shedding layers
The season and the reason that we all love and adore in all parts of the world: FALL.
Transition seasons are just the best! They always remind me of impermanence and change and the beauty that surround hard things. I mean, what’s more beautiful that a landscape full of ROYG-sometimes BIV (yes, counting the lakes as blue and sometimes trees get purple tinted fall colors)?? And with change being observed daily, it’s like impermanence smacks you in the face and shoves perspective down your throat, in the best way. I love the reflection transition seasons bring, I love the gratitude I feel in transition season.
Anyways, we had some really timely weddings this fall which gave us multiple reasons to make fall trips to the North Shore happen. It couldn’t have been better timing! We spent one weekend in Duluth and the next in the Lutsen area where the leaves were FINEEEE, but the people were not. We haven’t really intentionally booked a trip to the North Shore in the fall before, so I have nothing to compare my experience to but I have heard since COVID, the north shore has become MADNESS in the fall.
Like stop and go traffic to get through Two Harbors, 1/2 mile+ backup to get to the ski hill (and also our hotel since they were on the same road), and overflow parking ~1/4+ mile in each direction of the trailheads. Don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful, but I would definitely do what you can to avoid the busiest time of the day and week (aka Saturday afternoons) if possible.
The nice thing about north shore hiking is much of it connects with the Superior Hiking trial and there are many places you can access the trail. So if you have young kids, many trails are like 3 miles and under (or have a way to make them that) which is why I’m also sure it draws so many families. There are plenty of trails much shorter than that even.
Favorite spots - Lutsen:
Oberg Mountain: do a 5-min google and you will find this is a fan fall favorite (triple F). We started at this trail as I expected it to get really busy and we were out on a Saturday. When we got there around 9AM, the parking lot was just filling. The trail is a loop and was busy, but nothing too irritating. However there were photo spot lines starting to form as we were finishing the loop - ugh. But when we met the 2-way traffic on the way down, it was literally a LINE of people coming up the trail. Super easy trail, very much leave your dog at home if you arrive at 11am on a Saturday in the fall.
Fika Coffee: Lutsen is small, but it does have a coffee shop that is adorable and tasty! I tried a latte with cardamom and it was BOMB. Jake had one with local maple syrup - also v.tasty. Note this is not the best place to go and hang out as the inside is very small and it’s equally as busy as Oberg Mountain :P Okay, maybe not quite.
White Sky Rock: really popular and actually really short trail with spectacular views! I just love the colorful trees with lakes from a high vantage point kinda lookouts. You can make this a longer trail and go to the Agnes lakes as well which we did and didn’t run into too many people!
Coho Cafe & Bakery: make it a point to stop here. Coffee is great, food is even better! We had a breakfast burrito and it was toasted on the outside & just really hit the spot.
Gooseberry / Tettegouche / Temperance River: can’t go wrong with any of these SP stops. Lots of short trails to gorgy sites! Also beware of the crowds and day pass requirements :D
Not recommended: Schroeder Baking CO (super cute little shop and probs great baked goods, but avoid the coffee and b-fast sandies).
Jake went to college at UMD, so we definitely spend time in Duluth at some point every year, but not always the fall. We loved it and hit some STELLAR weather which is always a bit shotty in Duluth with the ways of the lake. Anyways, there are always knew things to see and do - some we go back to and some a one-time stop is sufficient :)
Favorite spots - Duluth:
Sir Ben’s: just a classic. Awesome sandwiches & we tried Wild State’s hazy pink pineapple cider and it was something fineeeee.
Harley Nature center: probably within 10mins of Canal Park and a really great escape from the city! You can find lakes, great Superior overlooks, and some really nice forest walks. It also crossed the Superior Hiking trail - I would call this is a great trail running spot!
At Sarah’s Table: great biscuits & gravy - honestly, something I really turned away from until Jakers as he orders it at every brunch. It’s also popular, so be prepared to wait for a table. You can however order coffee at the coffee bar while you wait which I did appreciate :)
Cedar & Stone sauna: okay, if you are looking for an experience and you like saunas, check out this sauna trailer. It’s right in Canal Park and of course you should take a boardwalk walk and you will pass by. Warning: it’s expensive, less expensive if you attend one of the group sessions, but where else can you get a sauna experience with L.Superior cold plunges?? Refreshing.
Grandma’s Sport Garden event center: I mean, a little biased since we had a wedding here, but SO FUN and a really cool, newly transformed space.
Old Chicago late night pizza: speaks for itself.
Jay Cooke SP: one of our favorite SPs up in the area and we just happen to pass by it on our way up and down!
Not recommended: The Suites Hotel (yes, they allow dogs which is nice, but it’s really taken a turn.)
So that’s what we’ve been up to the last couple weekends! Dancing our faces off and then winding down (or up) with some nature hikes in all fall beauty! :D Keep in mind that Lutsen is quite far away from the cities area - like over FOUR hours. I definitely did not remember that and the drives felt long as helllll. Also, if you do end up hitting a weekend, you may want to get going earliesh on Sunday to avoid the traffic on the way home :/ Another reason to avoid the weekend rush, if possible!
Tips for experiencing the North Shore in the fall:
Avoid weekends if you can (especially Saturdays exploring)
If you do hit weekend, START early. Not THAT early required, but before the families get going (so before 9AM - thank you children for slowing your parents down).
Book lodging in advance, especially if you are looking for an AirBnB (probably like a year if you know you are for sure in and want some options). We booked Lutsen just a few weeks before going and got lucky with some availability at a hotel in town).
Peace, love, and taste the rainbow,
yo’ girl Jen
