Pebble Beach is in the heart of Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. It's gorgeous! Walking down the…read morebeach, you will scramble up some rocks right into the iconic Lighthouse view. The beach itself is gorgeous. It does it crowded in the Summer but going in the Spring or Fall works too. I enjoy stopping by for pictures. It's really pretty!

This place is always on our stopping list when we're up north…read more The falls being easily accessible are also a great place to put your feet in the water and throw rocks. The visitor center is also very nice and well equipped with the extra bonus of ice cream treats!

Because this state park has a rest area, the admission is free. You only need to pay entry if…read moreyou're going to the campground or driving down to the Lakeshore. You can see the Falls and hike the upper areas for free. Friendly staff, small nature, center, restrooms, vending. Ample free parking. The fall cells are pretty cool. It was fairly busy so there were a lot of people around. If you walk to the other side of the highway and hike up there, there are far fewer people.

Cart-in campsites are normally great and well taken care of, especially campsite H…read more We scooped up a campsite(H) and reserved it early on. We get to the site after pushing a full cart(with a messed up wheel) to find a dozen fallen trees that haven't been clean up, and a bunch of dry old rotting brush on the site, and the fire pit is needing to be cleaned out(its full) Site needs maintenance, bad, was really looking forward to our stay, and now just kinda disappointed.

Tettegouche State Park yes what a worthwhile place to come for a visit! Tettegouche is located…read morealong North Shore Scenic Drive running up and down the Minnesota coast. For me...the star attraction is the hike to HIGH FALLS!!! You can never have enough waterfalls and these High Falls were fantastic! I highly recommend everyone make the trek to High Falls and take some time to appreciate the beautiful backdrop. First off, Tettegouche SP is sort of a hidden little park. When I arrived here, the parking lot was small and it appeared that I fortunately got the last available spot. I visited back in June around 9am and the park and trailhead had filled up. I read at the entrance sign that the trail to High Falls was 1.5 miles each way taking roughly 2 hours. I was able to arrive at High Falls in a little over 1 hour each way with a quick pace. I found the hike to be relatively difficult especially starting out and towards the end. Leaving the trailhead I did have to climb up and over some rocks and cliff areas that I wasn't expecting to be so rugged. I'd say the elevation along the way was pretty elevated at times. When you do arrive near High Falls, there's a sign that states you have to step down 83 stairs to the base. But not to fret...it's all worth it. Upon making it to High Falls, I found the setting to be spectacular! It was a sunny, brisk and pleasant morning for the start of summer. Also, there was zero wind. I was able to climb on the rocks for some great looking photos of this 63 foot tall waterfall along the banks of the Baptism River. High Falls splashed down the cliffside and is sort of divided, making the appearance you're gazing out upon two unique looking waterfalls. Really, in total, it was a beautiful scene. If you don't mind taking your shoes off you can certainly step onto the waters for closer views up to High Falls. You can cross the river for different perspectives. I was really impressed with the surroundings at High Falls. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and as I always point out...I got fortunate with the sun being at my back and allowing for picturesque photo opportunities. On the side next to the trail you can climb safely up to the falls. For me, I was content getting a panoramic view from the riverside area. I simply took a seat on the rocks and had High Falls in plain clear sight for one grand magical moment. I hung out for 45 minutes. Eventually it filled up with hikers. For the time I was there though, I was appreciative for looking at such a pretty waterfall. Also at these High Falls, there was a sign for the Two Step Falls Access. I tried to decipher where this access lead towards but unfortunately I never discovered anything worthwhile. For those wanting more out of their time here you can connect to the Superior Hiking Trail. There were signs for it. Another worthwhile spot was Shovel Point. According to the entrance sign, if you follow the cliff line trail to Shovel Point, you're afforded views of the world's largest freshwater lake. Finally, you can also hike to Tettegouche Camp where you can reserve a cabin in advance and stay overnight in nature. Or it's mentioned that you can simply picnic in the lodge or canoe Mic Mac Lake. My experience here at Tettegouche State Park was fulfilling. Getting the chance to hike to High Falls for fantastic photo chances was memorable. I left feeling satisfied and grateful for taking a few hours out of my summer morning to visit. I highly recommend stopping here during your travels along North Shore Scenic Drive. I've become a waterfall enthusiast and believe if you make the 1.5 mile trek each way, you will not be disappointed with the sights and surroundings of this 5 star attraction.

A cool little place to stop in at! The rocks aren't as pink as some Instagram reels would lead you…read moreto believe, but there's definitely some color to them.

