North Shore Scenic Drive
Visitor Services

The North Shore Scenic Drive is well equipped with facilities for travelers. Conventional tour buses can be accommodated along the route. There are many facilities in Duluth and Two Harbors that also accommodate tour bus parking.

In addition, many of the waysides along the North Shore Scenic Drive could accommodate a tour bus stopping and allowing the passengers to take in the scenic views. There are accommodations and amenities all the way to and including Grand Portage that are suitable for motorcoach tours.

There are also numerous marinas for people to house their boats along the North Shore Scenic Drive, for those inclined to go boating.

Service Description Service Description
Fees

Fees

There are no fees along the byway itself. Charges may apply at various points of interest.

Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

The byway has sidewalks and six and/or eight-foot shoulders in places along the route which provide safe biking and pedestrian opportunities. Most pedestrian traffic concentrates around the various... More information on Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities
Camping

Camping

Visitors will find several places to camp along the North Shore. Among the most popular are: * Gooseberry Falls State Park * Split Rock Lighthouse State Park * Tettegouche State Park near... More information on Camping
Food

Food

From cafes to fine dining to fast-food, visitors should be able to find any cuisine to suit their fancy on the North Shore.

Gasoline

Gasoline

Gasoline is available.

Information

Information

Visitors will find information on many individual sites, at visitor centers, and on informational kiosks along the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Lodging

Lodging

Visitors will find hotels, bed & breakfasts, and every other kind of accommodation along the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Phone

Phone

Public phones are available along this byway.

Restrooms

Restrooms

There are toilet facilities along this byway.

Retail

Retail

Gift shops and boutiques offer visitors a memory or two that they can take with them when their tour of the North Shore is complete.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

As of January 1, 2007, a passport is required for identification purposes to cross the border into the United States.

The weather along the shore can be quite cool at times, so a jacket is recommended. Each town along the byway offers plenty of visitor services, including gasoline and lodging.

Also, the North Shore Scenic Drive is a highly traveled paved route that serves as a primary north/south corridor for both commercial and tourist traffic. There are twelve pull-offs along the route where a vehicle can safely park and the occupants can explore the lakeshore.

Restrictions

The North Shore Scenic Drive can be traveled year-round with little trouble due to weather. There are times in the winter when there is heavy snowfall. However, due to the homes and businesses along the route, the plowing of this road is a priority. All of the route segments along the North Shore Scenic Drive safely accommodate two-wheel drive automobiles with standard clearances. There is minimal conflict with commercial vehicles along the route due to the presence of the expressway between Duluth and Two Harbors.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

Late spring through late fall are the best times to drive the byway, as winter weather can be unpredictable. However, each season offers a unique experience along the route.

High Season

Summer months (May-August) are the busiest along the North Shore.

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along North Shore Scenic Drive, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.
Minnesota