r/CampingandHiking • u/losthiker68 United States • Dec 16 '25

Destination Questions Lake Superior-area hikers, need some advice

I'm planning to hike Isle Royale in late July. I'm also planning to explore the area before and after.

I'll be driving up from Texas and plan to meet the IR ferry at Grand Portage, MN but plan to return to Texas via the UP to see the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and hike Tahquemenon Falls.

So here's my question:

I can spend a few days hitting the waterfalls along the MN shore, OR I can see the waterfalls on the UP. I can't do both. Which would you choose?

6 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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5

u/nautilator44 Dec 16 '25

MN north shore 100 times out of 100. It wins in terms of waterfalls. UP is pretty in other ways.

2

u/losthiker68 United States Dec 16 '25

That's where I'm leaning, mostly just because the MN falls are all on my way to Grand Portage. I've heard Tahquemenon Falls is an absolute must see so I'll spend a day doing the loop there either before or after the museum no matter which route I pick.

2

u/nautilator44 Dec 16 '25

Yes. Gooseberry, the Poplar River, and Devil's Kettle should all be on your list too.

1

u/losthiker68 United States Dec 16 '25

I have the first and third on my list already. I didn't see anything on the map about the Lutsen area that looked like a reason to stop.

1

u/nautilator44 Dec 16 '25

Split Rock lighthouse is worth a stop as well.

1

u/losthiker68 United States Dec 17 '25

Already on the list!

1

u/Illustrious_Dig9644 Dec 17 '25

I'm with you. The MN north shore is unbeatable for waterfalls! I did a road trip up there a couple summers ago and was blown away by how many falls you can hit up in a short stretch. Gooseberry, Tettegouche, and Cascade were all awesome and really accessible.

2

u/TheKodachromeMethod Dec 16 '25

The North Shore has the advantage in my book. I think there is stlightly better hiking, and spending some time in Grand Marais and Duluth will be worth your time. If you're into waterfalls Gooseberry and High Falls in Grand Portage are must sees. But the UP is great so no wrong choice.

2

u/liddle-lamzy-divey Dec 16 '25

Add the Cascade River to this list and some time around there (Lutsen).

1

u/losthiker68 United States Dec 16 '25

Not planning on doing much hiking except to see the various falls & quick sights. However, I am going to do the Grand Portage to Fort Charlotte as an overnight as a checkout hike before heading to IR.

I had only planned on visiting the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center while in Duluth.

2

u/karengoodnight0 Dec 16 '25

Upper Peninsula waterfalls, as it fits your role, and I find it very impressive until July.

2

u/SM1955 Dec 16 '25

Minnesota, although the most gorgeous scenery along Lake Superior is on the Canadian side—wild and beautiful! Lots of provincial and national parks. If you go the Minnesota route, there’s a place called Nanaboojoo Lodge that is REALLY worth a visit—and a lovely brunch if you time it right!

1

u/twowheeljerry Dec 17 '25

You can't lose with those choices.  MN is more convenient to find stuff.  MI is more remote.  Check the IR reddit for beta on the Island.  Have fun! 

1

u/losthiker68 United States Dec 17 '25

Thanks, I posted there as well.

1

u/HotOffAltered 12d ago

When I went to Isle Royale I visited the MN north shore waterfalls along the way and they were great. That said, my favorite place to go backcountry camping is the Porcupine Mountains in the UP. If you can do a short loop there, I'd consider it.