Also known as "pink beach" this is a unique spot on our drive to the north shore. Right on Gitchi…read moreGami state trail so there is plenty of parking and it is just a short walk to the beach. Like almost all beaches on the north shore, it is rocky and cold but quite a site to see. Although we visited late morning, I've heard sunrise and sunset really being out the colors on the beach. The rocks definitely shift under your feet so be careful as your walking, especially down to the water. Overall a nice rest stop on your journey up north. Visit it along with black beach a bit further up the shore and

Agate Bay Beach sits beside the waterfront town of Two Harbors, Minnesota…read more First off, the town of Two Harbors, MN is a worthwhile stop to make while driving along the popular 150-mile North Shore Scenic Drive up the northeastern part of Minnesota's coast. Here at Agate Bay, you can pause to appreciate the setting viewing onto the endless waters of Lake Superior. The big highlight is walking on a cement pathway that extends out to a remote lighthouse observation point. This pedestrian strip only takes 10 minutes to walk, but it affords you a picturesque overlook into the wide-open appearance of Lake Superior. You can breathe in the fresh air while making the stroll over to the lighthouse and ultimately, coming to Agate Bay allows for a casual rest from driving, if you're not in any hurry. While visiting back in early June, there were a couple of cars parked in the lot and just a few tourists checking out this cool little beachfront. Generally, it was quiet and not nearly as congested as I had anticipated it to be for peak summer visitations. The historic lighthouse at the end of the beach pier is a rewarding opportunity for a picture with Lake Superior in the background. Lol, it made me ponder...how many of the 5 Great Lakes had I been to??? But overall, it's a pleasant moment outside. And definitely, making the journey on North Shore Scenic Drive is the epitome of enjoying nature, with loads of beautiful state parks and gushing waterfalls. Lastly, located just before the walking pier, they have a few picnic tables set up which is a nice chance to enjoy lunch with a view. From here at Agate Bay, I'd suggest grabbing dessert 3 miles away at Betty's Pies before spending time at fantastic MUST DO - Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Located in the harbor near the Two Harbors lighthouse, Agate Bay Beach has a large parking lot and…read morea public boat ramp with dedicated parking for vehicles with trailers. There are also a lot of portable restrooms, I assume because there are regular festivals and other events here. None of that was today and it was quite peaceful. I sat here for a while hoping the wind would drop down but it didn't. So I braved up and walked out on the breakwater as far as I could to get close to the Two Harbors Light House on the breakwater. Thankfully, there's a railing and I know how to swim and there were a bunch of people over there on the beach watching Mister Stupid. So I'd probably have been okay if I took a tumble. The things I do for a picture! Once I returned to safe ground, I watched the Radcliffe R. Latimer (Sault Ste. Marie) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radcliffe_R._Latimer back out and set sail for points unknown. Very cool to watch. [Review 17892 overall - 112 in Minnesota - 1413 of 2022.]

We hiked the Lakeshore Trail from the Meyers Beach parking lot. (National Park Service. $5 parking…read morefee; $2.50 if you have a Senior Pass or Access Pass. May, 2023). As noted by others, this is a launch point for kayaks to launch for views of the sea caves and cliffs. We were at this location twice in late May, 2023, and national park Rangers were there on both days (Wednesday, Friday) ensuring that kayakers were prepared for the rough and cold waters, and to provide guidance to hikers. There are clean vault toilets at the location. Regarding the Lakeshore Hike, we did about 2.2 miles of the hike, returning on the same trail to make it about 4.4 miles roundtrip. The trail continues to a campground site (I believe NPS reservations are required) but we didn't go that far. The first 1.8 miles are largely inland, without views of Lake Superior. Of this segment, the first 0.7 miles are almost completely on a double plank boardwalk that goes over swampy land in parts. It requires some stepping up and down on planks, following terrain changes. After you cross a service road at 0.7 miles, the trail alternates between plank boards and regular trails. As you approach the crevasse at 1.8 miles, there are quite a few ascents and descents wherein you go down to a stream-bed and then back up. Some of these are steep but have logs to help with footing. The stream crossings all had sturdy boards or bridges to cross. At 1.8 miles, you reach the crevasse area with views of Lake Superior. Take a look on both sides to see sea caves and the deep crevasse. There are benches here too so it made a great lunch spot. Be careful not to get too close to the edges. It's a long way down! Beyond the crevasse, walk another 0.4 miles to the "basin". This stretch is relatively easy (flat) walking with spectacular views. My husband, who has been hiking in the Himalayas recently, found the entire trail to be easy. For me, I'd characterize it as moderately challenging. On the positive side, there is very little elevation change, so I wasn't huffing and puffing. However, I have balance issues, so I didn't particularly like the footing for the ascents/descents to the stream beds nor all of the roots on the trail. Some of the steps up and down, even on the boardwalk, were also a bit too high for my short legs! Having walked with hiking poles and an occasional hand from my husband helped. Finally, remember bug spray. The mosquitoes are active. 4-star rating overall instead of 5 due to distance required to walk to get views of the sea caves and mosquitoes. 5 stars for the Park Service.

