Lake Superior
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9 Must-Visit Locations on Lake Superior With Stunning Views That Will Leave You Speechless

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Have you ever stood in a place so stunning that it felt like a scene from a dream? Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes, boasts some of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in North America. From towering cliffs to hidden islands, this freshwater marvel has something to captivate every adventurer.

Rocks, Pines, And Lake Superior.
Lake Superior, Marquette | photo via Kristi Murphy

About Lake Superior

Not only is Lake Superior the deepest of the five Great Lakes – it has a maximum depth of 1,332 feet – but it’s also the biggest and coldest of the group.

It’s so big in fact that it contains 10% of the world’s freshwater on its own and can hold the rest of the Great Lakes, plus an additional three lakes the size of Lake Erie.

The European discovery of the massive lake dates to the 1600s. It has gone by many names throughout its history. The Ojibwe peoples called it Kitchigami (or alternatively, Gitchi-Gami), meaning “great lake” in the 1600s, and, upon its European discovery, it was referred to as Le Lac Superior – “the upper lake” to designate its place at the top of the Great Lakes region.

The lake borders Ontario, Canada as well as Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, and, with more than 2,700 miles of shoreline, curious travelers have plenty of space to explore.

This wonderous lake – home to tales of harrowing shipwrecks and dotted by historic lighthouses – beckons visitors to its scenic beaches and borders quaint lakeside towns that spring to life in the summertime.

If you’re ready to experience its magic, here are nine incredible spots around Lake Superior that are worth the trip. Let’s dive in!

Grand Sable Dunes-Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Grand Sable Dunes | photo via yooperjesus

Grand Sable Sand Dunes

Grand Marais, Michigan

In a state known for magnificent dunes, the Grand Sable Sand Dunes are impressive in their own right. Situated on the eastern edge of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Grand Marais, these towering dunes – part of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore – rise as high as 300 feet above the lake and stretch as far as the eye can see.

Whether you’re hiking along the dunes, snapping photos, or watching the sun dip below the horizon, this spot is unforgettable.

While access to the dunes is limited, eager travelers can get there on the 0.33-mile Grand Sable Dunes Trail, which begins at the Sable Falls parking lot west of Grand Marais. The dunes can also be reached from the eastern end of Grand Sable Lake.

TRAVEL TIP: Don’t miss the nearby Log Slide Overlook on the western part of the dunes, which offers panoramic views of Lake Superior’s vast expanse.

Where to Eat

The Dunes Saloon Lake Superior Brewing Company – This UP brewery beckons visitors to join the fun during karaoke nights, trivia nights, paint and sips, and other events. Guests can chow down on standard pub fare paired with beers like Puddingstone Wheat and Sandstone Pale Ale.

Grand Marais Tavern – Visitors looking for a cozy vibe and a good meal will find it here as they enjoy classics like burgers, pizza, and sandwiches. Weekend guests can start their day with an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.

Archie’s West Bay Diner – This seasonal eatery inside a retro dining car invites visitors to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals, fresh bakery items, and sweet ice cream. Travelers who love Michigan’s famous fall colors can stop in for a hearty breakfast before continuing on to the dunes.

Where to Stay

Chapel Rock Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Chapel Rock | photo via michiganskymedia

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Munising, Michigan

Michigan has a host of natural wonders, but few are more iconic than Pictured Rocks on the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This iconic destination near Munising, Michigan showcases miles and miles of multicolored sandstone cliffs, serene beaches, and hidden waterfalls.

DID YOU KNOW: Pictured Rocks became the first protected lakeshore in the country in 1966.

Visitors of all ages can embark on a tour with Pictured Rocks Cruises and keep their eyes peeled and cameras ready as they pass by stunning formations with intriguing names like Miners Castle, Caves of All Colors, Indian Head, Battleship Rocks, Lovers’ Leap, and Chapel Rock.

The guided boat tours operate seasonally from mid-May to mid-October and last about three hours, during which time guests can enjoy a narrated journey that details the history of the shoreline and the geological curiosities of many of the formations.

TRAVEL TIP: Kayaking along the shoreline offers a close-up view of the vibrant rock formations and their intricate details.

