img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-7::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-7{display:block;}You’d never guess where in the Midwest travel experts are raving about.
Nope, it’s not Chicago, any charming town along Lake Michigan, or even record-breaking Indianapolis.
Not even close — it’s arguably the prettiest region of Minnesota, don’tcha know?
That’s right — Minnesota’s vibrant lakes are making waves in more ways than one this fall.
We at Travel Off Path love a serene lakeside retreat as much as anyone else, and a state known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, it’s beyond due to spotlight another of its stunning destinations.
We already unveiled Minnesota’s most underrated lake town, Bemidji. Now it’s a more familiar name’s turn to shine as Midwest Living’s favorite fall getaway.
Your Adventure Begins In Duluth
Hollywood icon Jack Nicholson once said, “you can’t handle Duluth!”, or maybe I misheard that?
Needless to say Duluth isn’t a household name, but the waterfront it resides on is one of America’s most beautiful bodies of water, and that includes our gorgeous oceans.
Lake Superior boasts crystal blue waters, dramatic cliffs, and horizons that seem to stretch forever, rivaling any coastline in the country.
But Midwest Living’s favorite region of this sprawling bi-national lake is the North Shore, where your adventure begins in Duluth.
Obviously, Minneapolis is home to Minnesota’s main airport (MSP, but you can fly direct to Duluth from these 3 cities:
- Minneapolis (otherwise a 2-hour drive)
- Chicago (ORD)
- Fort Myers (RSW – seasonally)
Duluth serves as a great gateway not only to Lake Superior itself, but numerous state parks Midwest Living highlights.
My favorite of the bunch just happens to be one of the closest — and you’ll definitely need a rental car should you choose to venture outside the city limits.
Gooseberry Falls is roughly 40 minutes away, offering visitors a series of tranquil waterfalls and lush, vibrant foliage.
However, Midwest Living’s experts recommend handful of others as well for scenic hikes without crowds getting in your way, such as Grand Portage for riverside treks, Temperance River for a hidden beach, and lighthouse tours at Split Rock.
Savor Sweeping Autumn Views On Lutsen’s Gondola
Sure, there’s nothing wrong with hiking through Minnesota’s lesser-known state parks to immerse in prime autumn beauty, but seeing it up top is a whole different level.
In the map-dot town of Lutsen lies Lutsen Mountains Ski and Summer Resort, home to Swiss-style gondolas boasting amazing views of a color wheel of foliage reaching the deep blue of Lake Superior.
To beat the fall rush here, you may want to go ahead and book online to score a seat as wait times can easily top an hour otherwise — and even a room if you plan to stay a while.
This unsuspecting resort is arguably the best stay on the lake’s North Shore, holding fabulous reviews.
One recent guest claimed, “It really is one of the most beautiful areas in Minnesota. Especially during the autumn. The best leaf viewing in the upper Midwest.”
Discover The Delights Of Grand Marais
Whether it be a lake fresh “catch of the day” or rustic cabins, the harbor town of Grand Marais has you covered.
Far from the bustle of any major city, this surprisingly artsy village is the textbook definition of a hideaway.
Grand Marais also serves as a great gateway to the aforementioned state parks on the back end, as you would surely fly into Duluth, as stated.
There are old-timey stays ranging from name-brand accommodations like Best Western Plus Superior Inn to cozier digs with local flair like MacArthur House Bed & Breakfast.
Given this is one of the northernmost locales on the North Shore, this is about as far as you can go before needing a passport to cross into the land of all things maple.
But there’s no need when the town claims to have the World’s Best Donuts. Midwest Living also hyped some of their other favorite eateries here:
- Angry Trout Cafe
- The Fisherman’s Daughter
- Hungry Hippo Tacos
Sam SearsSam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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