Fall Adventures
Top Four Scenic Drives in Northeastern Minnesota
From the Superior National Forest and Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness, to the Laurentian Divide and North Shore of Lake Superior and back. These four fall color drives are loaded with brilliant colors and plenty to see and do!
Each one offers a slightly different experience, and all branch out in manageable day- or half-day loops from the Mesabi Iron Range, where 12 communities offer all manner of lodging – from cozy B&Bs to upscale guest houses and more – and a variety of dining and snacking experiences to keep you well-fueled for adventure.
Northern Lights Tour:
This 155-mile loop lets visitors explore scenic spaces like the Bird Lake Recreation Area in Hoyt Lakes, Mineview in the Sky in Virginia or the Soudan Underground Mine.
Laurentian Divide Tour:
A 70-mile loop with colorful hiking trails and world-class golf at Giants Ridge Recreation Area www.giantsridge.com in Biwabik, the Laurentian Divide and Lookout Mountain trails in Virginia, and the world’s largest hockey stick in Eveleth!
Superior National Forest Scenic Byway Tour:
Follow the byway from Gilbert to Silver Bay, then head south along Lake Superior to Two Harbors, where you’ll travel north to reconnect with the byway and back to the Range. Don’t miss a scenic stop at Skibo Vista near Hoyt Lakes and the White Pine Interpretive Trail in Toimi.
Mines & Pines Tour:
These 102 miles include stunning views of active and reclaimed mines on the Iron Range, plus the towering pines trees of McCarthy Beach State Park. Learn as you go with a stop at the Minnesota Discovery Center www.mndiscoverycenter.com in Chisholm, where a fall color trolley tour awaits.