As if the stunning sandstone formations weren’t enough, there are nearly two dozen cascading waterfalls in the area, and many of them – Memorial Falls, Munising Falls, and Tannery Falls in particular – are close together, allowing waterfall enthusiasts to see several waterfalls in one trip.

Where to Eat

Buckhorn Resort Restaurant – Weary travelers can find a bit of everything on the menu, including fish dinners, broasted chicken, pasties, and juicy burgers.

Dogpatch Restaurant – The self-proclaimed “Home of Legendary Vittles” offers fresh fish dinners, seafood, steaks, hearty breakfasts, and more. Make sure to check out the gift shop after eating!

Miners Pastie and Ice Cream – Travelers looking for a true taste of the Upper Peninsula can dig into a pasty and see just what the fuss is about. Be sure to check the restaurant’s social media pages for updates on daily specials.

Where to Stay:

  • Roam Inn – Boutique inn with a cozy atmosphere and excellent dining options.
Isle Royale National Park
Isle Royale National Park | photo via distanthiking

Isle Royale National Park

Access from Michigan or Minnesota

Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Isle Royale National Park is an adventurer’s paradise. This remote island cluster (more than 200) in northwest Lake Superior features rugged coastlines, historic lighthouses, and diverse wildlife, including moose and wolves.

The park is open seasonally from April 16 to October 31 and it’s been described by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places to explore in the world.

Visitors can explore that beauty for themselves as they hike through untouched wilderness, kayak along rocky shores, or even try scuba diving to explore underwater shipwrecks.

Hikers can explore nearly 200 miles of trails, including a 3.8-mile loop to Suzy’s Cave, an inland sea arch formed thousands of years ago, or a five-mile journey to Mount Franklin, where they can soak in incredible views of the lake.

TRAVEL TIP: Don’t miss the Rock of Ages Lighthouse, a 117-foot tower outside Washington Harbor that’s nestled on a rocky outcrop.

For those who want a truly remote experience, Ryan Island is one of the most remote parts of the park and is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts because of its unique “island-within-a-lake-on-an-island-within-a-lake” geography.

Where to Eat

Lighthouse Restaurant – One of two restaurants on the northeast side of the island, this eatery offers freshly made soups, salads, burgers, and trout

Greenstone Grill – Visitors can stop in to sip from a large selection of beer and wine as they enjoy sandwiches, burgers, and pizza.

Harbor Haus Restaurant – Located in Copper Harbor, the restaurant focuses on dishes made with local ingredients, including fish, vegetables, fruits, and steaks.

Where to Stay

  • Rock Harbor Lodge – The only lodging on the island, offers comfortable cabins and spectacular views.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore-Bayfield, Wisconsin
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore | photo via jaradfrey

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

Bayfield, Wisconsin

The Apostle Islands are a group of 21 islands and 12 miles of mainland shoreline in Wisconsin. Famous for its sea caves, historic lighthouses, and winter ice caves, this area is a playground for kayakers, hikers, and history buffs.

TRAVEL TIP: Don’t miss Meyers Beach, the gateway to the sea caves, for kayaking or exploring in winter when the caves freeze into magical ice formations.

The ice caves are carved by the unrelenting forces of Lake Superior each winter and this magnificent ice cathedral rewards those who travel across the lake with an experience unlike any other. With intricate icicles and towering ice pillars, bundled-up visitors will want to have their sense of wonder ready!

Curious travelers can hop aboard a ferry in Bayfield to visit Big Bay State Park on Madeline Island, the largest of the Apostle Islands. Visitors can stroll along a long sandy beach and spend time in Lake Superior swimming and kayaking. Big Bay’s magnificent cliffs are definitely photo-worthy as are nearly 10 miles of hiking trails.

Along the entirety of the Lakeshore Trail, trekkers can explore over 50 miles of trails, walking past towering lighthouses, historic logging camps, plenty of scenic overlooks, abandoned quarries, and much more.

