Going Up to the North Shore of Lake Superior

As we headed to the North Shore of Lake Superior to spend the night, we saw spectacular waterfalls, rapids, and a cliffside lighthouse.

(This was our second day on our trip to explore part of the North Shore in Minnesota and the Apostle Islands.)

Leaving Minneapolis, we stopped at two state parks before reaching the North Shore of Lake Superior.

BANNING STATE PARK

First, we made a quick stop at Banning State Park for a short hike to see the white water rapids.

Overview

We bought a one-day permit for Minnesota State Parks at the ranger station near the park entrance. The permit costs $7 and is valid for all the parks you visit that day. A full-year permit is $35, which can also be bought online. The permit should be displayed in the lower right-hand corner of the windshield on the passenger side.

After visiting the ranger station, we proceeded to the final parking lot along the Kettle River and took a short hike along part of the 1.8-mile Quarry Loop Trail.

This trail allows you to explore the ruins of a quarry that was once in operation, take in scenic river views, and witness the rushing waters of Hell’s Gate Rapids.

Short Hike

We walked down from the last parking area from the park road.

Next, we entered the Quarry Loop Trail.

Built into the bluff were steps we walked down, which were once used by the quarry.

David spotted a blueberry plant, which I’d never seen in the wild.

Then, we strolled around the boulders and explored the rapids. We couldn’t stay long, but it was a worthwhile break.

Final Thoughts

This park is a fun stop off Interstate 35, heading north to Duluth. We only spent a little time here, but you could easily spend a whole day exploring the trails.

Address: 61101 Banning Park Rd, Sandstone, MN 55072

JAY COOKE STATE PARK

Our next destination was Jay Cooke State Park, where the kids could cross a swinging bridge.

Overlook Stop

On the way to the park, you will cross the St. Louis River, and there is a pull-off. This is a stop worth making.

A short trail from the parking area runs alongside the river rapids. You can follow this trail to access the longer Munger State Trail for an extended hike. The Munger State Trail includes a bridge crossing over the rapids.

We strolled to a viewpoint and returned to the car, then headed to the River Inn Visitor Center at Jay Cooke State Park.

Address: MN-210, Carlton, MN 55718

River Inn Visitor Center

First, we stopped at the center to get a map and then headed to the Swinging Bridge. It is well marked from the parking on how to get to it. We had our permit so we just had to display it on the dash and we were off on the hike.

Heading down to the bridge, follow the signs, which show you can go in either direction, with the right one for the handicapped. — *Heading down to the bridge, follow the signs which show you can go in either direction with the right one for the handicapped.*

The hike is 0.60 miles round trip with a 60-foot elevation gain.

Swinging Bridge Area

Crossing the bridge, you can look directly into the rapids.

Video of the falls and rapids

Once across, we went to the right to walk along the boulders and check out the small pools and waterfalls created by the rushing water.

Then, we crossed over the bridge and proceeded to the left of the river, where we found a small beach-like area surrounded by boulders.

Next, we headed back towards the center.

Outside the center was a park ranger with a spinning wheel, where kids could answer questions to win prizes.

*View of the rapids from the swinging bridge.*

Final Thoughts

The children enjoyed strolling along the boulders, exploring the river, and especially crossing the swinging bridge. It was a worthwhile stop for them.

Address: 780 E Hwy 210, Carlton, MN 55718

DRIVING ON

We continued driving on Minnesota Highway 210 and then headed north on Minnesota Highway 23 to reach Interstate 35, which we took to head towards the North Shore. Then we made a brief stop in Duluth for lunch and planned to explore the city more when we stayed overnight the next day.

We took old Highway 61 to gain views of the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Russ Kendall’s Smoke House

Our first stop was a smokehouse where you can buy fresh smoked seafood.

Address: 149 Scenic Dr, Knife River, MN 55609

Betty’s Pies

Then we bought a whole berry pie, which made a delicious dessert for part of the trip. We drove through Two Harbors without stopping, but we will check out this town on the way back.

Address: 2019, 1633 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Tunnels

As we drove up north the kids liked driving through the two tunnels.

