See the compatriots of the famous Edmund Fitzgerald (which last made port across the harbor in Superior, WI) sail in and out of the harbor under the iconic Aerial Lift bridge. Check the shipping schedule in the link to see who is expected throughout the weekend.

Located in Canal Park, this free museum provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosts exhibits focused on the maritime history and ongoing shipping activity of Lake Superior and Duluth. It is also an excellent place to watch the Aerial Lift Bridge rise to allow ships into the harbor with loudspeaker commentary provided by staff during museum hours.

Across the Lift Bridge, the 7 mile long Minnesota Point protects the harbor from the lake and marks the definitive end of the sandy southern shore of Superior, before the rocky northern shore begin. The point offers a number of public beaches perfect for sunbathing or a refreshing swim.

Take in the beautiful views of Lake Superior and Duluth on the Lakewalk! The Lakewalk is also an excellent way to get around Duluth including between Canal Park and the Kitchi Gammi Club.

A brewery, hotel, and historic mall, Fitger's is a little bit of everything. Fitger's has lots of cute shops to peruse, and the brewery is very tasty. Stop by Rachel's favorite bookstore on the North Shore and check out the local authors!

The Canal Park counterpart to Fitger's, this former furniture warehouse and factory houses a collection of shops spanning 3 floors. J. Skylark is an excellent toy shop (visted by Rachel as a child) on the 2nd floor with lots of vintage toys and reasonable prices. There's even a local witch on premise for those interested!

The former flagship of U.S. Steel, this taconite freighter is now permanently docked in Canal Park. Climb aboard and discover what it is like to work (or travel as a special guest) on a "laker" just like those that are steaming under the lift bridge every day. This ship is still very much operational so be careful not to turn any valves or pull any levers!

Come see one of Lake Superior’s beautiful lakeside mansions, which is also the site of a grisly double murder. Notable among historic mansions, Glensheen was built electrified with modern conveniences including a lift and central vacuum system. Tour the house and the grounds, and make sure to say hi to Clark the Shark. Don’t ask about the murders though, which are not addressed in the exhibits, just Google it.

Home to many rail cars and locomotives, including the Duluth, Missabe and Iron Range Railway's massive, articulated #227 Mallet 2-8-8-4, one of the largest locomotives ever built (even more powerful than the Union Pacific Big Boy). The museum also hosts a Milwaukee Road electric locomotive built all the way back in 1915. You can also enjoy a ride on the Duluth Zephyr (a 75 minute ride to the edge of Duluth and back along the lakeshore) complete with vintage DM&IR and open air cars.

Get out on the water the proper way and set sail! Time Out Sailing and Schooner Charley offer a mix of public and private half-day or full-day tours that let you sit back and feel the wind in your hair, or take a more active role and trim the sheets yourself. Advance booking required.

Duluth's most well-known restaurant and namesake of the Grandma's Marathon, run from Two Harbors to Duluth every June with the finish line permanently marked on the street. Grandma's offers fantastic food and a variety of draft beer in a lively atmosphere. Located next to the Lift Bridge in Canal Park, you can even shipwatch from the rooftop patio. The Chicken Wild Rice soup is a Minnesota classic and is Rachel's favorite!

Located in Canal Park, Little Angie's Cantina offers up delicious Tex-Mex and excellent margaritas. Check out the daily salsas (if you're lucky, it might even be a pickled herring salsa)!

The ‘Wick makes tasty burgers and other upscale pub fare in an Old World restaurant space offering fantastic views of the lake.

A slightly more upscale restaurant with varied options. Close to Glensheen Mansion with some lake views.

Home to the much discussed and controversial “Baked Potato Pizza”. Rex loves it. Rachel doesn’t. One of them is right. You decide who. They do also offer more "traditional" styles of pizza if you prefer.

Located right next to the Aerial Lift Bridge, this distillery keeps the Scandinavian spirit tradition alive with multiple aquavits and gins to enjoy, as well as a few whiskeys, liqueurs, and vodka. Rachel recommends the Boreal Cedar Gin. Rex recommends the Voyageur Aquavit.

Bent Paddle is the flagship brewery of Duluth with distribution across the upper Midwest, and embodies the Minnesotan spirit of natural stewardship and respecting tradition while pushing the envelope. Please note that the taproom is not located near other major attractions that we have suggested and is a 40+ minute walk (though only 10 minutes by car).

