10 Easy Road Trips from Duluth, Minnesota: Iconic Things To Do Just Outside St. Louis County
If you live in or near
Duluth, Minnesota, you probably already know how special this corner of the state is. But sometimes you want to hop in the car, roll down the windows, and see what’s waiting just beyond the county line.
This guide is all about
short out-of-county road trips from Duluth—places that are close enough for a day trip, but fun enough that you might want to stay the night. We’ll skip St. Louis County itself and explore nearby counties like
Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake in Minnesota, plus
Douglas County, Wisconsin.
Think quiet lakes, big waterfalls, tiny diners, and classic Northwoods vibes—all within a reasonable drive from Duluth.
1. Gooseberry Falls State Park (Lake County, MN)
About 40 miles northeast of Duluth, just over the St. Louis County line, you’ll hit one of Minnesota’s most beloved spots:
Gooseberry Falls State Park.
If you’ve never been, picture this: rocky cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and the sound of water echoing through the trees. It’s the kind of place where you pull into the parking lot “just to take a quick look” and end up staying for hours.
- Walk the short trails to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.
- Bring a picnic and eat near the river.
- In winter, watch the falls partly freeze—super dramatic and beautiful.
From Duluth, it’s an easy drive up Highway 61, and it’s one of the best quick
day trips along the North Shore.
2. Split Rock Lighthouse & Pebble Beach (Lake County, MN)
Head a little farther up the shore, about 50 miles from Duluth, and you’ll find
Split Rock Lighthouse—probably one of the most photographed spots in Minnesota.
Even if you’re not usually into history, this place has a way of pulling you in. The lighthouse sits on a dramatic cliff above Lake Superior, and on a clear day the views go on for miles.
Things to do here:
- Tour the historic lighthouse and keeper’s house.
- Walk down to the rocky beach and skip stones.
- Bring a camera—the views are worth it.
If you time it right in the fall, the drive up Highway 61 from Duluth is a full-on
fall color road trip, with red and gold leaves all around.
3. Jay Cooke State Park & Swinging Bridge (Carlton County, MN)
Looking for something a little closer? Head about 20–25 miles southwest of Duluth to
Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton County.
This park is built around the churning
St. Louis River, and it feels wild in a way that surprises a lot of first-time visitors. The rocky gorge and fast-moving water make it one of the most dramatic river views in the upper Midwest.
Highlights you shouldn’t miss:
- Walk across the famous Swinging Bridge (yes, it really moves a bit).
- Hike the short trails along the river for great photo spots.
- Stop in nearby Carlton or Cloquet for a burger or ice cream afterward.
If you only have half a day, this is one of the best
quick road trips from Duluth.
4. Old-School Supper Club & Beaches in Superior (Douglas County, WI)
Just across the bridge from Duluth—but in a whole different state—you’ll find
Superior, Wisconsin, in Douglas County. It feels familiar but different at the same time.
Instead of making it just a gas-and-go stop, turn Superior into a mini road trip:
- Head to Barker’s Island for a casual walk along the harbor.
- Drive out to Wisconsin Point for one of the longest freshwater sandbars in the world.
- End the day at a classic Northwoods-style supper club for steak or fish fry.
There’s something wonderfully laid-back about Superior. On a summer evening, watching the sunset over the harbor feels like a vacation, even if you live just 15–20 minutes away in Duluth.
5. Quiet Lake Escape in Aitkin County, MN
If your idea of a perfect day trip is more “dock and canoe” than “tourist attraction,” head about 70–100 miles southwest into
Aitkin County.
This area doesn’t shout for attention, and that’s exactly why people love it. You’ll find:
- Dozens of small lakes, ideal for fishing, paddling, or just floating.
- Cabins and mom-and-pop resorts that feel like stepping back in time.
- Quiet roads and plenty of wildlife—loons, deer, and maybe even an eagle or two.
Pack a cooler, a good book, and maybe a fishing rod. If you’ve been craving a break from traffic and noise, this part of Minnesota delivers that deep, peaceful silence that’s hard to find.
6. Grand Rapids & the Mississippi Headwaters Region (Itasca County, MN)
Drive about 80–90 miles northwest of Duluth and you’ll reach
Grand Rapids in Itasca County, a friendly small city with big outdoor energy.
