Lake Superior Panoramic Road Itinerary
Take a journey along the Lake Superior Panoramic Road and experience the breathtaking views of the largest of the Great Lakes. Starting from Duluth, Minnesota, USA, this 308km route takes you to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada and offers a variety of attractions along the way.
Begin your adventure in Tofte, a small town with plenty of outdoor activities such as canoeing, kayaking and fishing. Then, take a break in Grand Portage, the oldest trading post in Minnesota, and explore the Grand Portage National Monument.
The best time to drive is during the spring and summer months, when the roads are in excellent condition and the scenery is at its best. Be sure to plan for a border crossing when you reach the Canada-US boundary.
This road trip is suitable for every driver, and with a moderate budget you can make memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the amazing sights of Lake Superior and the surrounding area on the Lake Superior Panoramic Road.
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number of days
308 km
route length
fair
budget
family
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Duluth
Distance 308 km
Driving time 3.7 h
Pace: fast
92.5 kWh
Airports
DLH
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MSP
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Duluth, Minnesota is the perfect starting point for your road trip along the Lake Superior Panoramic Road. Located on the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, Duluth offers a wide variety of activities and attractions for visitors. From the breathtaking views of the harbor to the historic Aerial Lift Bridge, there is something for everyone in Duluth.
For the outdoor enthusiast, Duluth is a paradise. Enjoy a stroll along the lakefront, hike along the Superior Hiking Trail, or take a scenic boat tour of the harbor. For the history buff, visit the Glensheen Mansion and learn about the legacy of the Congdon family. The Lake Superior Zoo is also a great place to explore.
Car rentals are available at the Duluth International Airport (DLH), located just a few miles from downtown. From there, you can begin your journey along the Lake Superior Panoramic Road. The road takes you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, including the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and many state parks.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or a relaxing getaway, Duluth is a great place to start your Lake Superior Panoramic Road trip. With its stunning views, vibrant culture, and abundance of activities, Duluth has something for everyone!
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Duluth
- Tofte
Distance 133 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
40.0 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Duluth-Tofte road trip, one of the stages of an exciting tour! This stage is 83 miles long and the estimated driving time is less than two hours, so you will have plenty of time to explore the attractions along the way.
Starting in Duluth, don't miss the Canal Park, a great place to enjoy a stroll by the lake with a view of the Aerial Lift Bridge. You can also visit the Great Lakes Aquarium, with its interactive exhibits and fascinating creatures.
Continuing your road trip, you will find the Lutsen Mountains, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities. You can also take a ride on the Eagle Mountain Gondola and admire the breathtaking views of Lake Superior.
Finally, your journey will end in Tofte. Here, you can explore the Superior National Forest, with its trails and stunning views. You can also visit the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, to learn about the history of fishing in the area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your Duluth-Tofte road trip!
Tofte - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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2
Tofte
- Grand Portage
Distance 100 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
30.1 kWh
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Itinerary
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Start your road-trip adventure in Tofte, United States and explore the beautiful landscapes of the North Shore of Lake Superior. Within a two-hour drive that covers 62 miles, you will reach your destination, Grand Portage. Along the way, you will be amazed by the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains, the cascading waterfalls, and the majestic Lake Superior.
Your first stop should be at Temperance River State Park, where you can admire the stunning views of the river, the rocky cliffs, and the lush forests. Then, you can visit Cascade River State Park, where you can take a short hike and observe the beautiful cascading waterfalls.
Afterwards, you can take a break at Lutsen Mountains, where you can take the gondola to the top of Moose Mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Superior. You can also find some interesting historical sites and museums in Grand Portage, like the Grand Portage National Monument and the North West Company Fur Trade Museum.
At the end of your journey, you can take a break at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. Here, you can explore the Devil’s Kettle, a mysterious waterfall that splits into two and disappears into a deep hole.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road-trip and have a great time!
