Many Minnesotans take flight each fall and drive the North Shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to escape the city or mark the passage of yet another year. Many call it " leafing" and the fall foliage is spectacular, but it is also a drive through the history and underpinnings of both the state of Minnesota and in some ways, the US too. The Fall colors are just now peaking (mid-October,) so my photos from late Sept. just begin to show the N. Shore's colors.... my goal here is to be a "pathfinder," using this web medium to connect you to some NShore resources, and point out some other things to look for besides the deep red maples, cool green cedars, and dazzling yellow birches.
If you survive the high-speed traffic and casinos going up I35, start your tour in Duluth. If you have the time, spend a half day on the waterfront: watch the lift bridge rise and an immense ore boat pass just a few feet away; tour the "Irvin," even plan a lunch cruise on a harbor boat.
Since the completion of Scenic Highway 61 out of Duluth in the 30's it was instantly the chic and trendy thing to do. Resorts and hotels flourished, restaurants from little pie shops to great gourmet lodges sprang up.
Coming out of Duluth, make sure you DON'T take the Two Harbors Expressway! Take the "old road" (Grandma's Marathon?)where you can still find the old resorts or pull off to search a rocky beach for agates.
Besides all the touristy, trendy, luxury of the North Shore Resorts, don't miss the real flavor and history of the area. There are still a few Minnesotans making a living as commercial fishermen, harvesting the smelt, whitefish, salmon, and trout from the lake. Try some famous maple syrup smoked salmon or trout - I never miss stopping at Mel's! Across the street, try Emily's place for great homemade soups and mile-high sandwiches.
Like I said, history. I Love Two Harbors because it tells the story of the American Industrial Era all in one place. Mining, shipping, transportation, lumber, you name it. We were lucky to drive in just as this steam train was making a run through the station.
I'm also impressed with the size of things around the "big lake." Did you know that if they "pulled the drain plug" on Lake Superior, it would flood the entire US?
The gigantic Fresnel (made in Paris) lens of the light weighs tons and yet floats effortlessly on a pool of mercury, still turning with precision to this day on its pendulum clock mechanism. Don't you wish computers lasted this long?
And then there's the scenery. Hwy 61 bisects countless rivers, creeks, streams all making their way to Superior. Simply roll down your window for gorgeous waterfalls, pristine sunrises, and endless hillsides of multicolored trees. These two photos show both the view and the vantage point from where I just lifted my camera to see the beautiful Beaver River Falls.
