shop in Two Harbors

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

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  • Wall Mural in Two Harbors

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

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  • Storefronts in Two Harbors

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

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  • Old Train on the Waterfront at Two Harbors

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

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  • Gooseberry Falls

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

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  • Upper Section of Gooseberry Falls

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

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  • Hikers at Gooseberry Falls

    Visitors enjoy a warm fall day at Gooseberry Falls.

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  • Travelers at Temperance River

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

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  • Ship Over Rose Garden

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

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  • Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail

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

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  • Jogging the Duluth Lakewalk in April

    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.

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  • Cliffs of the North Shore

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

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  • Cliffs along the North Shore

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

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  • Presenting Designation Plaque to Minnesota

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

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  • Split Rock Lighthouse on Lake Superior

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

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  • Split Rock Lighthouse

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

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  • Gooseberry Falls

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

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  • Fall Colors Along the North Shore Scenic Drive

    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.

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  • Fishing on North Shore

    Anglers try their luck at Lake Superior.

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  • Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

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

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  • Duluth Lakewalk

    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.

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  • Glensheen Mansion

    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.

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  • University Park

    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.

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  • Rocky Overlook Near Lester River

    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.

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  • Sailing on Lake Superior

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

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  • Proximity of Byway to Lake Superior

    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.

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  • French River

    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.

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  • Throwing Rocks at Iona

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

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  • Split Rock Lighthouse

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

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  • Beach at Twin Points on the North Shore Scenic Byway

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

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  • Beach at Twin Points on the North Shore Scenic Byway

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

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  • Beach at Twin Points on the North Shore Scenic Byway

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

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