North Shore Drive travel guide

North Shore Drive travel guide

National Airports

There are several national airports located within driving distance of North Shore Drive:

Duluth International Airport (DLH): Duluth International Airport is located approximately 15 miles southwest of downtown Duluth, which is the gateway to the North Shore Drive. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, United, and American, with direct flights to major cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, and Denver.

Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP): Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is located approximately 150 miles south of North Shore Drive. The airport is a major hub for Delta Airlines, with direct flights to destinations throughout the United States and the world.

Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT): Thunder Bay International Airport is located approximately 100 miles north of Grand Marais, one of the major towns on North Shore Drive. The airport is served by several regional airlines, with direct flights to Toronto, Winnipeg, and other cities in Canada.

Sawyer International Airport (MQT): Sawyer International Airport is located approximately 150 miles east of Grand Marais. The airport is served by several regional airlines, with direct flights to Chicago, Minneapolis, and Detroit.

Overall, Duluth International Airport is the closest airport to North Shore Drive, with easy access to major highways and the gateway to the area. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is a larger airport with more flight options, but it is further away from North Shore Drive.

Trains in North Shore Drive

There are no train services that run directly through North Shore Drive. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Duluth, approximately 30 minutes south of Two Harbors, one of the towns located along North Shore Drive. The Amtrak Empire Builder line serves the Duluth station, which runs between Chicago and Seattle/Portland.

From Duluth, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to North Shore Drive. The drive from Duluth to Two Harbors takes approximately 30 minutes, and the drive to other towns such as Grand Marais and Lutsen can take several hours depending on the location.

While there is no train service directly to North Shore Drive, the scenic drive itself offers stunning views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forests, making it a popular destination for road trips and leisurely drives.

Buses in North Shore Drive

There are several bus companies that offer transportation services to North Shore Drive:

Jefferson Lines: Jefferson Lines offers daily bus service from Duluth to Two Harbors, Grand Marais, and other towns along North Shore Drive. The company offers comfortable, air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms.

Arrowhead Transit: Arrowhead Transit offers bus service to many towns along North Shore Drive, including Grand Marais, Lutsen, and Tofte. The company provides transportation for both residents and visitors, with options for single trips or ongoing service.

North Shore Scenic Drive: North Shore Scenic Drive is a sightseeing tour company that offers bus tours along North Shore Drive. The company’s tours depart from Duluth and cover many popular destinations such as Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls State Park.

While bus services are available to North Shore Drive, it is important to note that they may not be as frequent as in larger cities. Visitors should check schedules in advance and plan accordingly. Additionally, renting a car is often the most convenient way to get around North Shore Drive, as it allows for more flexibility and the ability to explore at one’s own pace.

How to get to North Shore Drive

North Shore Drive is located along the northeastern coast of Minnesota and stretches along Lake Superior from Duluth to the Canadian border. Here are some options for getting to North Shore Drive:

Car: The most popular way to get to North Shore Drive is by car. Visitors can drive along Highway 61, which runs parallel to the lake and connects Duluth to Grand Portage. The drive from Duluth to Grand Portage takes approximately 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way. Car rental options are available in Duluth.

Bus: As mentioned earlier, Jefferson Lines and Arrowhead Transit offer bus services to various towns along North Shore Drive. Visitors can take a bus to Duluth and then connect to North Shore Drive from there.

Air: Duluth International Airport is the closest airport to North Shore Drive. Visitors can fly into Duluth and rent a car or take a shuttle service to North Shore Drive. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is another option, but it is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from North Shore Drive.

Train: As mentioned earlier, there are no train services that run directly through North Shore Drive. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Duluth, where visitors can rent a car or take a bus to North Shore Drive.

Overall, driving a car is the most popular and convenient way to get to North Shore Drive, as it allows for more flexibility and the ability to stop at various destinations along the way.

What is the best time to travel to North Shore Drive

The best time to travel to North Shore Drive largely depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Here are some things to consider:

Weather: North Shore Drive experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year. Summers are generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging in the 60s to 70s (Fahrenheit). This is a popular time to visit for hiking, camping, and water activities. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop for scenic drives and outdoor activities. Winters can be quite cold and snowy, but the area is popular for winter sports such as skiing and snowmobiling.

Crowds: North Shore Drive is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer months. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or winter.

Activities: The best time to travel to North Shore Drive also depends on the types of activities you want to do. Summer is a great time for water activities like swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Fall is popular for hiking and scenic drives, as well as events like the annual North Shore Waterfall Festival. Winter is the time for winter sports like skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling.

Overall, the best time to travel to North Shore Drive is largely dependent on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do. Regardless of the season, North Shore Drive offers beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.

How to get around North Shore Drive

The best way to get around North Shore Drive is by car, as public transportation options are limited. Visitors can rent a car in Duluth or in other towns along the drive. There are also several shuttle services that offer transportation along the drive, which can be a convenient option for those who prefer not to drive.

Biking is another popular way to explore North Shore Drive, especially during the summer months. There are several bike rental options available, and visitors can enjoy scenic bike trails and routes throughout the area.

During the winter months, snowmobiling is a popular mode of transportation, and visitors can rent snowmobiles or join guided tours.

There are also several hiking trails and walking paths throughout North Shore Drive that allow visitors to explore the area on foot. Some popular trails include the Superior Hiking Trail, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and Gooseberry Falls State Park.

Overall, the best way to get around North Shore Drive largely depends on your preferred mode of transportation and the activities you want to do. Regardless of how you choose to explore the area, North Shore Drive offers stunning scenery and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

Accommodations in North Shore Drive

North Shore Drive offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, ranging from luxurious resorts to rustic cabins. Some popular options include:

Resorts: North Shore Drive is home to several upscale resorts that offer stunning views and top-notch amenities, including spas, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Some popular options include Lutsen Resort, Bluefin Bay Resort, and Grand Superior Lodge.

Hotels: There are also several hotels and motels along North Shore Drive, ranging from budget-friendly options to more upscale accommodations. Some popular options include AmericInn, Cove Point Lodge, and Surfside on Lake Superior.

Cabins: For a more rustic experience, there are several cabin rental options throughout North Shore Drive. These cabins range in size and amenities, from small one-room cabins to larger multi-bedroom homes. Some popular options include Cascade Vacation Rentals, Chateau LeVeaux, and Larsmont Cottages.

Camping: For those who prefer to camp, there are several campgrounds and RV parks along North Shore Drive. Some popular options include Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, and Temperance River State Park.

Overall, North Shore Drive offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. It’s recommended to book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak summer season.