One of the tunnels has a pull-off with a lookout.

Sliver Creek Cliff Tunnel Lookout Address : 2009 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616

GOOSEBERRY FALLS STATE PARK

The star of this park is Gooseberry Falls, comprised of basalt rock deposited 1.1 billion years ago from an ancient lava flow. Over time, wind, water, and glaciers carved out this waterfall, which flows down to Lake Superior.

Learning about the falls in the visitor's center. — *Learning about the falls in the visitor’s center.*

From the visitor center to the falls, it is a .85-mile hike with 98 feet of elevation gain. Some visitor centers, such as this one, allow you to park there without a Minnesota permit so make sure to inquire which one does at the center. You usually have to pay a fee to hike at the trailhead in state parks.

*Heading to the falls from the visitor center.*

Waterfalls

The falls are comprised of various sections. The trail to the falls start out paved.

We encountered the middle falls first.

Then we went down a set of stairs to the lower falls.

Make sure to watch the kids in this area, as the rocks can be slippery.

After checking out the lower, we went up some stairs to the upper falls.

You need to go under the highway; the waterfalls are on the other side.

*Cave by the lookout for the upper falls*

Also, by the upper falls is a small cave.

Final Thoughts

The kids enjoyed exploring the various waterfalls, especially enjoying the small cave. Please be cautious around the falls, as the rushing water and large rocks can be slippery. It’s best to view the falls from the paths and not go into them.

Also, check out the Visitor Center, where you can learn about the area and the creation of the falls.

Address: 3206 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616

SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE STATE PARK

The tragic shipwrecks of 1905 led to the need for a lighthouse along Superior’s North Shore. The construction was completed in 1910, and the Split Rock light operated until 1969.

Inside the visitor's center — *Inside the visitor’s center*

Visitor Center

First, we visited the visitor center, which displays a lighthouse light.

Lighthouse

From there, we went to the lighthouse and climbed the 32-step spiral staircase to reach the lantern room. Inside, the original French-built Fresnel lens is still operational, rotating with its original clockwork mechanism.

Lighthouse Keeper’s House

After that, we visited the lighthouse keeper’s home, restored to its 1920s condition. During that time, the light station was only accessible by water. It’s fascinating to see how the lighthouse keeper and his family survived in one of North America’s harshest and most isolated places, with very few visitors and limited fresh supplies.

The Oil House

Explore the building that housed kerosene, the dangerous but crucial oil that fueled the bright-burning lamps. The oil vapor lamps installed at Split Rock were officially visible for 22 miles, though some fishermen claimed to see the beacon from as far away as Grand Marais, more than 60 miles from Split Rock.

Also nearby is the Fog Signal Building, which housed the fog horn to warn of fog, smoke, or snow.

Heading out on this trail you first come to the tramway building — *You head down this trail you first come to the tramway building*

Short Hike

We then returned to the parking lot and took a trail to the south.

This trail is called the Tramway Trail and includes many stairs, but it leads to a lookout point of the lighthouse with the cliffside. This is the view that is often featured on postcards.

There are many stairs-- this is from the bottom--easy to go down-- much more work to go back up. — *There are many stairs– this is from the bottom–easy to go down– much more work to go back up.*

This is a .35-mile hike with 82 feet of elevation gain on a mix of natural surfaces, a boardwalk, and wooden steps.

Admission: The park is part of the Minnesota Historical Society and is separate from the state park system. The Grounds Pass is $8. General Admission, which includes a lighthouse tour, is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, military personnel, and individuals with a student ID, and $8 for children aged 5-17.

Hours: The park is open 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily. Lighthouse Tours vary annually; please check the website for more information.

Address: Split Rock Lighthouse Visitor Center, 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616

BLACK BEACH INN- SILVER BAY

We spent the night in Silver Bay at the Black Beach Inn. The inn offers rooms with lake views, breakfast, and my son’s favorite feature – a large pool with a waterslide. There is also a toddler pool with a small slide.

Address: 150 Mensing Dr, Silver Bay, MN 55614