Lake Superior's North Shore

The North Shore of Lake Superior is a place of beauty in Minnesota.  This is the largest of the 5 Great Lakes in North America and it is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area (third place by volume). 

Whether you visit this area in the fall to see the vibrant color change of the leaves, the winter to explore the ski trails and try ice fishing, or the summer months to enjoy the hiking and beautiful beaches that line this Great Lake; the area never fails to impress. 

We took a much needed family vacation up the North Shore and everyone had an amazing time!  These were just a few of our favorite stops from our quick family getaway.  (Note: There are so many stops along this shore that one post could never cover them all.  We have also frequented the area for years, so our stops are a bit less "touristy" than some but there's something for everyone along the Shore.)

We started near Silver Bay and headed a few miles south to explore Iona's Beach.  The rocks here are made of Pink Rhyolite and the waves help the stones "sing" if you listen.  The water is crystal clear, cold and the sounds at this beach are something you'd hear on a meditation audio. {YOUTUBE LINK: https://youtu.be/zgU3DFSeatE}

After some beach walks and trail hikes, we headed just a few miles north to Black Beach. 

This beach is unlike any other in the state because it is black in color rather than red or brown like the cliffs and beaches surrounding it. 

The black "sand" found here is actually comprised of tailings (unused portion) from the taconite mining that occured in the area for years.  These tailings were discarded into the lake, mixed with the other sands and washed up in this location. 

This beach had been closed to the public until 2015 and is now a spot that brings many people to the Silver Bay area.  

From Silver Bay, we headed further north to explore Palisade Head. 

If you're afraid of heights, this is not someplace you want to explore!  This rock formation climbs a staggering 932 ft up from the shore below.  There are no guardrails at the top but plenty of views.  It is a breathtaking perspective of Lake Superior and the rugged shoreline.

Further north we made a "tourist stop" in Lutsen to take a ride on the Alpine Slide.  This mountain is home to many ski runs during the winter but in the summer you can take the chairlift up and ride the half-mile of winding, dipping track down the mountain.  It's just the adrenaline rush the kids were craving.

Finally we made the last jaunt of our trip up to Grand Marais. 

We enjoyed walking out  to the lighthouse, playing on the pebble beaches and skipping stones.  This town is a busy but quiet little gem up near the Canadian border and brings a peacefulness to the lake that is unmatched up the shore.

Our return trip included stops to watch the cliff jumpers at Ilgen Falls.

A hike out to Devil's Rock

Catching some small fish by hand in the river pools.

We also saw the large St Urho carving in Finland, shopped at some of the cutest little shops and boutiques with "up north" themes, a visit to the oldest rock shop in America {LINK: http://www.beaverbayagateshop.com/} , seeing the sites in Two Harbors and watching a "Laker" come into the Duluth Harbor via the Lift Bridge.

Every stop was a new adventure to be had and new memories to make.  The North Shore will always hold a special place in my heart. 

Where do you go for experiences like this with your family?

ReelCamo Girl Prostaff Tara Hokuf
@thokufoutdoors  #earnyourwild