The vastness of Lake Superior, which is the largest of the Great Lakes in North America, can easily draw a passionate explorer away for hours, sometimes even days of exploring. This world’s largest freshwater lake is bordered by the US and Canada, and it features majestic shorelines, over-the-top fascinations, and exciting adventures. One of the best ways to appreciate the tranquil beauty of Lake Superior is to take a journey across the lake and explore all the scenic routes it has to offer.
Driving along the lake’s shorelines, you will witness breathtaking views of the lake’s ever-changing color, especially during the summer, when the lake seems to turn all shades of blue. Whether you’re in search of a beach or a lighthouse, the activities Lake Superior provides are unending. No matter which route you choose to take, there is sure to be a scenic view for you to admire.
One popular scenic drive option is the Circle Tour of Lake Superior. Passing through three states–Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan–this tour offers plenty of sites to behold. Starting in Duluth/Superior, you can either do a complete loop or explore the lake through delights on your own route. As you travel along this route, you will be able to take in all the sights of wave-washed cliffs, majestic forests, vibrant flowers, and a variety of wildlife.
Another scenic drive option is the Isle Royale National Park. Managed by the National Park Service, Isle Royale is an archipelago composed of hundreds of small islands, with its largest island being the namesake of the park itself. Here you may come across wildlife such as moose or black bears, spots of tall pines, and hundreds of underwater shipwrecks. You can also camp and explore the area through many trails and lookouts, each rewarding its visitors with an unforgettable experience.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is a breathtaking series of 21 islands situated off the coast of the Wisconsin mainland. Here you can take a boat ride from the mainland and explore several of the islands. With its many sandstone caves and sea caves, your exploration of Apostle Islands is sure to be remarkable. From one of the islands, you can climb a pyramid-shaped hill that provides stunning views of the archipelago. This destination also hosts a variety of activities for both adults and children, like fishing, archaeological expeditions, and a variety of outdoor activities.
The Shoreline West Drive is a popular drive among road-trippers. Spanning from Duluth to Thunder Bay, this drive takes you alongside the shore of the lake and through the provincial parks of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario. Scenic stops include the Split Rock Lighthouse, Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Pigeon River Provincial Park. Taking the Shoreline West Route is sure to be an unforgettable experience as each stop provides a view of the lake that is sure to be remarkable.
Finally, the Grand Marais to Grand Portage Drive is a journey of full of awe-inspiring attractions. This route takes you through several points of interest, like the dramatic cliffs and cobble beaches of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. This drive also boasts an array of cultural sites, including a historic fishing town, an 18th-century military fort, and a bayside village. As if the sight of the lake wasn’t eye-catching enough, along this drive you may also come across waterfalls, boreal forests, and even a few shipwrecks.
Additional Attractions On a Lake Superior Drive
Exploring the sights of Lake Superior through a scenic drive is an experience you won’t soon forget, but there are also additional attractions that should not be overlooked. For instance, the Lake Superior Zoo, located in Duluth, Minnesota, is home to over 450 animal species. This zoo offers an abundance of fun and educational activities, like animal encounters, parades, and seasonal celebrations, among many others. For those interested in art and culture, the Duluth Art Institute is a great place to explore, offering a wide range of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
The Superior National Forest is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, with plenty of opportunities for camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking. There are also over 400 lakes and streams, making canoeing a favorite activity for all ages. Don’t forget about the fisheries either, offering delicious rainbow trout, walleye, and northern pike, among other species.
For shoppers, head over to the Duluth Trading Co. which has a great selection of lifestyle apparel, accessories, and home décor. The Canal Park Lodge, located in bustling downtown Duluth, is also a great spot to check out. This luxury lodge offers several amenities, including a spa, a pool, and two unique restaurants. For those who’d prefer to have a more rural, rustic experience, there are plenty of quaint cabins for rent around Lake Superior, offering secluded camping and privacy.
