Going on vacation on a budget isn’t always easy. Luckily, the list of free things to do on the North Shore is not a shortlist! There is plenty to do here that won’t cost you a dime during your time on Lake Superior’s picturesque North Shore. Here is our list of our favorite FREE activities to partake in while visiting the Northwoods.

Summer 2021 Notes: Some activities, like naturalist programs in local State Parks and libraries, may not be available in 2021. Indoor live music may also be limited and some restaurants mentioned below closed. Please plan ahead!

Lake Superior agates.1. Look for Agates.

Of all of the Free Things to do on the North Shore, this activity is probably the most timeless activity. Grandparents will talk to their Grandkids about their time agate hunting on the North Shore. And despite it being a favorite pastime of visitors and locals alike, there are still plenty of agates to be found on North Shore beaches. Search the shores of Lake Superior (or gravel roads – but that doesn’t sound as magical, does it?) for agates. Agates are banded ornamental stones typically associated with volcanic rock. Lake Superior Agates, unlike other types of agates, have unique red bands that were formed from the oxidation of iron.

They can be found virtually on any beach, but finding one isn’t guaranteed. Still, it’s fun to look and spend time on the shores of Lake Superior.

2. Hike the Superior Hiking Trail. 

The trail is rated as one of the best hiking trails in the United States and one of the top 10 in the world. This world-famous trail covers 310 miles of rugged terrain, leading to many picturesque overlooks where you can enjoy sweeping views of Lake Superior. You’ll find one trailhead at Jay Cook State Park at Lake Superior’s southern tip in Duluth. The trail goes all the way up to the Canadian border. It runs through St. Louis County (Duluth), Lake County (Two Harbors, Castle Danger, and Silver Bay) and Cook County (Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen, Grand Marais, Hovland, Grand Portage). So, no matter where you stay, you’re sure to find a section of the trail nearby.

A personal favorite section is the Silver Bay to Bean and Bear Lake trail. This out and back trail is 6.3 miles and is rated as moderate.

Gooseberry Falls3. Visit a New Waterfall.

Waterfalls are dotted along the landscape all along the North Shore. So, opportunities to view a new waterfall are nearly endless. Visiting falls is best during Waterfall Season in April and early May when phantom falls are created by water falling from the cliffs along Highway 61. At this time, major waterfalls are more powerful than ever.

However, no matter when you visit, there is a waterfall to be seen. Many are located in State Parks that offer free parking opportunities (though some may require a small parking fee). Others are located off the Superior Hiking Trail or wayside rests. Find a list of North Shore waterfalls here.

4. Attend a Naturalist Program.

Sugar Loaf Cove Nature Center and most area State Parks organization free programs and activities on a regular basis. Programs vary in topic and location but usually appeal to people of all ages. Past subjects have included nature journaling, outdoor photography, bird banding, and local geology. Find an event calendar to the Sugar Loaf Cove Nature Center here.

For State Parks, check out the Minnesota DNR website for the State Park you want to visit. Tettegouche State Park, especially, has an excellent array of Naturalist experiences.

5. Go Geocaching.

Have kids? They will love Geocaching on the North Shore! Geocaching is a modern scavenger hunt that utilizes any cell phone that can download apps. Just download the Geocaching app, open the map, pick a cache, and get outside! There are over 100 caches along the North Shore with just the free version of the app. You can upgrade to the premium version to get any more. However, the free version should be more than enough to fill a whole week or more of Geocaching!

You can learn more about Geocaching all over Minnesota on the Explore Minnesota website.

Grand Marais Sunset - Free Things to Do on the North Shore6. Watch the Sunset or Sunrise.

Watch the sunrise, sunset, or both! Wherever you are along the North Shore, you can usually see both the sunrise and sunset over Lake Superior. There are many scenic overlooks that are easily accessible during darker hours leading up to, or away from, the sunrise/sunset to make this a safe activity. Find a nice secluded area to enjoy a sight everyone should experience at least once in their life!

We personally love watching the sunset from Harbor Park in Grand Marais. The sun beautiful sun setting behind the Grand Marais Lighthouse with the boats in the harbors in the foreground is just lovely.

7. Listen to Live Music.

Many restaurants have live music on a daily basis. Some hot spots include Castle Danger Brewery (Two Harbors),  Cascade Restaurant & Pub (Lutsen), Voyager Brewing (Grand Marais), Up Yonder (Grand Marias), and The Gunflint Tavern (Grand Marais).

Many performers will also set up in community spaces, like Grand Marais’ Harbor Park. So, you do not need to go to a restaurant to enjoy live music. Live music is also a highlight of most of the area’s festivals.

8. Go Stargazing.

With little to no light pollution in northeast Minnesota, it’s easy to spot a few constellations. Make an event of it by grabbing a blanket, a book of constellations from your local library (optional), and head to a clearing or a beach.

Three of our favorite stargazing locations: Black Beach in Silver Bay, Passion Pit in Grand Marais, and Five Mile Rock Beach outside Grand Marais. Better yet, if you can get up the Gunflint Trail, lack of light pollution means endless night skies. Public landings on any lakes, or the Mink Lake beach area, are great places to go to see the stars.

Make sure wherever you are, you are on public lands! But, don’t worry, there arGo Birding - Free Things to do on the North Shoree lots of public spaces along the North Shore!

9. Birdwatching/Wildlife Viewing.

Since Lake Superior is such a large lake and many birds will not fly over it, the North Shore becomes a funnel for many rare birds. Find a variety of birds in marshes, forested areas, near cliffs, and along the shore of Lake Superior.  You can even go birding from the comfort of your vacation rental. Some even have binoculars you can borrow during your stay!

The Minnesota DNR maintains a Bird Checklist for every single State Park. The lists include the best times of the year to hear or see certain birds. These guides can be used for areas in close proximity to the State Park, as well. You can even download a birding app to help identify mysterious bird sightings.

10. Go for a Swim.

Although Lake Superior is too chilly for many to swim, it’s easy to find an inland lake or river to splash around in on a hot summer day. Caribou Lake at the public dock near Lutsen is a popular choice. As is the Mink Lake swimming area on the Gunflint Trail. Also on the Gunflint Trail, check out Seagull Lake. The water stays below knee level for over 100′ from the shoreline making it a great lake to visit with younger kids. Be sure to wear life jackets for extra safety!

We do not recommend swimming in local rivers, as strong undertows can pull swimmers out into Lake Superior. Swimmers have drowned in the past with the combination of strong undertows and cold temperatures in Lake Superior. Luckily, there are plenty of lakes to choose from! On our list of Free Things to do on the North Shore, this is probably the most popular in the summer months!

11. Visit a Local Farmer’s/Crafter’s Market.

During the summer months, various markets can be found in many North Shore communities including Grand Marias (downtown area), Two Harbors (Thomas Owens Park), and Duluth (1324 East Third Street). Browse the offerings from local farms and crafters and enjoy live music and other activities.

12. Take a Ride, or a Walk, on the Gitchi-Gami Trail.

The Gitchi-Gami Trail, when completed, will be an 89-mile non-motorized, paved recreation trail that will connect Two Harbors to Grand Marais. The trail runs primarily along Lake Superior’s shoreline and Highway 61. Many of our rentals are located along the Gitchi-Gami Trail, making it easy to access from your rental.

Bring your bikes up, or just head out for a stroll. Want to try out something new? Pick up a pair of rollerskis- dryland cross country skis that bring a favorite wintertime activity into the summer months!

Whatever your budget is, there are so many free things to do on the North Shore, you could do a different activity every day and never run out of free things to do! Enjoy!