Makinen, Minnesota

The AdventureThe work is done. According to The Photographer’s Ephemeris (app.photoephemeris.com) the sun will rise at 7:11 AM. You grab your gear, a hot beverage, and set out for the open road. Scenic 61 follows the shore of Lake Superior all the way from Duluth to Two Harbors, MN. The drive up ...

Chester Creek is a prime example of how Duluth, MN values the many green spaces within its borders. The trailhead to Chester Creek is easy to find. Right on the corner of 14th ave east and 4th st, across from Burrito Union.  For those of you without another form of transportation, there is a bus ...

The Gitchi-Gami is a paved bike path that will eventually extend from Two Harbors to Grand Marais. As it currently stands (2015), there's a really great segment that starts in Gooseberry Falls State Park and runs all the way to the town of Beaver Bay (total of 16 miles one way). I chose to do a ...

Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you hit traveling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Located 13 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park a quick turn off of the highway which is very well marked with signs. Follow signs for Falls parking. Beg...

Gooseberry Falls State Park is the first State Park you hit traveling up the North Shore after leaving Duluth. Located 13 miles north of Two Harbors on Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park a quick turn off of the highway which is very well marked with signs. Follow signs for Falls parking. Yo...

Although there are dozens of ways to do this trip and I encourage you to explore, I suggest one hike that I think does a good job of introducing this areas to new visitors. If you are planning on snowshoeing like I suggest, try to get a day with a good amount of fresh snow (6+ inches). Packed sno...

Quick and easy parking right on the north side of the northern break wall. It could be a few hundred foot walk if you want to walk out the entirety of the break wall.  

Thompson Beach is a Minnesota DNR public access beach. Camping is an excellent option, but they ask that you limit it to one night. Camping access is by paddle-in only. There are two easy places to launch your boat from, one from the north Twin Points Protected Access. From there it is about a mi...

Brewer park loop is located in West Duluth just above Skyline Parkway. The hike is a part of the Superior Hiking Trail that also has many mountain biking routes nearby and also intersecting the hiking route. The hike is well marked and easy to follow.  From 40th avenue West/Haines Road there's a...

Beginning at the Split Rock Wayside rest stop, start your hike up the Spur Trail. About half a mile in, the Spur Trail will junction with the Superior Hiking Trail. The trail gradually ascends along the west side of the Split Rock River. Within the first mile, you will cross over a small bridg...

On November 28, 1905, a violent storm hit Split Rock Point on the North Shore of Lake Superior. While large storms aren't unusual at Split Rock, this particular storm resulted in the destruction of twenty-nine ships on the lake in a single day, prompting the construction of Split Rock Lighthouse....

Biking along Superior Bay, you can experience the beautiful foliage during all of northern Minnesota and Wisconsin's seasons. It's the perfect way to get the Twin Ports experience: harbor views, train tracks, forests of birch trees, glimpses of Lake Superior and beyond.This bike trail is primaril...

This is a moderate trail, that gets a bit steep at times.  Great views of the lake and has lots of spots to stop for a quick snack.  Trail is well maintained, and there is a fun waterfall, which is great to splash around in.   The trailhead is super close to Ely, MN and has bathrooms.   Make sure...

Superior Hiking Trail: Bean and Bear Lake Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Silver Bay, Minnesota.

Leave from the carpark on Superior Hiking Trail. The trail climbs a little before descending into a valley and winding around the hills. In about 2.5 miles, you will reach a clearing with an overlook above Bean Lake. At around 3.6 miles you will see a communal campsite on the right, with a number...

Getting to the parking lot:From Highway 61, turn onto MN-1 and continue for just over 4 miles. Then turn left onto Lax Lake Road. The parking lot will be on your left after about 3 miles. You will see a sign with park maps/information. The Hike:From the parking lot, follow the gravel service roa...