Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth

See the complete highway journey right here

The journey from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Duluth, Minnesota is a memorable phase of the Nice Northern highway journey. This 400+ mile stretch hugs Lake Superior’s wild south shore, connecting historic maritime cities, dense northwoods forests, and gorgeous waterfalls. It’s a route outlined by Nice Lakes surroundings – from the Soo Locks on the St. Marys River to the rocky Apostle Islands – and is finest loved over about 4 days. Alongside the way in which, you’ll encounter pristine nationwide lakeshores, quaint harbor villages, and loads of climbing and tenting alternatives. For a broader context and to plan your entire route, see our full Nice Northern highway journey overview.

Route Overview: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth

This phase traces the Lake Superior shoreline westward throughout Michigan’s Higher Peninsula into northern Wisconsin and Minnesota. You’ll begin in Sault Ste. Marie, then wind by means of distant stretches of hardwood forest and coastal sand dunes earlier than reaching Duluth’s busy port. The panorama transitions from the rolling hills of the jap Higher Peninsula to the rugged cliffs and peaks round Lake Superior’s shore. Anticipate two-lane highways (paved and well-maintained) with occasional winding sections close to the lake. Summer season and early fall are the prime seasons for this drive – providing lengthy daytime, gentle temperatures, and vibrant fall colours by late September. Winters listed here are harsh with snow-covered roads and a few park amenities closed, so plan accordingly if touring outdoors of Might–October.

Fast Stats: Sault Ste. Marie–Duluth Phase

4-Day Itinerary: Sault Ste. Marie to Duluth Highway Journey

Day 1: Sault Ste. Marie, MI to Munising, MI (Pictured Rocks)

Morning: Start in Sault Ste. Marie by visiting the well-known Soo Locks, the place colossal freighters traverse the 21-foot drop between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Head west on Freeway M-28 by means of dense forests towards Paradise, MI (about 60 miles). In Paradise, a brief detour north on Whitefish Level Highway (11 miles) results in the Nice Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Level. This museum and lighthouse supply a captivating take a look at Lake Superior’s maritime historical past, together with artifacts from the Edmund Fitzgerald. Backtrack to Paradise for a fast refuel or snacks.

Afternoon: Proceed on M-123 to Tahquamenon Falls State Park (simply quarter-hour from Paradise). Stretch your legs on the brief boardwalk path to the spectacular Higher Falls – one of many largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. There’s a family-friendly brewery and pub close to the falls the place you’ll be able to seize lunch with a view of the rapids. After lunch, drive again to M-28 and head west. The route passes by means of small cities like Newberry (final main fuel cease for some time) earlier than reaching Munising by early night. Alongside the way in which, take into account turning off M-28 onto County Highway H-58 at Shingleton to enter Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore from the east. This scenic lakeshore highway winds 40 miles previous highlights just like the Log Slide Overlook and Twelve Mile Seashore. Arrive in Munising, a harbor city on the western finish of Pictured Rocks, and settle in for the night time. In a single day in Munising or camp inside Pictured Rocks (Munising has accommodations and the favored Munising Vacationer Park campground).

Day 2: Munising, MI to Porcupine Mountains (Ontonagon, MI)

Morning: Begin the day with extra of Pictured Rocks. If climate permits, take a morning boat tour from Munising to see the multicolored sandstone cliffs up shut (reservations beneficial). Alternatively, hike a brief path just like the 1.2-mile round-trip to Miners Falls or the overlook at Miners Citadel. By late morning, depart Munising westward on M-28/US-41 towards Marquette (43 miles). Marquette is the Higher Peninsula’s largest metropolis and makes an ideal lunch cease – there are native cafés and a waterfront park by the historic ore docks. Gasoline up right here, as the following leg is distant.

Afternoon: From Marquette, observe US-41 alongside Lake Superior’s coast to L’Anse and Baraga, skirting Keweenaw Bay’s scenic shoreline. Transition onto M-38 west to Ontonagon (in the event you want groceries or provides, Ontonagon has a few small shops). Within the late afternoon, enter Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – nicknamed “the Porkies.” A park highway (M-107) results in the Lake of the Clouds overlook, a must-see viewpoint particularly close to sundown. It’s a brief stroll from the parking space to an expansive vista over an inland lake and untouched forests. Elective straightforward hikes within the space embrace the 1/2-mile Union Mine Interpretive Path. In a single day at Porcupine Mountains – tenting at Union Bay Campground (on Lake Superior) is widespread, or discover lodging in close by Silver Metropolis/Ontonagon.

