Cycling Adventures on Minnesota's North Shore

This guide unveils the captivating world of cycling along Minnesota's North Shore, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to explore its diverse landscapes. From the urban trails of Duluth to the serene wilderness near the Canadian border, the region offers an array of cycling experiences. It details both the historically significant paved routes and the hidden network of gravel paths, largely brought to prominence by local cycling advocate Jeremy Kershaw. The guide provides specific route recommendations for various skill levels, alongside valuable information on local culture, dining, and accommodation, ensuring a comprehensive resource for planning a memorable bikepacking adventure.

Detailed Exploration of Minnesota's North Shore Cycling

For decades, outdoor enthusiasts have been drawn to the rugged beauty of Duluth, a historic port city on the western edge of Lake Superior. Known for its extensive network of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, and mountain biking, the city serves as a gateway to Northern Minnesota's untamed wilderness. Twenty years ago, the journey northeast towards the Canadian border, a stretch of approximately 150 miles, was primarily undertaken on U.S. Highway 61. This narrow, two-lane road, while offering breathtaking vistas of the massive inland sea on one side and dense boreal forests on the other, presented a challenging and potentially perilous ride due to its lack of shoulders.

Significant improvements have since transformed Highway 61, introducing passing lanes and, notably, the creation of the paved Gitchi-Gami State Trail. This trail now extends for 86 miles, connecting Two Harbors to Grand Marais, offering cyclists a safer and more scenic alternative away from vehicular traffic. However, for those seeking a more adventurous experience, hundreds of miles of unpaved gravel roads lie hidden within the rolling woodlands of the Superior National Forest.

These largely undiscovered Forest Service tracks, typically one to two lanes wide, caught the attention of Jeremy Kershaw in the early 2000s. A self-described 'graveleer' and an emergency room nurse from Duluth, Kershaw began exploring the region with the vision of establishing a race that could rival the Almanzo 100, an event instrumental in popularizing gravel cycling. Seventeen years later, his 105-mile 'Heck of the North' race has become an iconic event, forming part of a series of four races organized by Kershaw and his wife, Avesa Rockwell, through their company, Heck of the North Productions.

Kershaw's mission is clear: to encourage as many people as possible to experience these unique trails. He emphasizes that the area remains a relatively undiscovered bikepacking destination within the state, boasting stunning, secluded roads known to few. The region caters to all skill levels, offering routes from beginner-friendly day trips to challenging multi-day expeditions.

One such route, ideal for beginners or a day trip, spans 27 miles with an elevation gain of 886 feet. It starts in the Donald D. Ferguson Demonstration Forest, a 400-acre working forest located eight miles from Two Harbors and 35 miles north of Duluth. This area is steeped in history, with two 19th-century railroads once transporting iron ore and timber. Today, the route follows Drummond Grade, a well-maintained gravel path that winds through gentle hills, tamarack bogs, and spruce-lined lakes. The journey includes a stop at Hugo's Bar, a favorite among hunters and anglers, known for its hearty fare and serving as a crucial command center during the 2025 wildfire season. Nearby, Indian Lake Campground offers a sandy beach for a refreshing dip or an overnight stay.

For intermediate cyclists seeking a multi-day challenge, 'The Fox Bikepacking Route' presents a formidable 132-mile journey with a total elevation gain of 6,416 feet. This route commences in Finland, a historic logging town settled by Scandinavians in the 1890s, situated 66 miles north of Duluth. It traverses the hilly terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains, whose ancient peaks ascend hundreds of feet above Lake Superior. The northernmost point of this figure-eight loop is Grand Marais, a vibrant cultural hub that attracts tourists for its unique local activities, such as stone skipping tournaments.

Jeremy Kershaw considers 'The Fox' his favorite North Shore ride, despite its challenging climbs, some exceeding a mile in length with ten percent grades. One particularly notorious ascent is 'Heartbreak Hill' on Forest Road 166, a relentless three-mile incline that once tested early 20th-century loggers hauling timber. Today, it presents an equally harrowing challenge for cyclists. Despite the strenuous climbs, the route rewards riders with pristine forests, reminiscent of the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and luxurious Forest Service campgrounds equipped with vault toilets and running water.

Beyond cycling, the North Shore boasts a rich arts and culture scene. Duluth's Bayfront Festival Park hosts a vibrant live music scene, featuring local bands like Trampled by Turtles. Grand Marais offers a more intimate cultural experience, with the Sivertson Gallery showcasing local artwork and the North House Folk School offering diverse classes, from beekeeping to international cuisines. For relaxation, visitors can indulge in a traditional sauna experience at Sisu and Löyly in Grand Marais or Cedar and Stone in Duluth.

Practical advice for visitors includes flying into Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, a 2.5-hour drive from Duluth. To avoid mosquitoes and black flies, the best times to visit are late May to early June or September to early October. Accommodation options range from seven state parks with campgrounds along Highway 61 to lesser-known National Forest or DNR campgrounds like Indian Lake. Numerous resorts along Lake Superior, such as Larsmont Cottages at Two Harbors, offer comfortable stays, often with hot saunas.

Culinary delights and essential supplies are also readily available. Two Harbors' Cedar Coffee Company is a popular spot for pre- or post-ride refreshments, while Spokengear Cyclery & Outdoor offers bike rentals and bikepacking trips. The Finland Cooperative, established 113 years ago, provides everything from organic food to essential hardware. In Grand Marais, the Angry Trout Café, housed in an old fishing shanty, is renowned for its delectable fish chowder.

This comprehensive guide aims to inspire and equip cyclists to discover the unparalleled beauty and adventure that await on Minnesota's North Shore.

The extensive network of trails and the welcoming cycling community on Minnesota's North Shore highlight a growing trend in outdoor recreation. The transformation of former industrial routes into scenic cycling paths underscores the adaptability of landscapes for leisure and adventure. This region serves as a prime example of how local initiatives and dedicated individuals, like Jeremy Kershaw, can significantly enhance outdoor tourism, foster community engagement, and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The blend of historical significance, natural beauty, and modern amenities creates an appealing destination that caters to a wide range of adventurers, from those seeking serene day rides to experienced bikepackers tackling multi-day challenges. It's a reminder that exploration and discovery are often just a pedal stroke away, even in our own backyards.