Adventure Dates: 10/03/2025 – 10/05/2025
Introduction
This North Shore trip was extra special for us because it was my mom’s first time going past Gooseberry Falls. My wife, kids, and I were so excited to bring her all the way up to Lutsen Mountains, Grand Marais, and even the U.S.-Canada border at Grand Portage.
The fall colors were in full swing, making every stretch of road and every stop along Lake Superior glow with reds, oranges, and golds. We spent the weekend exploring, taking in the views, and making family memories surrounded by the beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore.
Map of Locations
Here’s a look at all the beautiful stops we made during our North Shore adventure:
Lutsen Mountains
We spent the weekend around Lutsen Mountains, staying right on the resort property, which made it easy to enjoy the fall colors and mountain views. The highlight was riding the gondola up to the top of Moose Mountain, where we spent half the day soaking in the scenery and snapping photos of the bright fall foliage.
There were a lot of people waiting in line for the gondola, especially at the ticket window, but thankfully I had purchased the signature gondola experience. That gave us priority boarding and our own private gondola, which made the ride much easier with the kids and my mom.
As we rode down the mountain, we spotted a few black bears walking near the resort area below. Once we got off, a crowd had gathered on the bridge watching the bears move along the edge of the forest. A few people tried to get closer, but the bears disappeared back into the woods before they could. It was such a lucky and rare sighting!
Grand Marais & Artist Point
Our next stop was Grand Marais, one of our favorite North Shore towns. The lakeshore was buzzing with visitors walking along Artist Point and enjoying the crisp fall air. The lake shimmered against the rocky shoreline, and the small-town charm of Grand Marais made it a perfect place to stretch our legs and explore.
We walked around the breakwater, took a few family photos, and let my daughter toss pebbles into the water. Artist Point was busy but still peaceful, and the views of Lake Superior never disappoint.
Grand Portage State Park
After Grand Marais, we drove all the way to the U.S.–Canada border to visit Grand Portage State Park and hike the trail to Pigeon Falls. The paved trail made it an easy and accessible walk for everyone; perfect for kids, strollers, and wheelchairs alike.
The sound of the waterfall grew louder as we got closer, and when we reached the main viewing area, the sight of Pigeon Falls was breathtaking. It’s one of Minnesota’s tallest waterfalls, and the mist rising from the gorge below gave it a dramatic touch.
Even this far north, the park was crowded, with parking overflowing into nearby truck spaces. It just showed how popular the North Shore is during peak fall color season!
Tettegouche State Park
On our way home, we made one last stop at Tettegouche State Park to take in more lakeshore views. We didn’t stay long since everyone was tired from the weekend, but it was the perfect final stop before heading home. Even after so many visits to the North Shore, Tettegouche always feels peaceful and timeless.
Quick Impressions
The fall colors were absolutely spectacular, and every stop offered incredible views of Lake Superior and the surrounding forest.
We saw black bears near Lutsen which is a rare and unforgettable sight!
Every stop was busy, but the views were worth it, especially during fall color season.
Most stops were very accessible with paved trails, parking areas, and family-friendly facilities.
From gondola rides to paved waterfall trails, every part of the trip was great for kids and my mom.
Closing Thoughts
Our North Shore adventure was the perfect family getaway: full of laughter, color, and memories. From the top of Moose Mountain to the border at Grand Portage, every stop gave us something new to admire.
If you’re planning a North Shore trip, go early in the day and bring layers for the cooler lake breeze. Fall is the busiest season, but it’s also the most beautiful.
Photo Gallery
We captured so more memories of our time up north so check them out in the gallery linked below!