Where to Eat

Mission Hill Coffee House – Dune seekers can start the day off with a cup of Joe, a breakfast sandwich, or a fresh pastry as they enjoy the relaxed vibe of a neighborhood coffee shop and shop for goodies in the on-site gift shop.

Grampa Tony’s – This family-style restaurant can be reached on foot from the ferry dock in La Pointe, Wisconsin, and offers breakfast options, as well as pizza, wraps, and more.

Q&Z’s Bakery – Travelers craving fresh baked goods and a hot cup of coffee can find both here. It’s a fun place to stop and fuel up with a tasty breakfast before heading out for the day’s adventures.

Where to Stay

Palisade Head-Silver Bay, Minnesota
Palisade Head | photo via cole.y_

Palisade Head

Silver Bay, Minnesota

For those who crave jaw-dropping vistas, Palisade Head is a must. This volcanic rock formation rises dramatically over 300 feet above Lake Superior at its highest point, offering sweeping views of the water and surrounding wilderness.

It’s a hotspot for rock climbers and photographers, thanks to its unique geology and stunning perspectives.

TRAVEL TIP: Visit during fall for vibrant foliage paired with the lake’s sparkling blue waters.

While it is part of Tettegouche State Park, Palisade Head is not connected to the rest of the park. In warmer months, visitors can soak in a stunning view of the lake at the edge of massive cliffs from the comfort of their cars.

Eagle-eyed outdoor enthusiasts can keep their eyes peeled for birds of prey soaring over the cliffs and migrating on the shoreline each fall.

While there are many rock climbing routes up the scenic lakeside cliffs, most of them require proper climbing gear and climbers are advised to take proper precautions before working their way up the routes.

Where to Stay

Split Rock Lighthouse-Two Harbors, Minnesota
Split Rock Lighthouse | photo via aerojad

Split Rock Lighthouse

Two Harbors, Minnesota

Perched atop a 130-foot cliff in Two Harbors, Minnesota, Split Rock Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque spots along Lake Superior. Built after a devastating shipwreck in 1905, this historic lighthouse offers tours, exhibits, and stunning photo opportunities.

TRAVEL TIP: Explore the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park trails for more scenic lake views.

After spending time touring the majestic tower, visitors can stroll along Pebble Beach, soaking in the views of Lake Superior and looking for perfectly flat stones to skip on the water.

Travelers who want to see more of the park can wind their way along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail, which covers more than 30 miles. The completed trail will eventually cover 86 miles from Two Harbors to Grand Marais along the Lake Superior shoreline. The trail features many scenic overlooks, which offer panoramic views of the mighty Superior.

Where to Eat

Rustic Inn Cafe – True to its name, this cafe offers a good meal in a rustic setting with a menu that includes classic breakfast options, burgers, salads, and more.

Maderia Bistro – Those looking for a unique and tasty dining experience can nosh on fresh house-made soup, stacked sandwiches with seasonal ingredients and made with Minnesota bread

Betty’s Pies – Hungry journeyers can stop in for scrumptious omelets, broasted chicken burgers, and sandwiches, but the star of the show is the homemade pies, which come in plenty of flavors and can be ordered whole and by the slice.

Where to Stay

  • Grand Superior Lodge – Located just a short drive from the lighthouse, offering cozy cabins and lakefront views.
Tettegouche State Park-Silver Bay, Minnesota
Tettegouche State Park | photo via rlebbers

Tettegouche State Park

Silver Bay, Minnesota

Nestled along Minnesota’s North Shore in Silver Bay, Tettegouche State Park is a wonderous haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With its dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush forests, this park offers countless opportunities to connect with nature.

TRAVEL TIP: Don’t miss the High Falls of the Baptism River, Minnesota’s tallest waterfall, and Shovel Point’s breathtaking overlook.

Those wanting to get out and stretch their legs for a bit can hike Shovel Point. This easy trail winds 1.2 miles along the Lake Superior shoreline and along scenic cliffs that may make you stop for at least a few minutes to soak in the views.

While High Falls gets plenty of deserved attention, Illgen Falls within the park is scenic in its own right. Located off Highway 1, the falls can be reached on a short hike and offers visitors a slice of serenity close to the lakeshore.

