The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a 1,300-mile tour along the edge of Lake Superior that takes riders through Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Canada. You can find approximately 160 miles of the Lake Superior Circle Tour in Minnesota, exploring the lake’s western edge. The area offers attractions at local, state, and national parks, lake-front dining, hiking, birding, photography lookouts, lighthouses, and more.
The Route for the Lake Superior Circle Tour in Minnesota
Whether you start the Minnesota leg of the Lake Superior Circle Tour at the Canadian border in the north or from Wisconsin in the south, it’s practically a straight shot along the water’s edge on MN-61 (Voyageur Highway). The route offers detours on old scenic highways like Old Highway 61 (Scenic Drive).
The route enters Canada at the Pigeon River International Bridge at the north end. To the south, you can get on I-535 in Duluth and cross into Wisconsin over the John A. Blatnik Memorial Bridge. Riding straight through, the trip can take between three to four hours, with slow traffic through several small lakefront towns along the way.
Where To Stop and See the Sights
Stop at the Grand Portage State Park just south of the border to see the tallest waterfall in Minnesota, at 120 feet tall. Visit the Grand Portage National Monument to hike the trail, visit the fur trading post museum, and get more information at the Heritage Visitors Center.
Stop in Lutsen at the Cascade River State Park for hiking and photo opportunities at the falls. The park offers several trails with campsites if you want to overnight on your ride. Lutsen also has several resorts and the North Shore Winery if you wish to enjoy a more comfortable stay than roughing it in the woods.
In Schroeder, you can see several smaller waterfalls from the road, as well as Taconite Harbor. Heading further south, stop at Tettegouche State Park to see waterfalls, hike trails, and more view spots around the Baptism River in Silver Bay.
When you get to Duluth, don’t miss seeing the Glensheen Mansion and its 39 rooms with original furnishings. The museum decorates for major holidays and offers an app-guided tour of the home and grounds.
Grub and Go
Starting in Duluth and heading north on the Lake Superior Circle Tour in Minnesota, get on the road early with a stop at the New London Café for breakfast or the Duluth Grill for brunch. If you’re arriving in town later, stop at Sammy’s Pizza & Restaurant for a slice.
If you’re driving through Two Harbors around lunchtime, don’t miss a visit to the Madeira Bistro for sandwiches, salads, bowls, and other healthy options packed with flavor. If you’re looking for traditional Americana, stop at the Rustic Inn Café for homestyle cooking including burgers, fried seafood, meatloaf, and several kinds of homemade pies.
In Tofte, stop at the Coho Café & Bakery for American bistro favorites, including soup, salad, burgers, brunch favorites, and baked goods. For waterfront dining, visit the Bluefin Grille for seafood, salads, soups, and drinks.
When you stop for a hike in Lutsen, don’t miss grabbing a bite at the Cascade Restaurant & Pub for sandwiches, burgers, fish, seafood, and desserts.
Contact Law Tigers for Motorcycle Accidents in Minnesota
Be safe as you enjoy the sights and attractions along the Lake Superior Circle Tour in Minnesota. If you suffer injuries in a Minnesota motorcycle accident or lose a loved one in a motorcycle accident, contact Law Tigers. We’re attorneys who ride and represent bikers across the country. Call us at 1-888-863-7216 for a free case evaluation. Also, remember to never leave home without your free rider benefit kit.