Wide Variety Of Activities To Be Explored During A Trip Around Lake Superior
From fishing to camping and from bird watching to snowmobiling, there is no shortage of activities to partake in during a trip around Lake Superior. The Superior Gales trail is a popular one for skiers and snowmobilers, with over 500 miles of trails for all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, and snowshoes. If hiking is more of your thing, check out the Bearskin State Trail. This 89-mile trail features an array of terrain, including wetlands, forests, and even cliffs. Kettle Falls, near the town of Ashland in Wisconsin, offers a great view and plenty of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, skiing, and hiking.
Many come to Lake Superior to enjoy the cool summer waters and beaches, and Lucky Bay is a great place to start. Located along Lake Superior’s northern shore, Lucky Bay is known for its picturesque views of the lake and its lush sand dunes. Other popular beaches include Gitchi-Gami State Trail and Temperance River State Park. For those looking for a more “wild” experience, the Lake Superior Wilderness Islands is the spot. Here you can find large and small islands with no lights or buildings.
No matter if you’re in search of an adventure or just a spectacular view, the scenic drives of Lake Superior have you covered. So, pack your bags and hit the road!
Wildlife Viewing On a Lake Superior Drive
Lake Superior also provides plenty of opportunity for its visitors to take in some of its natural wildlife. Taking a trip around the lake, visitors can expect to come across some of the park’s 230 species of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, and geese. There are also an abundance of fish species to be found, such as lake trout, lake herring, lake whitefish, and lake sturgeon. For those more adventurous, the lake is known for having an abundant population of mink, beaver, and even the occasional moose.
Birdwatchers will be delighted with the many scenic spots, like Sax-Zim Bog near Duluth and the islands of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Both locations offer a variety of bird species that birds of all levels can appreciate. In the winter, Sax-Zim Bog becomes a hot spot for owls, while in the summer you can spot warblers, thrushes, and grouse. The diverse biome of the Apostle Islands also provides a great host of avian species, such as terns, loons, and hawks. Lake Superior is truly a paradise of feathered-friends!
Educational Opportunities At A Lake Superior Drive
For visitors interested in learning about the fascinating history of Lake Superior, there are several opportunities for education and exploration. In the Minnesota section of the lake, several attractions are situated that provide a look at its past. For instance, the Split Rock Lighthouse and the Two Harbors Museum offer basic grounds of knowledge about maritime history, the natural life of the lake, and its geological past. Touring the operating lighthouses of Lake Superior is sure to be an educational and exciting experience.
Meanwhile, the Sault Ste. Marie Visitors Center and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum provide visitors with details about the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum houses an array of artifacts and exhibits, while the Sault Ste. Marie Visitors Center offers daily guided tours of the historical locks and the Soo Locks Boat Tours, which takes visitors on a tour of the engineering marvel that the Soo Locks is.
The Grand Portage National Monument, located in Minnesota, is also a great place to explore. Visitors to the monument can learn about Minnesota’s Ojibwe community, get a glimpse into the fur trade industry of the past, and visit its separate Heritage Center. For those interested in anthropology, a stop by the Fond du Lac Heritage Museum and Cultural Center is also a must-see. This museum showcases various artifacts of the Ojibwe culture, with exhibits ranging from traditional art to archaeological items found in the region.
Boat Trips Around Lake Superior
No trip to Lake Superior is complete without testing the waters! Boat trips around the lake offer visitors a chance to explore a different side of the northeast Wisconsin coastline. Popular boating adventures include sunset cruises, fishing trips, and whale-watching tours. For those looking for something more extreme, several companies offer a variety of speedboat rides.
The Apostle Islands Cruises by Vista Fleet is a great option for visitors who want to experience the more exciting side of Lake Superior. Offering everything from boat tours to dinner cruises and cruises to special events, this company offers a thrilling experience for all its passengers!
If you’re up for a more intimate experience, the North Shore Express of the Great Lakes might be a better option. Offering private boat charters, this company will provide you with a custom tour quickly and conveniently. The North Shore Express highlights many of the interconnected bays, strips of sand, and hidden islands of the lake.
Lake Superior is also a popular destination for kayakers. The vast expanse of lake and its waterways present vast opportunities for kayakers of all skill levels. The lake’s complex network of connecting channels, outcroppings, and reefs are a great way to explore the true beauty of Lake Superior.
