Posted in Minnesota Road Trips March 16, 2023 by

This Scenic Drive Runs Straight Through Minnesota’s Grand Portage National Monument, And It’s A Breathtaking Journey

One stretch of Minnesota Highway 61 hugs the Lake Superior shoreline, traverses some of the state’s wildest and most rugged country, nicks two state parks, and cuts right through one of the most beautiful Minnesota national park units. What more could you ask for in less than 40 miles?

You’ll start your drive in the charming town of Grand Marais. As you leave the city limits, heading northeast, look out toward Lake Superior for a lone outcropping. This is Five Mile Rock.
Radio Mahmud/Google
There’s a sign along the highway if you need some guidance.
Five Mile Rock, Minnesota, USA
Make a stop at the Kadunce River State Wayside and cross back over the road to explore the pebble beach along the lake.
Evan Struve/Google
​​Stretch your legs with a quick hike along the Kadunce River Trail, which follows the river’s gorge for 1.1 miles.
Kadunce River State Wayside, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Pull off at the historic Naniboujou Lodge and Restaurant.
Greg Sweet/Google
Take a stroll around the grounds.
Then pop into the gift shop, and take a look around the interior.
Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant/Google
​​If you’re there at the right time, you may be able to grab tea in the stunning dining room.
The Naniboujou Lodge & Restaurant, Naniboujou Trail, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Don’t miss Judge C.R. Magney State Park. It’s on the Brule River, across the highway from Naniboujou.
JT B/Google
If you have time, hike ​to ​Devil's Kettle Falls - a double waterfall where one cascade disappears into the earth.
Judge C.R. Magney State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Marais, MN, USA
Enjoy the scenery over the next few miles as you enter the Grand Portage Reservation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Risam Blessing/Google
Soon, you’ll reach the community of Grand Portage and the Grand Portage National Monument.
Explore the historic stockade and spend some time at the visitor center to learn about the intertwined histories of the region’s native inhabitants and the voyageurs who came to trade with them.
Nicholas Arceneaux/Google
​​Hike a bit of the Grand Portage Trail, which traces the historic portage route for which the area is named, to the Mt. Rose overlook for sweeping views of the stockade, the lake, and Hat Point.
Grand Portage National Monument, Mile Creek Road, Grand Portage, MN, USA
A few miles outside of Grand Portage, you’ll come upon the Mt. Josephine overlook.
AnnMarie McCallum/Google
​​If you’re up for another hike, the summit of Mt. Josephine is a short, one-mile hike from the road, and the views are definitely worth it.
Mt Josephine, Grand Portage, MN, USA
At the border, instead of crossing into Canada, turn left into Grand Portage State Park.
Grand Portage State Park/Google
There​, you can hike ​the High Falls Trail to the tallest waterfall in the state (which we share with Canada), and the reason that the Grand Portage was necessary for those who plied the Pigeon River in canoes.
Grand Portage State Park, Minnesota 61, Grand Portage, MN, USA

Isn’t it amazing how much incredible natural beauty can be packed into such a short distance? What’s truly incredible is just how much more there is to see over this 38-mile stretch of road!

Have you made the drive from Grand Marais to the Canadian border? Have you visited Grand Portage National Monument or any of these other sites?

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