You have to come check out the sea caves on the shoreline of Lake Superior. Meyers beach is the…read morelaunching point for kayaks. It's also the location for the hiking trail. The views from the water are beautiful! I highly recommend the water instead of the walking trail. There are multiple vendors you can rent kayaks and wet suits from. You can even take a guided tour. We personally, have our own kayaks and decided to do our own trip. The DNR do sit at the beach and give you the whole spiel on safety and risks. It is recommended to use sea kayaks due to the rough waters of Lake Superior. We have used normal lake kayaks and used good judgement on the water/ weather conditions. Both times were just fine on the normal kayaks. Just be careful. The waters are freezing all year-round and if you do go overboard near the caves there's no good spot to pull off. Check out my pics of the stunning caves!

A beautiful state park! The campground and trails are incredible and very well maintained…read more We stayed at site 55 in the lower campground. A great site and fairly secluded considering it was in the middle of the campground. They have beautiful sites that sit right at the shoreline of Lake Superior but the downfall to that is your right next to the public picnic area. So scenic view, yes, but can get quite busy around your site. The lower campground only has pit toilets but the upper campground is about a 8-10 minute walk where they have beautiful bathrooms! If you're camping in the lower campground, the turn into the park is BEFORE you get to the main entrance. It took us a bit to figure out how to get to our site. But now we know! One thing that surprised me was how quiet the campground was. The moment it hit 9:30/9:45pm it was SILENT. A high level of respect for the "quiet hours" but I will say highway 61 is very close to the sites so you will hear highway noise all day and night. It never bothered us but worth the mention if you're a light sleeper.

Spending time along the north shore is always a joy. It's a hike to get to from the cities, but the…read moredrive is worth it. I appreciate the camping location off the highway but a quick walk to the lake from the campgrounds. Listening to the waves crash from the campsite is such a calm and relaxing experience. It is a little strange to have parking outside of the actual park for people to visit the two sections on either side of the river. A little inconvenient if you're in the park and want to walk over that way, in my opinion. This is one difficult locations to book for camping if you're looking for a weekend. There is no dump station at this park, so we usually have to drive about 40 min to another park with one.

Visit for the Sea Caves! We spent 4 days in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - 3 days of…read morecamping on Sand Island and a full day touring the surrounding area. Skip Madeline Island if your schedule is tight. Highlights: Sea Caves - my favorites were the northeastern edge of Sand Island (next to Justice Bay). They are so breathtakingly beautiful, especially in sunrise or sunset lighting. Since we took our boat, we were able to get up close to see all the spectacular details. If you don't have a boat, rent kayaks and a tour guide to get up close views. Grand Tour - we drove to Bayfield to ride a large catamaran boat for a 3 hour tour of the Apostle Islands. Visitor Centers - they were full of interesting info and has some fun merch for souvenirs. Many people rave about their experience visiting Madeline Island (the largest island) which isn't actually a part of the National Lakeshore, but we found it rather outdated and boring and left on the very next ferry.

Great area with some beautiful scenery. We stopped at 2 mainland visitor centers for about 30…read moreminutes each and learned a bit about the islands. The Little Sand Lake visitor center we could have actually spent more time if we'd had the luxury but we had an appointment to keep. I could see spending about an hour there. I recommend visiting both centers and taking a ferry/tour of the islands. If you want to do it all give yourself 3+ days. Otherwise you could probably hit the highlights in 1.5 days.

Relaxing. Great views. I would stay again. Bring your own pillows. There were not many bugs,…read morebeing June.

We really enjoyed our stay at Bluefin Bay! Waking up to the sunrise over the water was such a…read morehighlight, and the beach was beautiful. The nightly s'mores were a fun touch, and the pool and hot tub were relaxing, with a pretty walkway leading to them. Our room was comfortable, with cozy beds and extra bedding, which we appreciated. We loved that the main lodge had hot coffee and ice water available - as well as games and loves to check out! That said, the exterior is starting to show some age, with weeds throughout the grounds and overgrown bushes making the sidewalks feel crowded. A window on our room was broken and the indoor pool was out of commission. While the activities are a great perk, one was full before I could attend, and the yoga class I signed up for didn't have an instructor show up. Overall though, it was a relaxing and enjoyable stay and I'd happily come back again!

Hidden gem on the South Shore of Superior! Located just out of Port Wing on Big Pete Road, you can…read morehave the best of both worlds: clean unpopulated beach on Lake Superior AND a beautiful boreal forest! Park along Big Pete Road or walk in...you won't regret it!