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North Shore Scenic Drive, Lake Superior, Minnesota
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Drives Minnesota Minnesota

North Shore Scenic Drive

CR 61 · Duluth → Two Harbors

Leisurely18.9 mi40 min500 ft climbHigh point ≈ 800 ftOne way
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The drive

The North Shore Scenic Drive is the old route of Highway 61 between Duluth and Two Harbors. When the four-lane expressway was built inland in the 1960s, the state turned the original road over to St. Louis and Lake counties, which signed it as County Road 61 or Scenic 61.

The drive starts at the Lester River in Duluth, passes Knife River, and joins Highway 61 at Two Harbors, 18.9 miles and about 40 minutes, rated Leisurely. The North Shore Scenic Drive is an All-American Road that follows St. Louis County Road 61, Lake County Road 61 and Highway 61 from Duluth to the Canadian border.

Along the way

  1. Duluth (Lester River)
  2. Knife River
  3. Two Harbors (Highway 61)
Elevation
500 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 800 ft
DuluthTwo Harbors
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
DuluthTwo Harbors
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The inland four-lane expressway, Highway 61, is the alternative between Duluth and Two Harbors.
  • St. Louis and Lake counties maintain the old road.

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 the North Shore Scenic Drive from Duluth to Two Harbors take?

The North Shore Scenic Drive from the Lester River to Two Harbors is 18.9 miles and takes about 40 minutes.

What is old Highway 61 on the North Shore?

It is the original US 61 between Duluth and Two Harbors, now County Road 61 or Scenic 61, bypassed by the inland expressway built in the 1960s.

What you get in the app

Turn by turn, on this roadSpoken directions along the exact route. Carve never reroutes you onto a faster one.
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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of North Shore Scenic Drive, from Duluth to Two Harbors