Grand Portage - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Grand Portage
- Thunder Bay
Distance 75 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
22.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Grand Portage, United States to Thunder Bay? This 47 mi journey will take you less than an hour and you will even cross the state border. Make sure to bring your passport! Along the way, you can visit the Grand Portage National Monument, a historic site that commemorates the fur trading activities of the Ojibwe people. You can also explore the Grand Portage State Park, with its beautiful beaches and trails. When you arrive in Thunder Bay, you can visit the Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Superior. There is also the Terry Fox Monument, which commemorates the heroic journey of Terry Fox. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Thunder Bay - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - www.thunderbay.ca
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Thunder Bay
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Thunder Bay is the perfect ending to the awe-inspiring Lake Superior Panoramic Road. This bustling port city is the gateway to Northwestern Ontario, with a population of over 100,000 people, and a growing economy.
A great way to explore the city is to visit the waterfront. Here, you can take a stroll along the harbor and take in the views of the Sleeping Giant mountain range, or take a boat tour to explore the shoreline. The city also offers many outdoor activities, like fishing, hiking, and biking.
For those who enjoy art and culture, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery is a must-see. The gallery showcases the work of local and regional artists, with a focus on contemporary and traditional indigenous art.
For foodies, Thunder Bay has plenty of delicious options. Enjoy a gourmet meal at one of the many restaurants, or explore the local markets and food trucks. There are also many craft breweries in the city, offering unique beer and cider.
For those traveling by air, Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT) is the closest international airport, located just a few miles away from downtown.
At the end of the Lake Superior Panoramic Road, Thunder Bay is the perfect destination for all types of travelers. With its stunning views, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine, Thunder Bay is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Lake Superior Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Duluth
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End:
Thunder Bay
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Distance:
308 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Duluth International Airport (DLH),
Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field (MSP)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
No doubt our trip will become an ideal inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
It is a ready-made idea that can be effortlessly expanded into a longer journey – there are no limits.
If car travel is a travel option you prefer, there are a number of vital road rules to follow and a list of things to keep in mind to make your road adventure smooth and safe.
The following road rules will surely become useful for all drivers considering renting a car or camper rental in Minnesota.
When sightseeing around Minnesota, there are multiple road regulations to be bore in mind.
Alcohol is best to be avoided at all costs while sightseeing in a car.
The permitted blood alcohol level is very low and equals only 0.5‰.
The maximum car speed when driving around the build-up areas is 40km/h.
Never exceed the maximum allowed speed of 72km/h when travelling in undeveloped areas.
Bear in mind that the maximum speed is 129km/h on motorways in Minnesota.
Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your vehicle with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher heavily increase the safety of you and your passengers.
The majority of drivers wonder about the costs of the whole tour.
Depending on the budget option that you aim for, the money that you have to pay for your tour expenses will differ.
Below, you will find the budget possibilities.
We estimate that the budget option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 4 stages while travelling around Minnesota will cost approximately 38 EUR.
Economy accommodation options are estimated to cost up to approximately77 EUR.
Tourists should also remember about the fact that they will spend approximately 72 EUR for food and restaurants in this option.
Travellers will have to pay about 45 EUR if they opt for the cheapest hire car option as well.
Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the costs of the road trip from around 187 EUR to approximately 232 EUR.
Drivers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 50 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip.
If you are into standard accommodation options, you should bear in mind that the expenses can amount up to approximately 121 EUR.
When opting for this option, take into consideration that the food and restaurants within this range will cost roughly 108 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire vehicle can expect a cost of about 54 EUR.
Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay roughly 333 EUR for the whole Lake Superior Panoramic Road, whereas those who are not interested in car hire will spend roughly 279 EUR.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will come up to the expectations of the most demanding holidaymakers.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total roughly 507 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 279 EUR for those who do not want to rent.
Travellers who want to cover the trip in a premium rental car should expect a cost of about 90 EUR.
In the top standard configuration of the adventure, you need to spend the maximum of 75 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary.
Tourists should expect to pay roughly 144 EUR for food and restaurants and around 198 EUR for accommodation options if they are interested in the highest standard of services.
Our itinerary will also be ideal for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements.
If you choose this mode of transport, you will pay up to approximately 225 EUR.
You will spend roughly 88 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary.
Travellers who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay more or less 55 EUR for overnight stays and approximately 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The section Road Trip Costs shows all the presented details in a straightforward way.
If Lake Superior Panoramic Road has sparked your creativity, there are plenty of interesting road adventures on our website.
We hope that the great versatility of options will definitely cater to the needs of the most demanding travellers.