One of Minnesota's most iconic landmarks, Split Rock Lighthouse stands atop a 130-foot sheer cliff on the shore of Lake Superior, and is considered one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the United States. Retired in 1969, Split Rock is now open to visitors who can tour the lighthouse, fog signal building, and the Keeper's House. The on-site Visitor Center (and gift shop!) provides information about Great Lakes shipping, as well as the shipwrecks which prompted the building of Split Rock Lighthouse. Definitely a must-see for anyone visiting the North Shore!

Rex and Rachel's favorite ski resort in the winter, Lutsen Mountains also has ample activities to take advantage of during the warmer months, including hiking and mountain biking. While the Lutsen Summit Express Gondola and Summit Chalet provide unparalleled views of Lake Superior, Lutsen's most famous summertime activity is the Alpine Slide. After a short chairlift ride to the top of the mountain, slide-goers get to control their speed to the bottom, choosing to take in the sights or to tear down the mountain.

The best way to experience the natural beauty of the North Shore is on foot. See Gooseberry Falls just off the highway and hike up river as you please; check out the natural pools on the Split Rock River Loop (5 miles); take a section of the Superior Hiking Trail following either bank of the Cascade river deep into the Northwoods (7.3 mile loop); and summit Oberg Mountain (1.8-3.7 mile loops) for a stunning 360° view, traverse Moose Mountain to Mystery Mountain at Lutsen (3.5 miles from gondola back to parking lot), or stand at the highest point in Minnesota atop Eagle Mountain (7 miles out-and-back).

Minnesota is after all the Land of 10,000 lakes, so why not get out on the water? Sawtooth offers canoe and kayak rental for inland lakes/rivers, as well as guided tours of both inland waterways and the big lake itself. Experienced paddlers with a kayak rescue certification can also rent sea kayaks for independent exploration of Gichigami.

-CASTLE DANGER BREWERY-

17 7th St., Two Harbors, MN, 55616

Just an hour outside of Duluth, the Castle Danger Cream Ale is Minnesota's response to New Glarus' Spotted Cow over in Wisconsin. Brewed with Lake Superior water and distributed across the state, Castle Danger has become a Minnesota staple. If you find yourself pitching camp later than expected like Rex & Rusty Davenport, just make sure to get to the brewery before last call!

-VOYAGEUR BREWEING COMPANY-

233 W Hwy 61, Grand Marais, MN, 55604

Located in Grand Marais and one of the most northern breweries in the US, Voyageur is your last chance for a craft pint on the North Shore before you hit Canada. Named for the French fur trappers who navigated the plethora of Minnesota waterways in the 17th-19th centuries, their beer will refresh you after any North Shore adventure.

SVEN & OLE'S

9 Wisconsin St., Grand Marais, MN, 55604

Definitely self-aware, Sven and Ole's is a counter-service pizza joint that also offers ice cream. Sven and Ole's is well-known throughout the state of Minnesota due to the bright yellow bumper stickers they give out. Make sure to ask for one at the counter!

WORLD'S BEST DONUTS

10 Wisconsin St., Grand Marais, MN, 55604

Only open during the warmer months, World' Best Donuts has been family-owned and operated since 1969. Known for their cake donuts, skizzles, and donut kabobs, this little donut shop is a stop for everyone who ventures up to Grand Marais during the summer.

BETTY'S PIES

1633 MN-61, Two Harbors, MN 55616

Just past Two Harbors, Betty started out by serving donuts and coffee to fishermen making pit stops at her father's fish shack. Eventually she opened up a full café serving burgers, hot dogs, and her now famous pies. Betty's is now a regular stop for families heading up to cabins and campgrounds alike.

GRAND MARAIS TAVERN

14260 Lake Ave, Grand Marais, MN, 49839

Grab a beer and a bite at this wood paneled North Shore classic. Don't try looking for a website, you won't find one. Closing time is at the bartender's discretion.

If you choose to travel up the North Shore, you may want to book additional accommodation for yourself since Duluth will be far away (NOTE: THESE ARE AT LEAST TWO HOURS AWAY FROM DULUTH). While camping is very popular along the North Shore, there are a number of hotels and resorts to choose from. Unfortunately the historic Lutsen Resort (pictured above) recently burned down in February, though if you find your way further up the unsalted coast to Grand Marais, we can recommend the Hungry Hippie Hostel for all who are looking to explore the artsy and quirky town or get out on some true Northwoods adventures!