Day 3: Porcupine Mountains, MI to Bayfield, WI

Morning: Get up to contemporary lake breezes within the Porcupine Mountains. If time permits, drive to the park’s quieter southern facet (about 20 miles) to discover the Presque Isle Scenic Space, the place brief trails loop previous a collection of photogenic waterfalls (Manido, Manabezho, and Nawadaha Falls). By late morning, depart the Porkies and head south on Freeway M-64 to US-2, then west into Wisconsin. The highway crosses into Wisconsin at Ironwood – maintain a watch out for the large fiberglass statue of Hiawatha peeking by means of the bushes in Ironwood’s roadside park. Proceed by means of the Gogebic Vary into Ashland, Wisconsin.

Afternoon: Ashland sits on Chequamegon Bay and is an efficient place to gas up and seize lunch. Take a fast drive by means of downtown to see Ashland’s well-known historic murals painted on constructing facades. From right here, a scenic detour awaits: when you’ve got a few hours, drive 24 miles south on State Freeway 13 to Copper Falls State Park (close to Mellen, WI). A straightforward 1.7-mile path (the Doughboys Nature Path) results in Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls, two dramatic waterfalls in a rocky gorge. After the hike, backtrack to Ashland and proceed north on Hwy 13 up the Bayfield Peninsula. This stretch is designated because the Lake Superior Scenic Byway, providing peekaboo lake views and charming little villages. Arrive in Bayfield by early night. Bayfield is a picturesque harbor city and the gateway to the Apostle Islands – get pleasure from a stroll by the marina and maybe a contemporary fish dinner. In a single day round Bayfield (choices embrace campgrounds close to the lake or quaint B&Bs on the town).

Day 4: Bayfield, WI to Duluth, MN

Morning: Begin in Bayfield with a dose of Lake Superior journey. When you can spare the time, take into account a morning kayak tour or boat cruise to the Apostle Islands Nationwide Lakeshore to see sea caves and historic lighthouses (the excursions sometimes final 3–4 hours, so alternatively simply go to the Apostle Islands Customer Heart in Bayfield for reveals). Subsequent, proceed west on Hwy 13 by means of the peninsula’s northern communities. In Purple Cliff (simply north of Bayfield), you’ll cross the tribal lands of the Purple Cliff Band – the roadside gives views of cliffs and the lake in your proper. Additional alongside, cease in Cornucopia, WI, a tiny fishing village with a sandy seaside. This can be a good spot to stretch and maybe seize do-it-yourself fudge or smoked fish from a neighborhood store. From Cornucopia, Hwy 13 turns south and meanders by means of quiet forests and farms, ultimately rejoining US-2.

Afternoon: Merge onto US-2 west for the ultimate hour into the Duluth space. Earlier than reaching the town, you may make a fast facet cease at Amnicon Falls State Park (simply south of US-2 in Wisconsin), identified for its photogenic lined bridge and waterfalls – it’s solely a 1-2 mile detour if time permits. In any other case, proceed into Superior, WI and cross the Blatnik Bridge into Duluth, MN. As you enter Duluth, you’ll see the cityscape terrace up steep hills overlooking Lake Superior. Take a while to go to Canal Park in downtown Duluth, the place you’ll be able to watch ships cross beneath the long-lasting Aerial Raise Bridge and go to the Lake Superior Maritime Customer Heart (free admission). This port metropolis marks the top of this phase. In a single day in Duluth or transfer on to the following stage of your Nice Northern journey.

