Duluth is the last stop before you loose any sight of Lake Superior. North Shore Drive begins in Duluth and travels all the way north till you reach the border of Minnesota. The road travels along Lake Superior all the way and is…Read More

Duluth is the last stop before you loose any sight of Lake Superior. North Shore Drive begins in Duluth and travels all the way north till you reach the border of Minnesota. The road travels along Lake Superior all the way and is a beautiful sight to see.

Once you leave the Duluth area you can plan on not seeing another big town till you get to Thunder Bay Canada. All that is along the North Shore are small towns with camping, skiing, fishing, waterfalls, and other out door activities. There area several state parks right off the road and each one offers something different.

The scenery is unbelievable through this area and there is always something new to see. I would compare it to driving from Miami to Key West in that there is so much to see and every thing you see is gorgeous (of course these are two total different sceneries, but still the same concept) I really enjoyed how blue the water was and how green everything that surrounded it was.
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Unless you’re ready to die…you’re not ready to LIVE!!! "Did you learn a lesson?" My husband asked as I finished telling him of the recent UNPLANNED trip to Duluth, MN and the North Shore. Most people who know me realize that traveling to Duluth is…Read More

Unless you’re ready to die…you’re not ready to LIVE!!!

"Did you learn a lesson?" My husband asked as I finished telling him of the recent UNPLANNED trip to Duluth, MN and the North Shore. Most people who know me realize that traveling to Duluth is something that I do at least 3 or maybe 4 times a year. I am the ‘Duluth is my hometown’ wannabe! Even though I didn’t grow up in Duluth, it still feels like home.

Well, usually it’s a well thought out little trip. And, I just can’t believe the amount of Minnesota folk who have not even been to this gem part of the state! Being informed that my husband would be in an all weekend golf tournament, a summer weekend completely wide open, the kids and I hit 35N with just the wind at our backs. My bags and camping gear are usually packed and my general thinking was that we could easily get a campsite if we headed out of the cities early enough to beat the traffic. Just as we’re ready to leave, my 12 year old runs home from his construction of the tree fort job. His left index finger was swelling two times the normal size. He had missed the nail. He insisted that we still go but only after he saw the deer in the headlight look from me with the thought of not going!

We were making great timing until we drove past Glensheen. This beautiful manor, just on the outskirts of Duluth, MN is nestled amongst the towering trees with Superior waves crashing in site on the shore. The fog rising on the lake and the misty drizzle sent chills up my spine. I’m not sure why, but I pulled into the parking lot. While the campsite was calling us, we needed a break. 20 something dollars later, and before I knew it, we were in the front door of the Congdon mansion and on the tour. Now, there is a history on this family, but I hadn’t filled the kids in on the complete story. Even though I have been on the tour numerous times, the kids were eager to go.

2 ½ hours later we were heading north on the scenic route. We arrived at the first MN. State Park around 3pm on a Friday afternoon. The sign read CAMPGROUND FULL. Well, it’s early enough; we can get into the next one up the road. We found out soon enough that all of the campgrounds public and private were completely booked. My 12 and 10 year old were so excited to be there. While we had all of the necessities such as water, food and a tent, each little nook and cranny hotel/motel was FULL! Almost simultaneously, they both said, "Lets just find a field and camp there." With a one second thought and a quick turn, we drove about a mile inland from Lake Superior and onto a backwoods road. I cringed at the thought of what my husband would be thinking when his idea of camping is the nearest 5 star hotel.

Upon arrival, a beautiful doe greeted us. She ignored us as we quietly drove past her. We promptly set up camp as the flicker of raindrops danced on the stream that flowed in front of us. After a good soaking, the rain stopped. My son, despite his swollen finger carried big stream rocks to make the fire ring. While looking for fire wood, my daughter becomes embedded in what she calls quicksand. She quickly sinks about 2 feet into the muddy sand and says good-bye to yet another pair of summer sandals. This being her third pair.

I cringed thinking of my husband if he knew we were in bear country and other critters territory. I was getting no cell phone signal so there was no ‘checking in on your call’. My son comes walking out of the woods with a pair of thongs at the end of his walking stick. "Mom, look what I found!" as he gives me a sideways grin. He throws them in the fire and is on his way to more exploring. Dinner was hot dogs and brown beans. The sun slowly sets on the west peering through the white birch trees casting a shadow over our claimed campsite. As the fire crackles and snaps. We were full, cozy and comfortable. For once in what seemed to be a long time, the two of them brother and sister are talking about life, who they like and silly stories that make them laugh until they almost fall of their fold up camping chair. But, only for a minute when my son whispers in my ear, "Mom, I just saw a man walk by down by the road we turned in on!" Now he can be a practical joker, but this time I knew he was speaking the truth.

With that thought, the adrenaline kicked into high gear. With the thought of a stranger amongst our campsite. We promptly put out the fire. After paying way to much for what I thought was the last room available in a town just shy of pop. 200, we slept fitfully in possibly the worst rented room I have ever slept in. With the first hint of morning light we were promptly back at the campsite with breakfast cooked and off to visit and play at the state parks.

We explored the towering cliffs and jagged rocks were and thunderous water falls. My son’s finger continued to get worse. So, after dinner, we agreed to pack up and head to Duluth after a perfect 24 hours! Just when I thought things couldn’t be any better (not worse), the two of them gave me one of the greatest compliments a mom can receive. From my son…"Mom, this is what I really love about you. You always make the best of any situation, even when things are bad. You always see the good." And this from my daughter…. Mom, I really like your cooking, but when we’re camping, it’s the best!" While I sat there and took in the moment, we had just had the most beautiful Minnesota summer day. Something we Midwesterners dream about all winter long while old man winter is bearing down on us.

Then, just like that, we were heading south. Back to reality.

So, did I learn a lesson? Well, I guess that just depends on the eye of the beholder.

Situated right by Lake Superior, Duluth has a lot to offer. Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and small towns are just some of what Duluth offers. Nearby Two Harbors offers a cliffside road with many parks on the side with amazing views of Lake Superior. Some…Read More

Situated right by Lake Superior, Duluth has a lot to offer. Sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and small towns are just some of what Duluth offers. Nearby Two Harbors offers a cliffside road with many parks on the side with amazing views of Lake Superior. Some trails go down to beaches or go to hilltops. Lake Superior also has great food. There are a lot of local restaurants with interesting new foods. Hotels here are moderately priced, from lower priced ones (Vikings hotel/inn) to the many Bed and Breakfasts that run anywhere from $100 to $400 a night.

Some attractions are:

Split Rock Light House

Shovel Rock

The Great Lakes Aquarium (my personal favorite)

Superior national Forest

Aerial lift Bridge

...and many more