Where to Eat

Our Place – Customers will quickly notice the locally-inspired decor on the walls and they’ll stay for the delicious food, which includes plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Zoe’s Pizza Kitchen – Pizza is never a bad choice and Zoe’s offers nearly a dozen house specialties, including pulled pork pizza, dill pickle pizza, and cheeseburger pizza. Customers can also build their own pie, so there’s something here for every tastebud.

Northwoods Family Grille – This North Shore eatery specializes in award-winning burgers and smoked ribs, but also serves hearty breakfast options like S’Mores French toast, omelets, and pancakes

Where to Stay

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park-Pass Lake, Ontario, Canada
Sleeping Giant Provincial Park | photo via karlybreanne

Sleeping Giant Provincial Park

Pass Lake, Ontario, Canada

On the Canadian side of Lake Superior, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park is home to the iconic Sleeping Giant formation – a massive series of cliffs that resemble a giant lying on its back. This park is rich in Indigenous legends, wildlife, and endless trails with lakefront views.

TRAVEL TIP: Head to the Top of the Giant Trail for one of the most breathtaking views in the region.

Apart from the iconic cliff formations, travelers can bring their binoculars and keep their eyes peeled for dozens of bird species that have been recorded in and around the park, including songbirds and waterfowl.

The park also permits biking on several of its trails, allowing visitors a chance to enjoy Lake Superior’s shore in a different way. Two trails – Thunder Bay Lookout Road and Marie Louise Drive – are mountain biking trails that offer challenging terrain and picture-worthy views.

Those who want to explore the park on foot can do so on numerous trails that vary in difficulty and treat visitors to views of Lake Superior and other smaller lakes, rich forests, and iconic rock formations.

Where to Eat

Anchor & Ore – Travelers who love a meal with a view are invited to indulge their senses and palates. Guests can go as casual or fancy as they’d like with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options ranging from omelets and smoked ribs to fish and chips and flatbreads.

Bight Restaurant & Bar – Those looking for more of a fine dining experience can find it here. Guests can enjoy a lively brunch, classic sandwiches over lunch with friends, or a sit-down dinner with offerings like lamb chops, Atlantic salmon, and duck breast.

Where to Stay

  • Valhalla Inn – Comfortable and modern stay close to Thunder Bay’s amenities.
Agawa Rock-North Part, Ontario, Canada
Agawa Rock | photo via jeanmpants

Agawa Rock

North Part, Ontario, Canada

Found within Lake Superior Provincial Park, Agawa Rock is famous for its ancient Indigenous pictographs. These red ochre paintings, which are over 400 years old, depict animals, humans, and mythical creatures, offering a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of the area’s First Nations.

Visitors who love to get moving can explore nearly a dozen different trails. The Nokomis trail is a roughly 1.5-hour journey that treats hikers to views of the lake and the scenic cliffs of Old Woman Bay. The Orphan Lake trail leads visitors through hardwood forests, past cliffs, and waterfalls to a beautiful beach on the Baldhead River.

TRAVEL TIP: Visit during calm weather, as the trail to the pictographs hugs the cliffside and can be slippery.

The park is also home to several scenic waterfalls and treats adventurers who reach them to magnificent views. The park’s tallest waterfall, Till Creek Falls, is accessible only by water but makes for a great camping spot.

Likewise, Agawa Falls requires a day-long hike to reach but offers a one-of-a-kind view.

Where to Eat

The Viking Restaurant – There’s something for everyone on the menu here and kids and adults alike can dig into nostalgic favorites like burgers and pizza.

North of 17 Restaurant – Ask customers here what the best thing to order is and you may get a different answer every time. With options for every meal of the day, customers may never order the same thing twice as they dig into a sandwich for lunch or a pizza for dinner.

Where to Stay

Picturedrocks_Nathanbillerste-1732782
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | photo via Nathan Biller

Plan Your Lake Superior Adventure

From rugged cliffs to pristine beaches, Lake Superior is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural history. Each of these destinations and many points in between offer something unique, so why not start planning your visit?

Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the views from the lakeshore, you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.

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