Finest Campgrounds Between Sault Ste. Marie and Duluth

• Twelvemile Seashore Campground (Pictured Rocks NL, MI) – Situated close to Grand Marais, this rustic Nationwide Park Service campground sits atop a sandy bluff overlooking Lake Superior. It gives tent and small RV websites with picnic tables and hearth rings. Campers love falling asleep to the sound of waves and climbing straight from camp alongside the North Nation Path. No hookups (vault bogs and hand-pump water solely), however the lakefront setting is difficult to beat.
• Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Decrease Falls Campground (Paradise, MI) – Set in a lush forest close to the Tahquamenon River, this campground provides quick access to the park’s well-known waterfalls. Websites can accommodate tents or RVs and are fashionable (electrical hookups, showers, flush bogs accessible). It’s family-friendly and also you may spot wildlife like deer or foxes round nightfall. Staying right here enables you to discover the falls within the peaceable early morning or night hours with out the daytime crowds.
• Munising Vacationer Park Campground (Munising, MI) – A city-run campground proper on the Lake Superior shoreline. It options each tent and RV websites, together with some waterfront spots with unimaginable sundown views. Facilities embrace electrical hookups, scorching showers, and a sandy seaside space. It’s only some miles from the Pictured Rocks boat tour docks, making it a handy base to discover the nationwide lakeshore. The open format means websites aren’t very personal, however the lake surroundings and site make up for it.
• Union Bay Campground (Porcupine Mountains SP, MI) – That is the first campground in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, close to Silver Metropolis. Perched by Lake Superior, Union Bay gives 100+ websites (most with electrical hookups) appropriate for tents and RVs. Campers get pleasure from fashionable bathhouses, a playground, and beautiful lake sunrises. It’s an ideal base for climbing the park’s trails – the favored Lake of the Clouds overlook is a brief drive away. Be aware that cell service right here is proscribed, and websites guide up rapidly in peak season.
• Copper Falls State Park Campground (Mellen, WI) – Tucked in northern Wisconsin’s hardwood forest, this quiet campground is inside strolling distance of Copper Falls and Brownstone Falls. It has a mixture of tent and small RV websites beneath tall pines, plus a couple of camper cabins. There are fundamental comforts like flush bogs, showers, and a small playground. Evenings are peaceable, and also you may hear the frenzy of distant waterfalls out of your website. It’s a wonderful stopover in the event you detour to benefit from the park’s climbing loops and scenic gorge.
• Little Sand Bay Campground (City of Russell, WI) – This county-owned campground lies on Lake Superior between Bayfield and the Apostle Islands mainland sea caves. It’s a favourite for kayakers and boaters launching to the islands. The campground has a mixture of tent websites and RV websites (some with hookups), plus scorching showers and a ship ramp. Websites are principally wooded with a brief path to a sandy seaside. Staying right here places you about quarter-hour from Bayfield and proper subsequent to a Nationwide Park Service ranger station, making it straightforward to plan island excursions.
• Buffalo Bay Campground (Bayfield, WI) – A part of the Purple Cliff Reservation’s Legendary Waters Resort, this campground gives the distinctive combo of lakeside tenting and entry to resort facilities. Many websites present electrical/water hookups and front-row views of the Apostle Islands. Campers can use fashionable restrooms situated within the adjoining marina/lodge advanced and even seize a meal on the on-site restaurant. A spotlight right here is watching the dawn over Lake Superior or taking a brief stroll to the close by Frog Bay Tribal Nationwide Park, which has a quiet path by means of old-growth forest to the shoreline.

High Actions & Sights Alongside the Route

Pure Highlights

Pictured Rocks Nationwide Lakeshore – Hike to iconic viewpoints like Miner’s Citadel or Chapel Rock, or take a guided kayak/boat tour to see towering multicolored cliffs and hidden seashores. Don’t miss brief walks to waterfalls reminiscent of Munising Falls (0.4-mile spherical journey) and Chapel Falls (1.5 miles one-way) for a style of the world’s magnificence.

Tahquamenon Falls – Marvel on the Higher Falls, which cascades practically 50 ft and spans 200 ft throughout. A paved path results in a number of overlooks. A couple of miles downstream, the Decrease Falls encompass a collection of smaller cascades you’ll be able to view up shut by rowboat or from viewing platforms. Each spots supply picnic areas and trails by means of aromatic cedar forests.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park – Drive as much as Lake of the Clouds Overlook for sweeping vistas of untouched wilderness. For hikers, the Escarpment Path (4 miles one-way) supplies dramatic ridge-top views, whereas the Presque Isle River trails showcase waterfalls in a serene gorge. This park can be identified for wildlife – maintain a watch out for eagles, foxes, or perhaps a black bear (from a protected distance) on quieter trails.

Apostle Islands Nationwide Lakeshore – Discover sea caves and crystal-clear waters by kayak at Meyer’s Seashore (guides accessible for security). If time permits, ferry to Madeline Island (Large Bay State Park has seashores and scenic cliff trails) or be a part of a ship cruise to view lighthouses on islands like Raspberry or Devils Island. The mix of turquoise water and forested islands makes this space a crown jewel of Lake Superior.

Cultural & Historic Websites

Nice Lakes Shipwreck Museum – Situated at Whitefish Level, this museum shows shipwreck artifacts and the preserved Edmund Fitzgerald bell, honoring Lake Superior’s maritime heritage. A go to right here gives perception into the perils early mariners confronted on the “Nice Lakes graveyard.” The adjoining 1861 lighthouse could be toured for panoramic lake views.

Soo Locks & Museum – In Sault Ste. Marie, watch large freighters navigate the locks that join Superior to the decrease Nice Lakes. The viewing platform and customer middle present historic context on the locks’ building and operation. Time your go to and also you may see an ocean-bound ship rising or dropping with the water stage – successful with children and adults alike.

Ashland’s Historic Murals – As you cross by means of Ashland, WI, take a fast driving tour of the expansive murals downtown. These professionally painted scenes on brick buildings depict the area’s historical past – from Ojibwe legend and the lumber period to early miners and lake fishermen. It’s a free open-air artwork exhibit that brings native heritage to life.

