My husband and I will be arriving in Minneapolis on Sept. 28 and will have a few days before a conference starts that he will be attending. We want to take the North Shore Drive. What places are musts that we should stop at and what places do you recommend for us to spend the night along the drive?
R.Hunt

The answer to your early morning post had some good ideas (Gooseberry Falls and definitely Split Rock Lighthouse). I would recommend spending time in Canal Park in Duluth. Walk along the breakwater at the entrance to the harbor...you might see one of the large ore or grain boat coming in under the lift bridge.

As far as places to stay, Bluefin Bay is gorgeous (about 1.5 hours north of Duluth). Although I've never stayed there, Naniboujou Lodge near Grand Marais has always looked fascinating. It's a old hunting lodge (Babe Ruth and Jack Dempsey era). The photos on the website look great. www.naniboujou.com

Minnesota's North Shore Drive is a classic! Have a great time.

Yes, Gooseberry Falls & Split Rock Lighthouse are must sees! For great food, especially pie, eat at Rustic Inn Cafe, it's on the left side of the road, believe it's just before Gooseberry Falls. Duluth is a neat old town & they've done alot w/ their lakefront.
Glensheen Mansion would be a nice tour to take, it's in Duluth.

I agree with the other posters about things to see and do but want to add a couple. I have never stayed at Nanibijou Lodge but have eaten there many times and it is a must see. The ceiling is just amazing. I also recomment Pickwick Restaurant in Duluth - it is overlooking the water on Superior St near Fitger's Mall and has wonderful food and has been there a long, long time. Yes, Rustic Inn is a good place to eat on the shore, as is Betty's Pies just north of Two Harbors. We love staying in Grand Marais and have stayed several times at the Best Western Superior Inn. It is on the East Bay and you can walk to downtown Grand Marais. There are a number of gift shops and art places and we love walking out on the breakwall. It is beautiful. Our faovrite pizza place is Sven & Ole's in Grand Marais. YUM!! Hope you have a good time.

We just got back from that area. Do stop at Split Rock - very interesting although I thought admission price of $6 a little pricey. We stayed at Shoreview Inn - it was considerably cheaper than the Best Western. We paid $79 for a second floor king right on lake - beautiful view. I noticed the Best Western had some construction equipment on its grounds - glad we stayed where we did. We also stopped at Nanijoubou - the dining room is beautiful. We drove up to Portage State Park and did the short hike to the falls which was well worth it. We really liked the food at the Angry Trout in Grand Marais. Grand Marais is a beautiful little town with several art galleries - don't miss Sivertson Gallery. We then drove up Gunflint Trail and stayed at cottage at Bearskin Resort. It was extremely relaxing - fishing was not good for us but that was more than made up for by sightings of seven moose, three bald eagles,a black bear that walked in front of our car and a wolf. We enjoyed the Trail Center restaurant on the Gunfling Trail - great malts and be sure and try the pancakes. Sorry this is so long but just wanted to share our experiences

Pam

Hi Pam - Where is the Shoreview Motel? I can't remember seeing it. Could you mean Shoreline Hotel also on the East Bay going out to the Point? I agree with all your comments too - we also enjoy seeing the moose, etc. up the Gunflint Trail. Also enjoy Trail Center.
However I don't think the price is that steep for Split Rock - maybe I am jaded by our Calif. prices tho.

Just be sure to book accomodations as far ahead as possible. The North Shore area fills up really fast that time of year, especially on weekends.