Lake Superior: A First Time Visitor Guide

Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, and one of North America’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures. Stretching across the U.S.-Canada border, its rugged shorelines, wild forests, charming coastal towns, and endless outdoor opportunities make it a dream destination for road trippers, hikers, photographers, and nature lovers. This first-time visitor guide to Lake Superior will help you plan an unforgettable journey around its shores, whether you have a weekend or a full week to explore.

Overview

Spanning over 31,700 square miles, Lake Superior touches Ontario in Canada and Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the United States. Its northern shores are rugged and remote, while its southern and eastern shores are sprinkled with quaint lakeside towns, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and national parks. A full circumnavigation, called the Lake Superior Circle Tour, offers a rare mix of wilderness and culture that’s perfect for adventurous travelers.

Photos

How to Get There

U.S. Access Points:

Duluth, Minnesota – A common entry point from the west, accessible via I-35.
Marquette or Munising, Michigan – Ideal starting points on the southern shore.
Bayfield, Wisconsin – A scenic access point near the Apostle Islands.

Canadian Access Points:

Thunder Bay, Ontario – The largest city on the Canadian side, accessed via Highway 17.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario – A major hub in the east, also linked to Michigan via the International Bridge.

Airports:

Duluth International Airport (DLH)
Thunder Bay International Airport (YQT)
Sawyer International Airport (Marquette, MI)

Best Times to Visit

Summer (June to August): Ideal for hiking, paddling, swimming, and camping. Expect warm days and cool nights.
Fall (September to October): The shoreline bursts into color with fall foliage, especially around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and Ontario’s coastal routes.
Winter (December to March): A great time for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and storm-watching, but travel conditions can be difficult.
Spring (April to May): Quieter travel, waterfalls at peak flow, and emerging wildlife.

10 Best Things to Do

Hike Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan): Explore colorful cliffs, hidden beaches, and pristine forest trails. Pictured Rocks is one of the most iconic areas of Lake Superior.
Visit the Apostle Islands (Wisconsin): Kayak through sea caves or take a boat cruise to the historic lighthouses. Apostle Islands looks a lot like Pictured Rocks but there are more islands to explore.
Explore Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (Ontario): One of Canada’s most stunning cliffside hikes.
Tour Split Rock Lighthouse (Minnesota): A scenic landmark perched on a rugged cliff.
Relax in Bayfield, WI: This charming harbor town is a base for sailing, kayaking, and shopping.
Marvel at Kakabeka Falls (Ontario): Often called the “Niagara of the North.”
Discover Isle Royale National Park (Michigan): A remote, ferry-access-only island for true wilderness lovers. Isle Royale National Park is one of the most secluded national parks in the US.
Visit Thunder Bay’s Fort William Historical Park (Ontario): A living history site of early Canadian fur trading.
Drive the North Shore Scenic Drive (Minnesota): A route filled with waterfalls, cliffs, and dense pine forests. North Shore is an amazing region of western Lake Superior to check out.
Walk the Agawa Rock Pictographs (Ontario): View Indigenous rock art directly on the cliffs above the lake.

Lake Superior Circle Tour

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is a 1,300+ mile scenic loop that can be driven in 7–10 days or broken into shorter regional segments. It passes through three U.S. states and one Canadian province, offering stops at beaches, historic towns, waterfalls, and parks. Here is a map:

Highlights Along the Lake Superior Circle Tour:

Duluth, MN
North Shore Drive (MN)
Thunder Bay, ON
Lake Superior Provincial Park, ON
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
Marquette, MI
Porcupine Mountains, MI
Bayfield & Apostle Islands, WI

Lake Superior Circle Tour Photos:

Hidden Gems

Black Sand Beach (Silver Bay, MN): A lesser-known beach with volcanic sand and towering cliffs.
Hollow Rock (Grand Portage, MN): A photogenic rock formation right off the shoreline.
Agate Beach (Grand Marais, MI): A secret spot for beachcombing and rare mineral finds.
Ouimet Canyon (Ontario): A stunning gorge with sheer 300-foot cliffs.
Red Rock, Ontario: A quiet town with beautiful trails and lakefront views.
Big Bay, Michigan: Remote, wild, and perfect for unplugging.

1–5 Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Start in Duluth, MN → Explore Canal Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Gooseberry Falls.
Day 2: Drive the North Shore Scenic Drive, cross into Canada, arrive in Thunder Bay, ON, visit Kakabeka Falls.
Day 3: Hike Sleeping Giant, continue to Lake Superior Provincial Park, stop at Agawa Bay.
Day 4: Explore Sault Ste. Marie, ON, cross into Michigan, visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Day 5: Head west through Marquette, detour to Porcupine Mountains, end in Bayfield WI or loop back to Duluth.
Optional Longer Stops: Add 1–2 days to explore Isle Royale or Apostle Islands in depth.

Packing List

You can get a majority of items on this list from my Amazon gear store:

Weatherproof jacket (weather changes quickly by the lake)
Hiking shoes and water shoes
Daypack with hydration bladder
Binoculars and camera
Sunscreen and bug spray
Swimsuit and towel
Passport (for crossing U.S.-Canada border)
Snacks and refillable water bottle
Offline maps or GPS (remote areas often lack cell signal)
Layers for warm days and cool nights

Where to Stay

Duluth, MN: Check hotels
North Shore: Check hotels
Thunder Bay Ontario: Check hotels
Lake Superior Provincial Park Ontario: Check hotels nearby
Sault Ste. Marie Ontario: Check hotels
Marquette, MI: Check hotels
Porcupine Mountains, MI: Check nearby hotels
Bayfield & Apostle Islands, WI: Check hotels

Things to Know Before You Go

Border Crossings: Have your passport ready and be aware of customs regulations.
Weather Shifts Quickly: Pack layers and prepare for fog, rain, or wind even in summer.
Cell Service Is Spotty: Download maps and trail info before remote drives or hikes.
Wildlife Safety: Carry bear spray in Canadian parks and follow food storage rules.
Leave No Trace: Respect the fragile ecosystems along the lake.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re driving the full Circle Tour or spending a weekend in one region, Lake Superior offers one of the most raw and rewarding adventures in North America. Out of all the Great Lakes road trip ideas, this is in my opinion the top one to take.

From epic cliffs to secret beaches and serene forests, there’s magic at every turn. Use this first-time visitor guide to make the most of your time around this magnificent lake, and let it inspire a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders that define the Great Lakes.

US State Road Trips