It’s a great base for a full day (or weekend) of exploring:
- Visit the Judy Garland Museum if you’re a movie fan or grew up watching "The Wizard of Oz."
- Check out local lakes for boating, paddling, or swimming.
- Use Grand Rapids as a jumping-off point for a longer trip toward Itasca State Park and the Mississippi headwaters.
If you’re coming from Duluth, watching the landscape change from big lake shores to deeper Northwoods country is half the fun of this
northern Minnesota road trip.
7. Voyageurs National Park Gateway: International Falls (Koochiching County, MN)
If you’re up for a longer day trip—or a great overnight—head about 150 miles northwest from Duluth to
International Falls in Koochiching County, right on the Canadian border.
This is one of the main access points to
Voyageurs National Park, a water-based national park known for its wild, remote feel.
What you can do up here:
- Take a boat tour or rent a small boat to explore the park’s islands and bays.
- Watch for northern lights on clear, dark nights.
- Enjoy cooler summer temps and crisp winter days—this place really leans into all four seasons.
From Duluth, it’s definitely more of a “day-plus” road trip, but if you’ve been dreaming of a real Northwoods adventure, this one’s worth planning.
8. Agate Hunting & Shoreline Wandering in Lake County, MN
Beyond the big-name stops like Gooseberry and Split Rock,
Lake County is full of smaller, quieter treasures. If you like poking around backroads and less crowded spots, this is your kind of trip.
Ideas for a relaxed North Shore wander:
- Stop at lesser-known pull-offs along Highway 61 to walk the rocky shoreline.
- Look for Lake Superior agates on beaches (just remember to take only what’s allowed).
- Check out small towns along the way for coffee, pie, or local art.
This is a good “no-rush” drive from Duluth: start late morning, head up the shore, stop wherever looks good, and roll back home at sunset.
9. River Town Vibes in Cloquet & Carlton (Carlton County, MN)
If you don’t want to go far, but you still want something that feels like a mini getaway, aim 20–30 miles southwest to the
Carlton County towns of Cloquet and Carlton.
You can easily make a casual day of it:
- Pair a visit to Jay Cooke State Park with lunch or dinner in town.
- Drive scenic backroads along the St. Louis River.
- Stop at small-town diners or coffee shops and chat with the locals.
These towns have that relaxed, lived-in feel—nothing flashy, just friendly people and a slower pace than you’ll find in Duluth proper.
10. Lake Superior Overlooks & Scenic Pull-Offs in Douglas County, WI
When most people think “North Shore,” they picture the Minnesota side. But the
Wisconsin side of Lake Superior, just into Douglas County, has its own quiet charm—and it’s incredibly close to Duluth.
Use Superior as a starting point, then explore:
- Wisconsin Point for sandy beaches, driftwood, and views back toward Duluth and the Aerial Lift Bridge.
- Smaller inland lakes and forest roads for a true backroads Wisconsin feel.
- Local taverns and cafes that feel like they’ve been there forever.
If you live in Duluth, this makes a great end-of-weekday escape: an hour or two of fresh air, a simple dinner, and then back home before it’s too late.
Tips for Planning Your Duluth Area Road Trips
To make the most of these
short road trips from Duluth:
- Check drive times before you go. Most spots here are within 30–120 miles.
- Watch the weather, especially along Lake Superior, where conditions can change fast.
- Pack layers—even in summer, the lake breeze can make it feel 10–15 degrees cooler.
- Bring snacks and water, especially if you’ll be hiking or exploring state parks.
One thing I’ve noticed on these drives: the journey really is part of the fun. The small gas stations, roadside stands, and random scenic overlooks often end up being the memories you talk about later.
Where Will You Drive Next?
Living near Duluth means you’re surrounded by road trip options: rugged shorelines, quiet lakes, wild rivers, and a mix of small towns that all have their own stories.
Now the big question is:
which one are you going to try first?
Are you a lighthouse-and-waterfalls person, or more of a quiet-lake-and-campfire type?
If you found this guide helpful:
- Share it with friends or family who love exploring northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- Comment below with your favorite road trip from Duluth—or the one you’re planning next. I’d love to hear what you discover out there.
Happy driving, and enjoy exploring the world just beyond Duluth’s city limits.
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