So you’re eloping in Minnesota, specifically the North Shore, but don’t know where the best places are? Well let me enlighten you on some of my all time favorite spots!

GRAND MARAIS

One of my all time favorite spots on the north shore is Grand Marais. It is the cutest little town right on Lake Superior. The vibes are super laid back and you will feel right at home as the locals are so sweet. 

What to do in Grand Marais?

Some of my favorite hikes are found here on the Superior Hiking Trail. The portion of the Superior Hiking Trail runs through the Pincushion “ Mountains” here. While it may not feel like a true mountain, I promise the views are still amazing. The experience does not have to stop at a hike! Check out the Gitchi Gami State Trail while you’re at it. This is a paved trail great for bikers! Check out Northern Goods for kayak and paddle board rentals. Be aware that Lake Superior is truly cold all year around, but if you hit it just right in the summer, it can be shockingly refreshing! 

If you are a couple that is looking to relax on their stay, make sure to include a sauna session at Sisu & Loyly Sauna! This will really make you feel like a true northern Minnesotan! Another more relaxing option for couples is a massage! LutZen Massage is right on the shores of Lake Superior and offers incredible massages!

One final thing I love to do in Grand Marais is head to the beach for a sunrise! You cannot beat it!

SILVER BAY

Silver Bay is a township you could easily miss if you were to simply drive through it. But this place has some of the most iconic spots to elope! (literally all the ones you’re thinking of are here)

Black Beach, Palisade Head, Tettegouche State Park and Bean and Bear Lake are all in Silver Bay!

What to do in Silver Bay?

Silver Bay is full of amazing trails. Bean and Bear Lake (part of the Superior Hiking Trail) is one of the most iconic trails on the North Shore. In the fall, the foliage really makes the two lakes pop and it is hard to beat the view! 

Black Beach is another notorious spot to elope. Its black sand and rock fixture make it pretty iconic! I will say that this place almost always has people, it is not the most private of elopement spots.But is worth a stop for some awesome photos!

Tettegouche State, Palisade Head and Split Rock Light House are other spots within Silver Bay that offer amazing views and incredible photos. Tettegouche will allow you some privacy as you can break off from the main trail. Palisade Head will have visitors during the warmer months (not the best for complete privacy). 

For all my history nerds, Split Rock Light House is a historic site and you can join a tour of the lighthouse as well as the keepers grounds. Pebble Beach is part of this state park and has epic views of the lighthouse, from below! Day Hill is a short, but uphill, hike that takes you to great views of Lake Superior.

TWO HARBORS

Two Harbors is another cute town right on Lake Superior. It is quite a bit smaller than Duluth, but gives me the Duluth vibe!

What to do in Two Harbors?

Two Harbors has some great hikes, food and state parks!

A really fantastic hike, with great views of Lake Superior is Wolf Rock Overlook (not to mention the trailhead is not far from my favorite pie spot, Rustic Inn)!  This hike is moderately hard and you can take you all the way to Gooseberry Falls! Which brings me to my next stop! 

Gooseberry Falls is gorgeous. If privacy is important to you, this stop is not for you. Gooseberry gets about 760,000 visitors a year! INSANE! 

After your amazing hikes, hit up Castle Danger Brewery to grab a cold beer! If you’re hungry, I would suggest stopping at Russ Kendalls Smokehouse and grabbing a salmon and cheese, take this and go to one of the many cute beaches along old Highway 61. It is so fun and just a wholesome experience.

DULUTH

Duluth is a great choice for those who may want a city nearby, while still feeling like you’re in nature. There are so many cute shops, restaurants and great trails to hit up. 

What To Do In Duluth

Duluth offers a shopping scene for those who want it. Canal Park is a bit more touristy, but has shops and also some activities. Some activities include Paddle Boarding with Zenith Adventure or take a glass blowing class at Lake Superior Art Glass.

Another up and coming area is the Lincoln Park Art District. This place is my favorite area in Duluth. It offers some of the best coffee shops, restaurants and cute boutiques.

For those who want to get out and take a hike, then I would suggest Brewer Park Loop is a more strenuous loop, but offers some great views from the top.

 Chester Park is a loop that runs along Chester Creek and it is very peaceful.

Ely’s Peak is part of the Superior Hiking Trail, it is strenuous to get up, but the views (especially during peak foliage season) is absolutely amazing.

The North Shore of Minnesota is literally the dream spot to elope. Whether you want to stay in the city and drive to your adventure, or you want to be sleeping in a yurt in the middle of your adventure. There are so many options in this area. I am a North Shore native and would love to help you plan your elopement adventure!