Explore the North Shore
Life at Boathouse Bay means adventure is always just around the corner. From iconic state parks and scenic drives to art galleries, ski hills, and historic towns, the North Shore is packed with things to see and do year-round.
Set along the rugged beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore, Boathouse Bay offers a quiet retreat with remarkable access to the region’s most iconic landscapes. Located just one hour north of Duluth and a 40-minute drive from the Lutsen ski slopes, the community is surrounded by destinations such as Tettegouche State Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, and the black sand shoreline of Black Beach.
From your doorstep, the North Shore opens up in every direction. Miles of trails invite hiking through boreal forest, biking along the lake, or venturing farther into the north woods by ATV or snowmobile. Here, adventure feels close—but never crowded—offering a lifestyle shaped by nature, movement, and space to explore.
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Bean & Bear Lakes Loop - a moderately challenging loop with stunning views of two inland lakes & spectacular colors in the fall.
Shovel Point Hike - an out-and-back trail featuring panoramic views of Lake Superior, the cliffs, and Palisade Head.
Superior Hiking Trail- a 310 mile long hiking trail starting south of Duluth and ending on the MN/CA border.
Tettegouche State Park- many stunning hiking trails, access to Lake Superior and two waterfalls along the Baptism River.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park- iconic lighthouse and shoreline trails.
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North Shore Adventure Park - high ropes course, zip line, and axe throwing.
Black Beach - the only black sand beach in MN, perfect for swimming or having a picnic.
Silver Bay Golf Course - 9 holes surrounded by forested hills and the east branch of the Beaver River.
Silver Bay Marina - charter fishing, sailing, and scuba diving, host of the annual salmon classic.
Palisade Head - rises 300 feet above Lake Superior with stunning panoramic views, popular spot for rock climbing.
Gitchi-Gami Trail - bike the 17 mile segment of the 89 mile paved trail from Silver Bay to Gooseberry Falls State park.
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Northwoods Ski Trail - 19k single tracked, cross-country ski trail through stunning forest.
Snowmobiling - explore miles of trails connected to Silver Bay and beyond on the North Shore
Lutsen Mountains - located 40 minutes north of Silver Bay, Minnesota’s best skiing and snowboarding destination.
Nearby State Parks
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Details
About
This park is a spectacular destination. Hike out to the rocky, wind-swept Shovel Point or back into one of the four, quiet inland lakes. And, of course, don't miss the beautiful High Falls on the Baptism River, the highest waterfall fully inside Minnesota's borders. 23 mi of hiking trails, 12 miles of groomed ski trails and 12 miles of snowmobile trails. Hike-in to one of four rental cabins on Mic Mac Lake or drive to the Illgen Falls Cabin.
Dates
Park permits: $35 annual, $26 second vehicle, $12 handicapped, or $7 daily. Camping fees are separate.
Book an online reservation 24 hours a day.
Phone reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008) Apr–Sep, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. D -
Details
About
This popular North Shore park features spectacular waterfalls, scenic overlooks, a wonderful visitor center and superb trout fishing. Be sure to take in an interpretive program to learn more about the history, geology and wildlife of the North Shore. Park has campground, 20 miles hiking trails, 12 miles cross-country ski, 2 miles snowmobile trails. Trails run along the Gooseberry River, through aspen, cedar, spruce & pine forests. Mostly intermediate trails. There are only a few plowed winter tenting sites. Be advised that showers and flush toilets are also not available in winter, however there are still vault toilets for camper use.
Dates
Book an online reservation 24 hours a day.
Phone reservations can be made by calling 866-857-2757 (TTY: 952-936-4008)Rates
Park permits: $35 annual, $26 second vehicle, $12 handicapped, or $7 daily. Camping fees are separate.
