GGST trail corridor attractions. Minnesota's North Shore, the portion of Lake Superior's shore from Duluth to the Canadian border, is a well-established vacation destination. Natural beauty and history intersect along the North Shore. The 88-mile trail corridor of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail (GGST) between Two Harbors and Grand Marais, paralleling State Trunk Highway 61 in Lake and Cook Counties, is remarkable for the opportunities it offers to many categories of visitors -- from young families to serious adventurers.
The trail corridor connects five state parks: Gooseberry Falls State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, Tettegouche State Park, Temperance River State Park, and Cascade River State Park. Crosby Manitou State Park is a more remote inland park accessed from forest roads off the North Shore. Historic Split Rock Lighthouse, operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, is a must-see destination for North Shore visitors, and is a prominent feature of the completed GGST.
Recreation. The Superior Hiking Trail, widely regarded as one of the premiere long trails in the country, also parallels the shore. The riches of the Superior National Forest are accessible by county and forest roads. The North Shore is the gateway to the one-of-a-kind Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, with entry points on several county and forest roads. Rivers and lakes, including the great lake itself, provide opportunities for boaters and sailors, water sports enthusiasts and anglers.
Towns and accommodations. Charming and historic towns along the GGST corridor, including Two Harbors, Castle Danger, Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Little Marais, Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen and Grand Marais, tell the story of life along the North Shore, including the fishing, lumber and mining industries. Tourism and recreation have overtaken industry as the most siginificant revenue sources for these communities. Artists of a variety of media display their artwork in the many unique shops in the towns along the shore. Distinctive resorts from the quaint to the luxurious, and rental properties from magnificent lake homes to remote cabins, provide a wide choice of accommodations for visitors. Numerous festivals and special events attract tourists and local residents. Visitors bureaus for Cook County and Lake County are good sources of information about accommodations, dining, and events.
