Discover North Shore Minnesota Local Area Attractions

Some of our favorite things to do along the North Shore.

North Shore Minnesota Area Activities

 

Here’s some of our favorite things to do along the North Shore. You can always spend the weekend relaxing in your room, or get out and walk or bike the trails or visit the nearby State Parks. Drive along Scenic Highway 61 or the many miles on Northern Minnesota back roads and make your own discoveries about the land that borders the big lake. In addition to scenic outdoor adventure and relaxation there’s an abundance of nearby attractions including shops, cities, restaurants, museums, ATV rental, dog sledding!

Questions about what to do on your stay? Just ask!

If you’re not sure where to get started on the North Shore; ask Nick and Danielle at Gooseberry Park Cottages & Motel! We’re happy to help.

Contact Us
North shore driftwood

North Shore Lake Superior

North Shore Adventure All Season Activities.

 
  • State Parks – There are many state parks in the area including Gooseberry Falls, three miles from Gooseberry Park Cottages & Motel, Split Rock Lighthouse (6.1 mi.) just a few miles North. A little further North you’ll find Tettegouche State Park (18 mi.), Crosby Manitou (33 mi.), Temperance River (39 mi.), Cascade River (55 mi.), Judge C. R. Magney (83 mi.), and up along the border of Canada, Grand Portage (109 mi.).
  • Hiking Trails – Superior Hiking TrailThe nearest Superior Hiking Trail access is located up West Castle Danger Road roughly 2 miles via the Superior Hiking Trail. By staying at Gooseberry Park Cottages & Motel you can get shuttle service to entrances to the Superior Hiking Trail along Minnesota’s North Shore. Check out the Superior Hiking Shuttle to schedule a ride to your next hike!
  • Fishing & Boating – Fishing near Gooseberry Park Cottages & MotelMany types of rivers and fresh water lakes are nearby and of course, Lake Superior. Fish found in the area include lake trout, a variety of salmon in the rivers and inland lakes provide walleye, small mouth bass, northern pike, perch and brook trout. All the major lakes in the area offer an official DNR boat launch, or you can take your boat down to the Lake Superior boat landing at Burlington Bay in Two Harbors or traveling north to Iona's Beach access.
  • Adventure Sailing on Lake Superior – Day sails on glassy seas, group excursions, romantic anniversary sails, family overnights, heavy weather sailing, Isle Royale circumnavigation–whatever your comfort level, skills, age, and abilities, we have something for you. Available  year-round. Check out Amicus Adventure Sailing to book your sail boat ride.
  • Wave watching – Wave WatchingTake a moment to watch and listen to Lake Superior’s splashing waves in our own back yard or at any of the scenic stops along the shore. Check out Stoney Point to the South on Scenic Highway 61 for great waves, there may even be surfers out there!
  • Nearby cities and local businesses – Cities just to the South: Two Harbors (14 mi.), Duluth (35 mi.). To the North: Beaver Bay (10 mi.), Silver Bay (13 mi.), Schroeder(38 mi.), Grand Marais (68 mi), Ely (79 mi)
stairs to lake superior web
Facts about Lake Superior & Minnesota’s North Shore
Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area and the third largest by volume 3-quadrillion gallons (est)
The average temperate of Lake Superior 39 degrees
Original names for the big lake gichigami (Ojibwa),
Lac Superieur (French), Gitche Gumee

North Shore Adventure Spring & Summer Activities.

 
arial 3 looking north 1

North Shore Adventure Autumn Activities.

 
  • Falls colors tour – Fall colors near Bell Sheep HomesteadFor a new perspective on the North Shore check out any of the trails, parks or scenic drives during the autumn months. Check out the North Shore Fall Color Report to plan your trip around peak fall color times
Image

North Shore Adventure Winter Activities.

  • Snowshoeing – Venture our for an afternoon wildlife expedition at the nearby Superior Hiking Trails and state park hiking trails. For more information about trails check out North Shore Visitor Snowshoe Trails.
  • Cross country skiing – Cross country skiing around Bell Sheep Homestead Once the snow falls, cross country ski trails come to life. For more information about cross country ski trails checkout North Shore Visitor Ski Trails.
  • Winter River Exploration – Come explore the wild rivers and gorges of the North Shore – in the winter!! January thru March offers a unique combination of ice, snow, and sun conditions that provide excellent travel opportunities for those who want to explore the unique rivers and gorges along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Check out Amicus to book your adventure.
  • And other activities – Dog sledding is provided by area mushers see more here. Ice fishing, warming up in your room by the safe and clean gas fireplace, ice skating or making snow angels! Go downhill skiing or snowboarding at Lutsen or Spirit Mountain in Duluth. Snowmobile and ATV rental is available at nearby Beaver Bay Sports.

North Shore Adventure Exciting Events & Festivals.

tall ships

Every year there are some events that bring many visitors to the area. If you haven’t attended these events, check them out sometime!

Event Season
Blues Festival Summer – Second weekend in August
Grandma’s Marathon Summer – June
Kayak Festival Summer – August
North Shore Inline Marathon Summer – September
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Winter – January or March – weather permitting

Guided hikes, classes, live music, museums

There’s a lot going on around the North Shore. Check out this North Shore calendar for special events like guided hikes and skiing and classes like wood working, bench making, artisan bread making, soap making and many other crafts.

101 Things to do on the North Shore

More Local Area activities

Map and directions to Bell Sheep Homestead