The drive
Highway 61 runs northeast from Two Harbors along Lake Superior's North Shore to Grand Marais, 80 miles and rated Leisurely. Beyond Two Harbors the four-lane expressway narrows to two lanes, and the highway passes Beaver Bay, Silver Bay, Schroeder, Tofte, Lutsen and, at the end, Grand Marais.
Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Temperance River and Cascade River state parks all lie along the highway, and the road to Lutsen Mountains ski resort meets it near Tofte. The North Shore Scenic Drive, an All-American Road, follows the highway from Duluth to the border.
Along the way
- Two Harbors
- Gooseberry Falls
- Tettegouche (Baptism River)
- Lutsen
- Grand Marais
Good to know
- Only one tunnel is closed at a time during that work.
- Check 511 for current conditions.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Minnesota 511 (MnDOT).
Questions about this drive
How long does Highway 61 from Two Harbors to Grand Marais take?
Highway 61 from Two Harbors to Grand Marais is 80 miles and takes about 1 hr 30 min without stops.
What state parks are on Highway 61 between Two Harbors and Grand Marais?
Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Temperance River and Cascade River state parks are all along the highway.
Is there construction in the Highway 61 tunnels?
Work in the Silver Cliff and Lafayette Bluff tunnels has meant single-lane, signal-controlled traffic on weekdays. Check MnDOT's 511 before you go.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.