Exploring
the Scenic Byways
of the Northern Wilds By Rae Poynter
Do you prefer placid beaches or rugged hikes? Quaint towns or quiet forests? In the Northern Wilds, you don’t have to choose– you really can have it all. This incredible region is home to several scenic drives that take travelers right by some of the region’s best gems. So, this summer, buckle in and take some time to explore the best of the Northland.
The North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota’s Highway 61, has been a draw for road-tripping travelers for almost 100 years. It offers beautiful forests, breathtaking views of Lake Superior and many recreation opportunities. | LEE RADZAK
Skyline Parkway
Crowning the city of Duluth is Skyline Parkway, a 28-mile road that offers travelers a birds-eye view of the city, Duluth Harbor and Lake Superior. The first section of what would someday become Skyline Parkway was built in 1889, an idea launched by Duluth’s first park board president, William Rogers. Different sections of the road would be completed over the next 40 years, and the entire road was officially named Skyline Parkway in 1929. In 2001, Skyline Parkway was designated a scenic byway and it is still drawing visitors over 130 years since its inception. The western end of Skyline Parkway starts at Becks Road, and the parkway continues through sites such as the Magney-Snively Natural Area, Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, Enger Park, and the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve before reaching its eastern terminus at Brighton Beach. Many of these attractions offer the opportunity to enjoy nature even while in the city: the Magney-Snively Natural Area offers hiking trails and Hawk Ridge also offers hiking trails in addition to birdwatching. Some stops that boast great views include Bardon’s Peak, the Thompson Hill Information Center, and the tower at Enger Park. And of course, no trip to Duluth is complete without some quality time by Lake Superior. Finish the journey at Brighton Beach for a chance to explore the rocky shoreline and listen to the waves. More information on the byway and nearby stops can be found at: duluthmn.gov.
Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway
On the South Shore, the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway runs for 70 miles along the Bayfield Peninsula, following Highway 13 from the intersection of County Highway H in Douglas County to US 18
JUNE 2022
NORTHERN WILDS
Highway 2 in Bayfield County near the city of Ashland. The byway was dedicated in 2013 and offers travelers some of the best of the South Shore, including Lake Superior views, sandy beaches and orchards that are a hallmark of this region. Several hiking trails of varying difficulty are easily accessible from the byway, including trails at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center near Ashland, the Washburn Lakefront Walking Trail, the Mt. Ashwabay Recreation Area, and many others. Another draw to the area is the Apostle Island National Lakeshore: the islands offer ample opportunities for hiking as well as kayaking, boat tours and sailing. The Apostle Islands are also home to a collection of historic lighthouses, which historian F. Ross Holland Jr. called, “the largest and finest single collection of lighthouses in the country.” The oldest of the lighthouses date back over 160 years. For a full list of hiking trails and other activities on the Wisconsin Lake Superior Scenic Byway, visit: lakesuperiorbyway.org.
North Shore Scenic Drive
The North Shore Scenic Drive, Minnesota’s Highway 61, runs from Duluth’s Canal Park to the Canadian Border crossing at Pigeon River. Its proximity to Lake Superior was by design, and it has been a draw for road-tripping travelers for almost 100 years. Formerly a part of US Route 61, the highway became Minnesota Highway 61 in 1991, and was first designated an All-American road in 2000. The North
