Minnesota is a diverse state. From the prairies in the south to the lakes and woods in the north, from the river valleys in the east to the prairies and riverbeds in the west, all the way up the North Shore of Lake Superior, this state has something beautiful and unique to offer.Every summer our family visits the North Shore, which is the area along Lake Superior in northeaster Minnesota. It's a whole different world than the rest of the state.
Sometimes we only make it as far as Duluth, but other years we head all the way up to see Split Rock and even further north to see the breathtaking Gooseberry and Pigeon Falls.
Duluth can be very chilly, even on the warmest days of the year, because of the lake effect. The city sits low in the Lake Superior Basin, so you have to wind your way down the hill to enter it. Often it is twenty degrees cooler at the bottom than at the top. The lake is so large, it feels more like a sea than a lake.
The history of Duluth is vivid and rich and the shipping industry is still thriving to this day. It's a large tourist destination and has great shopping, lodging and attractions.
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| The Canal Bridge raises high above the lake many times a day to let ships in and out of the harbor |
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| The S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum in Duluth Harbor |
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| My hubby and kiddos near Canal Park in downtown Duluth skipping rocks |
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| We were fortunate to see a huge ship come into harbor while we were in Canal Park |
Up the shore about forty miles from Duluth is Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most popular lighthouses on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse is owned and operated by the Minnesota Historical Society and is one of the most visited sites in the state.
Just a little further up the shore is Gooseberry Falls State Park. Another breathtaking stop in Minnesota.
About an hour and a half further up the North Shore from Split Rock is the town of Grand Marais. I simply love this town. It has all the trappings of a seaside village. It's quaint and slow paced and I always love stopping in the little shops along the waterfront. Here are some of my favorite pictures from my last trip there.
If you head even further north you will eventually hit Canada! But right before you do, you will come to Pigeon Falls. A gorgeous place to hike and enjoy the amazing scenery.
What about you? Do you have a favorite place you visit over and over again? What do you think is the most popular historic attraction in your state?