Canal Park, Duluth – On the finish of the phase, Canal Park gives each leisure and studying. Stroll the Lakewalk to see the Aerial Raise Bridge in motion and go to the Lake Superior Maritime Customer Heart (free entry) for reveals on transport and storms on Superior. Close by, the decommissioned William A. Irvin ore ship is usually open for excursions, showcasing Duluth’s industrial historical past.

Outside Recreation & Distinctive Stops

Mountaineering & Waterfalls – This route is full of brief hikes to waterfalls. Along with Tahquamenon and the Porkies, take into account a fast cease at Haven Falls (close to Lac La Belle off M-26 in the event you detour towards Keweenaw) or Morgan Falls (south of Ashland). Many trailheads are proper off the freeway, making it straightforward to stretch your legs and uncover a cascading creek or scenic overlook with no main time funding.

Lakenenland Sculpture Park – Driving west of Munising towards Marquette, look ahead to a whimsical roadside attraction: Lakenenland. It’s a free, self-guided drive-through park crammed with over 80 massive scrap-metal sculptures starting from legendary creatures to UP satire. Created by a neighborhood artist, it’s open year-round and is very enjoyable for households (and a welcome break for teenagers after hours within the automotive).

Native Meals & Treats – Don’t miss the possibility to strive a Yooper pasty (a hearty handheld meat-and-potato pie) bought at bakeries and cafes throughout the UP. In Cornucopia, WI, a unusual normal retailer gives contemporary smoked trout and whitefish – a real style of Lake Superior. And when you’ve got a candy tooth, cease on the Legendary Waters resort’s cafe in Purple Cliff or the sweet store in Bayfield for do-it-yourself fudge made with native berries.

Scenic Byways & Picture Ops – Practically your entire route doubles as a scenic drive, however a couple of spots beg for images: the “Welcome to Paradise” sign up Paradise, MI (a enjoyable selfie cease), the vista at Eagle Bluff on Hwy 13 overlooking Lake Superior close to Bayfield, and the picturesque Cornucopia harbor with its assortment of colourful fishing boats. Plan transient pauses to soak in these one-of-a-kind roadside vistas.

Journey Suggestions for This Phase

Gasoline and Provides: Gasoline stations are sparse within the Higher Peninsula, so high off your tank in Sault Ste. Marie or Newberry. Paradise has a small fuel pump, however after that you simply gained’t discover main providers till Munising and Marquette. On the Wisconsin facet, refill in Ashland or Washburn earlier than taking Hwy 13 across the peninsula (very restricted fuel within the small villages). Carry some additional snacks and water, as grocery choices are restricted outdoors of the bigger cities.

Climate and Seasonality: Lake Superior’s climate can change rapidly – even in summer season, fog and sudden temperature drops are widespread close to the shore. Pack layers and a rain jacket. In bug season (late spring/early summer season), carry insect repellent or head nets, particularly for the woods round Tahquamenon and the Porkies. If touring in fall, you’ll be handled to spectacular foliage, however notice that by late October some campgrounds and excursions may have closed for the season. Winter journey is just not beneficial with out preparation; heavy lake-effect snow could make parts of M-28 and native roads difficult.

Highway Situations: The principle highways (M-28, US-2) are paved and in good situation, however some scenic spur roads like H-58 by means of Pictured Rocks are narrower with sharp curves – drive cautiously and look ahead to deer. Within the Porcupine Mountains, the park’s South Boundary Highway is a twisting route higher pushed in daylight. Wisconsin’s Hwy 13 alongside Lake Superior can be well-paved however has few guardrails, so keep a protected velocity on bends close to the cliffs.

Reservations and Permits: In peak season (July–August), guide campground websites and Apostle Islands excursions prematurely, as they refill rapidly. Michigan state parks require a Recreation Passport (entry payment) for automobile entry – you should buy this at park entrances. The Dyrt app’s offline maps (accessible with The Dyrt PRO) could be very helpful right here, since cell service drops out in Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon, and the Porcupine Mountains. All the time observe Go away No Hint rules at campsites and trails – these pure areas are pristine, and retaining them that approach ensures an ideal expertise for the following traveler.

Further Segments & Assets

This Sault Ste. Marie–to–Duluth part is only one a part of the full Nice Northern highway journey. Within the east, the earlier phase covers the route main into Sault Ste. Marie, and to the west, the journey continues from Duluth towards North Dakota and past. Make sure you take a look at these phase guides for a complete journey throughout the northern United States. For extra route planning assist, our Nice Northern highway journey overview gives a abstract of your entire drive. Completely happy travels – and don’t overlook that The Dyrt’s tenting group and assets (like PRO offline maps and 1000’s of campground evaluations) may also help you benefit from each cease on this epic highway journey.

The Dyrt is the one tenting app with all of the private and non-private campgrounds, RV parks, and free tenting places in america. Obtain now for iOS and Android.

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