Lake Shore MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lake Shore, Minnesota.
1. Jake and Scout's Berry Farm
FRESH BERRY PICKING EXPERIENCE
Jake and Scout's Berry Farm offers visitors a delightful opportunity to pick their own fresh seasonal berries in the heart of Lake Shore. Families can enjoy the outdoor experience while gathering nature's sweet treats directly from the source. The farm provides a perfect escape into rural Minnesota charm with its friendly atmosphere and farm-fresh produce.
2. Fritz Loven Park
SERENE WOODLAND RETREAT
Fritz Loven Park provides a tranquil natural setting with walking trails winding through beautiful woodland areas in Lake Shore. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, observe local wildlife, and take advantage of the park's recreational facilities. The park serves as a perfect spot for family picnics, nature photography, or simply unwinding in Minnesota's natural beauty.
3. Walleyedan's Guide Service
PREMIER FISHING ADVENTURES
Walleyedan's Guide Service provides expert-led fishing excursions on the beautiful lakes surrounding Lake Shore, Minnesota. Anglers of all skill levels can experience the thrill of catching walleye, northern pike, and other game fish with professional guidance. The service offers all necessary equipment, knowledge of local fishing spots, and unforgettable memories on Minnesota's pristine waters.
4. Split Rock Lighthouse
ICONIC LAKESIDE BEACON
Split Rock Lighthouse stands majestically on a 130-foot cliff overlooking Lake Superior, offering some of Minnesota's most stunning views. Visitors can tour the historic lighthouse and keeper's home, learning about its importance in guiding ships through Lake Superior's dangerous waters since the 1920s. The surrounding state park features beautiful hiking trails, including access to Pebble Beach where clear waters lap against the shore beneath the lighthouse's watchful beam.
5. Gooseberry Falls
CASCADING NATURAL WONDER
Gooseberry Falls features spectacular multi-tiered waterfalls that cascade through a rugged gorge just off Highway 61 along the North Shore. Visitors can view the Upper, Middle, and Lower falls via accessible walking paths that wind through the surrounding state park. The falls change character with the seasons, from powerful spring rushes to delicate winter ice formations, making it worth visiting year-round.
6. Palisade Head
DRAMATIC CLIFFSIDE OVERLOOK
Palisade Head offers breathtaking panoramic views from dramatic cliffs soaring high above Lake Superior's shoreline. No hiking is required as visitors can drive directly to the parking area at the summit, making this spectacular viewpoint accessible to almost everyone. The sheer rock faces and expansive lake vistas make it one of the most photographed and awe-inspiring locations along Minnesota's North Shore.
7. Tettegouche State Park
DIVERSE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Tettegouche State Park encompasses some of the North Shore's most varied and dramatic landscapes, from the iconic High Falls waterfall to the stunning Shovel Point cliffside trail. Hikers can explore miles of trails that wind through forests, along river gorges, and up to breathtaking Lake Superior overlooks. The park's diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife and offers year-round recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, rock climbing, and winter sports.
8. Black Beach
UNIQUE VOLCANIC SHORELINE
Black Beach features striking black sand created from taconite tailings that were once discharged into Lake Superior and later washed ashore, forming this unique man-made beach. The contrast between the dark sand, crystal clear waters, and surrounding rock formations creates an otherworldly landscape unlike any other beach in Minnesota. Formerly private property, this stunning location became public in 2015, allowing visitors to enjoy swimming, beachcombing, and photography in this distinctive setting.
9. Canal Park
VIBRANT WATERFRONT DISTRICT
Canal Park serves as Duluth's premier waterfront destination, offering visitors a blend of shopping, dining, and maritime attractions along Lake Superior. Visitors can watch massive ships passing through the famous Aerial Lift Bridge, explore the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, or stroll along the popular Lakewalk boardwalk. The district's converted warehouses now house unique shops, breweries, and restaurants that celebrate the area's rich shipping heritage while providing modern amenities.
10. Duluth Lighthouse
HISTORIC HARBOR SENTINEL
The Duluth Lighthouse (officially the North Pier Light) has guided vessels safely into Duluth's harbor since 1910, standing as a sentinel at the entrance to the shipping canal. Visitors can see this historic cylindrical steel tower up close while watching ships enter and exit one of the busiest freshwater ports in the world. Its distinctive red color makes it a favorite photography subject, especially when framed against passing lake freighters or during dramatic weather conditions.
11. Glensheen Mansion
OPULENT HISTORIC ESTATE
Glensheen Mansion showcases the opulent lifestyle of Minnesota's industrial elite through its 39-room Jacobean mansion filled with original furnishings and artifacts from the early 1900s. Visitors can tour this meticulously preserved estate, complete with formal gardens and shoreline grounds spanning 12 acres along Lake Superior. The mansion's rich history, including its infamous murder mystery, adds an intriguing layer to the stunning architecture and period details that have remained largely unchanged for over a century.
12. Castle Danger Brewery
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Castle Danger Brewery offers visitors a taste of locally crafted beers in a welcoming taproom overlooking Lake Superior in Two Harbors. Beer enthusiasts can sample their flagship cream ale and seasonal specialties while learning about the brewing process that has made Castle Danger one of Minnesota's most respected craft breweries. The taproom's relaxed atmosphere provides the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the North Shore, with outdoor seating offering beautiful lake views during warmer months.
13. Agate Bay
HISTORIC HARBOR VIEWS
Agate Bay provides visitors with an up-close view of Two Harbors' working ore docks, where massive freighters load iron ore pellets bound for steel mills across the Great Lakes. The bay offers excellent opportunities to watch these impressive ships maneuver in and out of the harbor, sometimes coming within yards of shoreline viewing areas. Visitors can also explore the breakwater lighthouse, historic tugboat Edna G., and scenic walking paths that highlight the area's industrial maritime heritage.
14. Betty's Pies
LEGENDARY LAKESIDE BAKERY
Betty's Pies has been serving its famous homemade pies and comfort food to North Shore travelers since 1956, earning its reputation as the region's most beloved roadside eatery. Visitors can choose from over 40 varieties of pie, including the signature 5-layer chocolate cream and seasonal fruit options made from traditional recipes. The restaurant's charming atmosphere and convenient location between Duluth and Silver Bay make it a must-stop tradition for generations of Minnesota travelers seeking a sweet taste of nostalgia.
15. Poplar Haus
RUSTIC GOURMET GETAWAY
Poplar Haus offers a distinctive dining experience halfway up the Gunflint Trail, serving innovative cuisine featuring local ingredients like walleye and duck in a rustic-chic setting. Visitors can enjoy creative cocktails and craft beers while overlooking Poplar Lake from this hidden gem tucked into Minnesota's wilderness. The restaurant combines North Woods charm with sophisticated flavors, making it one of the North Shore's most treasured culinary destinations for both locals and travelers seeking an authentic taste of the region.