North Shore, MN
Peaceful water and skies as seen from the rocky shores of Lake Superior.
Minnesota’s North Shore—one of the state’s most beautiful locations with its forests, beaches, and mountains that look over the seemingly endless Lake Superior. As a Minnesota native, I admittedly waited far too long in my life to take the drive up 61, never having experienced the shores until the ripe age of 21. I know, I know, but hearing that my boyfriend had yet to experience it at 23? A road trip was necessary.
We packed up my little red jeep for a drive and took the scenic route all the way up from June 29 – July 2. With the number of things I wanted to see, the journey there was all-encompassing in itself. Duluth was a must, though it wasn’t a new destination for either of us. Taking our leisurely stroll along the streets of Canal Park, we were able to reminisce on our first ever trip together—the destination of our first weekend getaway just over a year ago.
With over two hours to go, we hopped back in and began the scenic trek along the water. Convinced that we were seeing the ocean, he could not believe the views the highway provided, yearning to stop and take it all in every five minutes. This gave me an idea of the perfect pit stop, but we’re not there yet.
Somewhere I wanted to experience for myself, Iona’s Beach in Lake County was truly a sight to see. In place of sand, the beach is assembled of thousands of smooth pink rocks, formed from a nearby rhyolite cliff. Due to the beach’s rocky nature, each wave along the shore creates a ripple effect similar to ringing bells as the stones resettle. A hidden gem indeed, I highly recommend.
The fog rolls in on the beautiful red beach.
Not far along, Silver Bay was a must-see destination. We started at Palisade Head, where I jumped at the opportunity to see John’s jaw drop at the view. Jaw-dropping it was indeed, as demonstrated by the multitude of photos that soon accumulated in my camera roll. But Shovel Point was even more breathtaking. As has been discussed in my prior trip recollections, I have always strived to be a hiking girl—maybe I will be one day. However, the view (almost) always makes the traipse worthwhile.
The view that drove our motivation for the Shovel Point hike.
After six hours, lots of stops, and tons of road trip snacks, we arrived at our Lutsen destination—a private villa on the water. Quaint, charming, and secluded, the cabin provided much-needed tranquility to come home to after each day’s jaunts.
Blissful mornings listening to the waves with our coffee.
Another fundamental stop, we made our way to Grand Marais for a day of shopping, eating, and exploring what has been dubbed as “America’s Coolest Small Town.” I can’t argue—it has an effortless feeling of home. For those unaware, I have two drastically different dream lives: In one, I live in an industrial apartment in the city (think “New Girl”). I work downtown, grab coffee at the local café, wear blazers, etc. Transversely, I also yearn for the small-town life sometimes—a typical “white picket fence” type of life where I know all my neighbors, am a regular at the one diner in town, and spend my days reading on my wrap-around porch. Grand Marais encompasses the latter, hence my inexplicable love for it. The day resulted in numerous unnecessary purchases, made with the excuse that they’re “to remember the trip by.”
Soon enough, it was time to return home, and the pit stops had to continue. However, this time, the only thing occupying my mind was pie. To date, Betty’s Pies has the best I’ve ever had, so leaving with two full pies was no surprise. Rumor has it that Rustic Inn Café down the road is in strong competition for the delectable, so I guess the next trip will have to involve two pie stops—for comparison, of course.
Atop Lusten Mountain, the views go on for miles.
Something I continuously saw throughout the whole excursion were the words “Gitche Gumme,” which had been completely unfamiliar to me prior. In short, it translates to “Big Sea” or “Huge Water,” as recalled by Ojibwe language. It’s funny—I am a Minnesotan that often complains about Minnesota (shocker). It often proves difficult with the outrageously cold winters, sweltering summers, and endless views of nothing but corn and wheat to appreciate all that it is. I think that’s what this trip has always done for me—it awakens a newfound love for the state that I often claim to despise. Whereas the Twin Cities and surrounding areas are somewhat one-dimensional, the North Shore is a different world altogether. I need that sometimes—a place of respite among life’s chaos. So, while the city girl dream is still alive and well (and soon to come alive), it seems the small-town dreamer too needs her moment once in a while.
All about balance.
