Growing up, our yearly vacation was to Duluth and the North Shore. I went on a Mother Daughter trip with my mom, but this is also a great area to bring your kids. Here are my Favorites. This list is from (Duluth) South Headed North.
 | Thompson Hill Information and Rest Area 8525 W Skyline Pkwy, Duluth, MN First Stop is always the the Thompson Hill Information and Rest Area right before we enter Duluth. Great bathrooms, usually knowledgeable people working that could give you all sorts of Ideas. (No one there due to COVID in June), And awesome views of Duluth! |  |
 | Park Point Minnesota Ave, Duluth MN The sand is perfect, the lake is always cold! There are many places to go out on the beach at Park Point. You will need to cross the famous Aerial Lift Bridge to get to the island. |  |
 | Gooseberry Falls State Park Hwy 61, Two Harbors, MN This is the most popular place on the North Shore. It is usually packed with people. There are large parking lot, bathroom at visitor center. Beautiful waterfalls. Trails down to the mouth of the river. |  |
 | Iona's Beach HWY 61, Two Harbors, MN Just 3 miles north of Gooseberry. There are two parking lots one by the boat landing and one for the bike path. We found it was easier to park in the bike parking lot, walk a little down the bike trail then down to the beach. The path next to the boat landing is a harder walk, but it does lead you to another hidden beach. |  |
 | Silver Bay Marina 99 Beach Drive, Silver Bay, MN 55614 It has some really cool big boats! There are also gazebos on the property and a small playground. |  |
 | Black Beach HWY 61Silver Bay, MN My new favorite spot. There are two beaches in this park. The first beach has large rocks, but convenient parking. The black beach is further down the road. A small trail leads you to this spot, picnic tables and small fire pits are available to the public. The day we went the beach was packed. |  |
 | Palisade Head HWY 61, Silver Bay, MN Just north of Silver Bay is a small sign that says Palisade Head. Drive up the long and narrow road. Make sure you have good breaks on your car. Many days you can see groups of rock climbers. |  |
 | Tettegouche State Park, Baptism River HWY 61, Silver Bay, MN A long time favorite! There are many paths and trails in this State Park. I would recommend going down to the mouth of the river. It usually has a rock beach. Climb the steps to the ledge directly above the beach for some amazing views. I would also recommend the mile and half hike out to High Falls. |  |
 | Father Baraga's Cross Schroeder, MN A short walk from the parking lot to Father Baraga's Cross. On the cross has a plaque on the history of Father Baraga. There are rocks next to the lake that you can climb on. |  |
 | Temperance State Park Schroeder, MN Keep kids close in hand as there is steep gorges with high cliffs above. Most challenging walk out of all listed. One of our long time favorites. It's a bit of a drive to get there from Tettegouche Park but totally worth the drive! |  |
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