Lake Superior

There's something about the drive north from the Twin Cities that signals the beginning of true relaxation. As the urban landscape gradually gives way to forests and finally opens up to reveal Lake Superior's vast expanse, I feel the weight of daily life lifting from my shoulders.

Duluth's Canal Park has become my home base for these northern adventures. There's a comfortable familiarity to checking into my hotel, knowing that Lake Superior's powerful presence is just steps away. The evening ritual I've come to cherish involves strolling along the lakewalk as the sun sets, watching massive ships pass under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, then wandering to one of the local restaurants for dinner and drinks. Whether it's sampling craft beers at Canal Park Brewing Company or enjoying fresh lake fish at a waterfront eatery, these evenings feel perfectly unhurried.

Mornings bring the true adventure—heading up Highway 61 along the North Shore. This scenic drive is a masterpiece in itself, with Lake Superior's blue waters stretching endlessly on one side and rugged cliffs and dense forests on the other. Each journey includes mandatory stops at landmarks that never lose their magic no matter how many times I visit: the thundering cascade of Gooseberry Falls, the historic Split Rock Lighthouse standing sentinel on its cliff, and the mesmerizing shoreline at Black Beach with its unique dark sand.

As I continue northward, the shore becomes increasingly wild and less populated. By the time I reach Grand Marais—my usual turning point—I've experienced the full spectrum of the North Shore's beauty. This charming harbor town, with its artist community and spectacular harbor views, serves as the perfect finale before beginning the journey back.

Lake Superior isn't just a destination—it's a presence, a force that seems to reset my internal clock to a more natural rhythm. Even now, I can close my eyes and hear the gentle lapping of waves against the rocky shore, a sound that promises I'll be back again soon.