A Guide to Minnesota's North Shore

Minnesota’s North Shore embodies a sense of wild beauty. Its rugged coastline runs along the shores of Lake Superior, where rocky cliffs and miles of wilderness provide the backdrop for outdoor adventures in every season. This gem of the upper Midwest is home to Yond Cottage—our luxury guest property set in Schroeder, Minnesota. As we close in on the final phases of renovation and prepare to open bookings, we wanted to share what makes its setting unlike any other.

From charming towns to hiking trails and lighthouses to waterfalls, this is the Yond Guide to the North Shore. We’ll share ideas for a slow-paced itinerary to uncover this destination on your own terms, with room to explore spontaneously along the way.

An Overview of Minnesota’s North Shore

The North Shore is defined as a 145-mile stretch from Duluth to Grand Portage and hugs Lake Superior. This hidden gem is one of the most incredible places for outdoor adventures and offers something for everyone. Its endless trails, natural wonders, and picturesque towns set the scene for a tailor-made adventure. While fall is the most popular time of year to experience the changing leaves, there’s really not a bad time to visit. Each season highlights a different side to its unspoiled nature.

Essential Stops Along the Shore

If you’re traveling to Yond Cottage from Minneapolis, these are a few key places worth visiting en route. Or, set up your home base at the cottage and visit these favorites as time allows throughout your stay.

Duluth

Duluth is where the scenic North Shore drive begins. But don’t be mistaken: this gateway city is also a destination in and of itself. Make sure to visit Canal Park and see the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. For lunch, try Northern Waters Smokehaus and stock up on a few of their smoked salmon or smoked trout filets while you’re there. If you want to stretch your legs, get your lunch to-go, enjoy some time at Kitchi Gammi beach, and skip some rocks across the water.

Just outside Duluth is another fantastic restaurant to grab a meal or a drink: New Scenic Cafe. You’ll find Scandinavian-American dishes made with local ingredients and an array of homemade bakery treats. They just released a second cookbook, and the photography alone is worth the purchase.

Two Harbors

Next up on the drive, you’ll run into the town of Knife River. Here, you’ll find Russ Kendall’s Fish House, which is touted as one of the very best places to purchase smoked fish. This unpretentious market is a great place to stock up on all your provisions for a long weekend.

Once you’ve hit Two Harbors, you’re entering the heart of the North Shore. Castle Danger Brewery is just the stop if you’re ready for a local brew. Their taproom overlooks Lake Superior with a solid selection of housemade beers that have gained them statewide recognition. If you’ve got more of a sweet tooth, don’t miss Betty’s Pies. It’s been a North Shore fixture since 1958, and their pie by-the-slice is a perfect bite for the road.

Just beyond Two Harbors, you’ll find two of the most popular points of interest: Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls State Park. Both are well worth the hype and deserve a spot on your North Shore itinerary.

Schroeder

Once you’ve reached Schroder by Yond Cottage, you’ve made it to our favorite corner of the North Shore. The beautiful Temperance River State Park is less than two miles from the cottage, and the iconic Palisade Head within Tettegouche State Park is a quick twenty miles south.

The Schroeder area has a number of local restaurants to keep you well-fed throughout your stay. Bluefin Bay Grille is set right on the shore and has a fantastic beach for kids to play. Nearby Coho Cafe & Bakery is great for a casual meal, while the quaint Schroeder Baking Company is perfect for coffee and a treat.

Grand Marais

We’d be remiss not to mention the crown jewel of the North Shore: Grand Marias. Set only 38 miles south of the Canadian border, this charming community is near the very top of the shore and has been consistently named one of the most beautiful small towns in America. The main street is dotted with shops and restaurants, many serving the day’s fresh catch like The Fisherman’s Daughter or the Angry Trout Cafe. Spend time wandering around, and don’t forget to see the Grand Marais Lighthouse while you’re there.

How to Spend Your Time on the North Shore

The North Shore is an outdoor enthusiast's heaven. There are eight state parks within its radius filled with opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, skiing, snowmobiling—the list goes on. The best part about exploring the North Shore is that no two experiences are alike. Each visit is a chance to try a new trail or uncover a breathtaking lookout. Some noteworthy hikes on our personal list include Caribou Falls and Britton Peak Trailhead in Superior National Forest.

We hope this guide inspires your next trip to the North Shore, and we can’t wait to host you soon at Yond Cottage.

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