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 about 40 miles? Keep reading to learn all about one of the best Minnesota scenic drives.

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.

There’s a sign along the highway if you need some guidance.

Make a stop at the Kadunce River State Wayside and cross back over the road to explore the pebble beach along the lake.

​​Stretch your legs with a quick hike along the Kadunce River Trail, which follows the river’s gorge for 1.1 miles.

Pull off at the historic Naniboujou Lodge and Restaurant.

Take a stroll around the grounds.

Then pop into the gift shop, and take a look around the interior.

​​If you’re there at the right time, you may be able to grab tea in the stunning dining room. Please note that lunch is no longer offered during 2023 and breakfast and dinner are served to in-house guests only.

Don’t miss Judge C.R. Magney State Park. It’s on the Brule River, across the highway from Naniboujou.

If you have time, hike ​to ​Devil's Kettle Falls - a double waterfall where one cascade disappears into the earth.

Enjoy the scenery over the next few miles as you enter the Grand Portage Reservation of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

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.

​​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.

A few miles outside of Grand Portage, you’ll come upon the Mt. Josephine overlook.

​​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.

At the border, instead of crossing into Canada, turn left into Grand Portage State Park.

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.

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 40-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? What are your favorite Minnesota scenic drives? Let us know in the comments.

If you are planning a scenic drive in Minnesota, make sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing list before you leave. And for another Minnesota scenic drive that we recommend, check out the following Only In Your State video.