Most Instagrammable Places Minnesota North Shore Most Instagrammable Places Minnesota North Shore
The Most Instagrammable Places Along
the Minnesota North Shore
Minnesota is such a beautiful state. But nowhere is as scenic or photo worthy as the jaw-dropping North Shore along scenic Minnesota State Highway 61. If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll want to make sure you stop at these insanely “instagrammable” locations.
From waterfalls to towering rocky cliffs, the North Shore will impress and inspire you at every turn.
Get your camera ready and let’s go!
Palisade Head
It’s a short and easy hike to reach this breathtaking lookout point.
Palisade Head is located at milepost 57 in Beaver Bay Township, approximately 54 miles northeast of Duluth and three miles northeast of Silver Bay
High Falls at Tettegouche State Park
A short but scenic hike will lead you straight to High Falls, the most Instagrammable spot at Tettegouche State Park.
But leave plenty of time for exploring because there’s no shortage of amazing photo locations at this park.
Lookout Point at Gunflint Lodge
This lookout point is down along the Gunflint Trail (another Minnesota scenic byway) so it’s a bit of a detour from Highway 61.
But many North Shore road trippers head down the Gunflint Trail as well so it’s making the list!
Tischer Creek Falls at Congdon Park
The phrases “North Shore” and “waterfalls” are synonymous for one another.
And Tischer Falls is one of the first ones you can visit along your route because it’s located in Duluth, a popular starting city for road trips on Highway 61.
Split Rock Lighthouse
One of the most iconic spots along Highway 61, Split Rock Lighthouse, is not only famous to the North Shore but Minnesota in general.
Take a tour, learn about the history and get stunning photos from the beach and the stairs.
Gooseberry Falls
This beloved waterfall is a North Shore favorite and super popular with tourists. Although there are many waterfalls along Highway 61, Gooseberry Falls is probably the best known.
Pellet Island
Lesser known but with fantastic views, this short hike is adventurous because you have scale over large rocks in Lake Superior to arrive at this tiny island.
Read: PELLET ISLAND: A MUST-DO TREK FOR THE ADVENTUROUS MINNESOTAN
Two Harbors Lighthouse
This tiny town is at the start of Highway 61 which cuts right through the center of town. It’s impossible to road trip up the North Shore without driving through Two Harbors. But while you’re there, be sure to walk out to the historic lighthouse.
The Superior Hiking Trail
Stretching over 300 miles and running north to south, this iconic hiking trail is full of Instagrammable lookouts, scenic river valleys and mountain views!
To hike the full trail would take you about 2-4 weeks. However the SHT is full of amazing day hikes and can be easily broken down into smaller sections. It’s totally free and no reservations or permits are required.
Read my complete Superior Hiking Trail packing list.
Betty’s Pies
This charming, old timey diner has been a Minnesota North Shore staple since 1956. Both the inside and outside are quaint and the perfect place to snap a picture. You’ll see lots of photos on Instagram of their welcome sign!
Lutsen Mountain
Lutsen is beautiful at any time of year but it’s during the fall that this place REALLY shows off it’s spectacular beauty.
I highly suggest the adventure day pass so you can have unlimited rides on the gondola and alpine slide!
Duluth Lighthouses
The walk along the Duluth waterfront feels like a stroll through an old romance novel or a Nicholas Sparks movie. The combination of cool breeze, mist rolling in off Lake Superior and old enchanting lighthouses will definitely have you reaching for your camera.
Grand Marais Lighthouse
If it seems like there are a lot of lighthouses on this list…that’s because there are. But that’s what makes for an iconic North Shore photo!
When people think of the North Shore, they tend to think Lake Superior views, pebble beaches, scaling cliffs, cold winters, stunning falls and A LOT of pretty lighthouses!
The Grand Marais lighthouse is especially magical at sunset!
High Falls at
Grand Portage State Park
It’s a short, easy walk from the parking lot to see Minnesota’s highest waterfall!
Although, it’s right on the Minnesota/Canada border so you it’s just barely considered a Minnesota landmark. This is the last and farthest stop along scenic Highway 61!
Unlike with Tettegouche High Falls, there is a barrier blocking access down to the falls and pool below. So it’s a great spot to take pictures and a fun park to hike but you won’t get as close to the falls as other waterfalls along the North Shore.
Save “The Most Instagrammable Places Along the Minnesota North Shore” on Pinterest!
More on the Minnesota North Shore:
- 3 DAY MINNESOTA NORTH SHORE ITINERARY WITH VOYAGER CAMPERVANS
- 20 PHOTOS TO PUT A MINNESOTA CAMPERVAN ROAD TRIP ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
- VOYAGER CAMPERVANS- AN HONEST REVIEW
- PELLET ISLAND: A MUST-DO TREK FOR THE ADVENTUROUS MINNESOTAN
And check out another great Minnesota North Shore
resource here.
