The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a well-known road trip route around the entire shoreline of Lake Superior, most of which lies in the Canadian province of Ontario. As an aficionado of Midwest road trips, however, I propose a Lake Superior semi-circle tour that will take us from near the Ontario border in Minnesota, through northern Wisconsin, to near the Ontario border in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It'll take a couple of days—more would be better, but I only have a weekend—so what do you say? Let's hit the road and explore Lake Superior's U.S. shoreline.
Explore the Upper Midwest on a Lake Superior Semi-Circle Tour
Day 1: Minnesota to Wisconsin
1. Grand Marais, Minnesota
Small Towns⬩Grand Marais, MN
We're starting our Lake Superior tour near the Ontario border with Minnesota in the charming lakeside village of Grand Marais. Take some time to explore the town and its dramatic setting on Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior. Stop in at Java Moose to fuel up for your trip before heading down the shoreline.
As you travel, you'll pass several iconic landmarks and state parks, such as Split Rock Lighthouse and Gooseberry Falls. You'll have time for a little exploration on this leg of the journey. (Bonus points if you start a half hour northeast of Grand Marais at Grand Portage State Park, on the Canadian border, for a true border-to-border trip.)
2. Duluth, Minnesota
Cities⬩Duluth, MN
Duluth, Minnesota, is the only city of size on our itinerary and a perfect place to stop for lunch. Head into the city's Canal Park district and grab a sandwich or a box lunch from the always-superb Northern Waters Smokehaus in DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace. Take your sandwiches over to the green space near Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge and the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. There, you can enjoy the lake and watch boats come and go through the canal as you eat. Stretch your legs on the Lake Walk before continuing on your way.
3. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
National & State Parks⬩Bayfield, WI
About 90 minutes east of Duluth, you'll pass through the lakefront hamlet of Cornucopia, the northernmost town in Wisconsin and a gateway community for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Stop in at Ehler's, the oldest general store in Wisconsin. Then head a few minutes north of town to Meyers Beach, a beautiful sandy strand that stretches to a rocky point where some of the park's best known sea caves are located.
Head out on the Lakeshore Trail, which leaves from the Meyers Beach parking lot, to get a gander at these natural wonders. You will need to pay a day-use fee at the kiosk or display your America the Beautiful Pass before hitting the trail.
4. Bayfield, Wisconsin
Small Towns⬩Bayfield, WI
You'll end the day in the charming community of Bayfield, Wisconsin, where you'll spend the night at the charming two-bedroom Sunshine House. This rental is within easy walking distance of all the town has to offer. Take an evening stroll by the harbor and grab some dinner at the Manypenny Cafe. To book your stay, head over to the Sunshine House's listing on Airbnb. Before setting off in the morning, you'll want to make a stop at Wonderstate Coffee—I always do.
Day 2: Wisconsin to Michigan
On the second day of the journey, we'll cover more distance with fewer stops. You'll definitely see plenty of good stuff, though. It may well be worth it to take things a little more slowly as you head into Michigan's Upper Peninsula and add an extra night or two to the trip so you can spend more time in places like Houghton or Marquette.
5. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Michigan
National & State Parks⬩Ontonagon Township, MI
The first stop is Michigan's largest state park, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park near Ontonagon. This incredible park comprises a vast, almost 60,000-acre forest that rises dramatically from the Lake Superior shoreline to the eponymous mountains. Stop at Lake of the Clouds day use area to stretch your legs and see the park's most famous landmark. On your way east, out of the park, find a stretch of Lake Superior beach where you can enjoy a stroll in the sand and look for gnarls of driftwood before you continue on your way.
6. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
National & State Parks⬩Munising, MI
Your next destination is the superlative Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Start in Munising, where you'll find an incredible beach and several of the park's best-known waterfalls. Continuing eastward, stop at iconic Miners Castle for more incredible views of this unique shoreline and another waterfall hike to the aptly-named Miners Falls. Take your time as you explore to the park, inching eastward toward your final destination—the daylight hours are best spent here.
7. Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Cities⬩Sault Ste. Marie, MI
You'll end the trip at the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, gazing across the incredible feat of engineering that allows shipping traffic between Lake Huron and Lake Superior to Ontario. You have officially completed the Lake Superior semi-circle tour and your journey. Celebrate with a meal and perhaps a drink at the Lockview Restaurant, where you can start planning your next road trip..
Closing the Semi-Circle
Three states, a few hundred miles, charming towns, gorgeous sights, and almost all of the U.S. shoreline along the world's largest lake (by area)—I'd say that makes for one darn good road trip. How about you? If there are any stops you'd have added to this itinerary, we'd love to hear about them.
Photo credits (from top to bottom): Donovan Reese via Getty Images; Jacob Boomsma via Getty Images; Posnov via Getty Images; davelogan via Getty Images; Trent Jonas for Only In Your State; Posnov via Getty Images; Edward Parker via Getty Images
