Minnesotans have a strong bond with nature and one of the regions they hold most sacred is a place called the North Shore the region just north of Duluth Minnesota preserves a land of forests and rocky shoreline all along the largest freshwater lake in the world Lake Superior a drive north will bring you into two harbors the town has its history deeply rooted in the timber and iron ore industry it was trained such as this last of the largest locomotives weighing some 569 tons that would bring ore from the Iron Range out to port doing their part to fuel American steel production today it is a popular tourist attraction in port town an egg at bay a walk out along the concrete breakwater to the lighthouse offers a great vantage point to watch iron ore vessels pull in and out of the historic port and the stretches of rocky shoreline provide a nice place for a walk or picnic the town has antique stores tourist shops and good eating such as that that can be found at the vanilla bean a quick perusal of the menu will show you a nice selection of omelets in the more regional fare of pasties and lingonberry items but all of their meals are equally as fulfilling within driving distance of two harbors are two of the more authentic establishments along the North Shore Russ Kendal’s and ve Nelson’s as you drive down old scenic highway 61 an ornately carved wood cabin will catch your eye this is the workshop the gift store of silversmith Brad Nelson before you enter you want to take the time to appreciate his intricate wood carving inside you’ll find art that is reflective of Minnesota’s Scandinavian culture as well as Celtic Eastern European and local ethnic art much of the authenticity comes from the fact that it is either imported directly from Europe are crafted by local artisans a stop here gives you a chance to appreciate quality handcraft and purchase a very unique gift regardless it is one of the most unique shops you’re likely to see in your travels any Minnesotan will attest to the fact that you haven’t tasted smoked fish until you visited Russ Kendall’s a family-owned and run business they carry such smoked fish is trout herring salmon and Goldie’s the family will help you find the perfect fish for your tastes such food connoisseurs as Andrew Zimmerman have sung the praises of this place come visit and see what it’s all about for yourself along your trek up the shore you can visit a member of the trail of the whispering Giants the artist Peter wolf Toth who has made 73 Native American carvings across the world continues to upkeep one of his Giants located near two harbors another popular attraction is Split Rock Lighthouse built after a single storm sank 29 vessels a hundred years ago your visit will give you a chance to tour the lighthouse hike along the shore and peer out from a great observation point and Lake Superior you want to see our individual segments on this special destination arguably the most majestic of locations along the North Shore is a cliff known as palisade head located in the teddy coupe State Park the sheer cliff towers 300 feet above Lake Superior and attracts climbers and sight seekers from this vantage point you can feel the immensity of the water making superiors seem more like a giant glacial ocean than it does a lake while visiting you will want to be very mindful of your step and be sure to bring your camera it is one of our planet’s most breathtaking views the North Shore is famous for its natural campgrounds hiking and water trails such as can be found at Cascade River State Park this is an area through which the mighty river cuts down to the shore below you can admire the mighty power of this River face-to-face and take a seat along the ancient Cascades and waterfalls even in the more popular seasons you’ll have no difficulty in finding some time alone to reflect on natural wonders one of the main hubs along the North Shore is a town of Grand Marais as can be seen by any number of its art venues as a town that both promotes and appreciates the work of the artist the beachfront is such a place where you can experience the land water and North Shore whether even draped in fog the town assumes a cozy feel but in just an hour or two that fog can be gone and you have a beautiful day before you the place feels as though it conforms to the rules of nature flowing with it in Northshore harmony it can actually be a difficult place to decide on where to eat spend anoles is famous for pizza and you can grab a bite at world’s best donuts the crooked spoon cafe is popular in the Bluewater cafe is a perfect spot to have a meal with friends and plot out your plans for the day coach city Whole Foods is also a good option for grabbing something on the run stores and gift shops offer an equal amount of options Drury Lane carries a fascinating selection of books and the Lake Superior Trading Post is great for anything from gifts to camping necessities this is after all one of the gateways to Minnesota’s best fishing hiking and camping regions there are also stores such as the beaver house noted for the walleyes sticking out of its roof well this has been only a sampling of what you can discover on the North Shore from its natural wonders unique shops and historic places you can see that this region is one that offers appeal to many you will want to be sure to put the North Shore of Minnesota on your list of top destinations