Fall on Minnesota’s North Shore isn’t just a season—it’s a celebration. As September fades into October, Duluth becomes a front-row seat to nature’s grandest show. Maples ignite into brilliant scarlets and oranges, birches shimmer with golden leaves, and the cool air turns every moment into a cozy memory.
For guests staying at Gitche Gumee cabins, you’re already in the perfect place to take it all in. Just minutes from Lake Superior, your cabin porch is surrounded by autumn color, but the real magic happens when you set out on the road. Duluth and the North Shore offer some of the most scenic drives in the Midwest, and during peak color, each curve feels like stepping into a painting.
Here are the top drives to chase maple gold near Duluth—all easy, beautiful routes to enjoy before returning to the comfort of Gitche Gumee.
Gooseberry Falls to Split Rock Lighthouse – The Quintessential North Shore Drive
No fall trip to Duluth is complete without a cruise up Highway 61. Just 15 miles north of town, Gooseberry Falls State Park makes the perfect starting point. Cascading waterfalls thunder through rocky gorges, framed by blazing maples that light up the entire landscape. It’s worth pulling over for a short hike—the upper and lower falls look their best surrounded by autumn color.
From there, continue northeast toward Split Rock Lighthouse, one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks. The stretch between Gooseberry and Split Rock delivers some of the best leaf-peeping on the North Shore. Tunnel Park gives you a dramatic stone-arch view of the road, while pull-offs along the lake showcase maple-covered cliffs plunging into Superior’s steel-blue water.
Arrive at Split Rock Lighthouse in late afternoon, and you’ll catch the historic beacon framed by fiery treetops. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Minnesota for a reason—especially at the height of fall.
Skyline Parkway – Duluth’s Hidden Scenic Gem
If you’d rather stay close to your cabin, Skyline Parkway offers one of the most underrated fall drives in Minnesota. Winding high above Duluth on a ridge, this historic roadway gives sweeping views of the harbor, Lake Superior, and hillsides exploding in color.
Some highlights along Skyline Parkway include:
- Enger Park & Tower – Climb the five-story stone tower for a 360-degree panorama of Duluth glowing in autumn hues.
- Hawk Ridge – Known for raptor migration, this overlook is just as famous for its incredible backdrop of blazing hillsides.
- Seven Bridges Road – A romantic detour where stone bridges carry you through a maple-filled ravine, perfect for slow cruising or quick photo stops.
Skyline Parkway combines convenience with beauty—you’re minutes from downtown Duluth, yet the views feel worlds away. For couples, it’s a perfect way to enjoy fall colors without a long drive.
Park Point Coastal Cruise – A Sunset Classic
Sometimes the best drives are the simplest. Cross the Aerial Lift Bridge to Duluth’s famous Park Point, a seven-mile sandbar stretching into Lake Superior. While not technically part of Highway 61, Park Point offers its own kind of fall magic.
The road is lined with maples and cottonwoods that glow in the autumn sun. At sunset, the colors deepen, and the lake itself reflects the fiery sky. Pull over at one of the beach access points, walk barefoot in the cool sand, and watch the season paint the shoreline.
It’s a short drive, but paired with dinner in Canal Park or a cozy night back at Gitche Gumee, it’s one of the most romantic ways to savor Duluth in fall.
Pro Tips for Chasing Fall Colors Near Duluth
- Plan for peak: In Duluth, peak colors typically arrive between late September and early October. Higher elevations (like the Sawtooth Mountains) peak slightly earlier than lakeshore routes.
- Golden hour is magic: Aim for early morning or evening drives when the sun slants low and lights up the leaves like stained glass.
- Take it slow: The beauty is in the details. Pull over at overlooks, take short hikes, and let the drive set the pace.
- Pack cozy gear: A thermos of cider, a blanket for roadside stops, and your camera make the experience even better.
From the Road to the Cabin Porch
The beauty of fall in Duluth is how accessible it is. You can drive 40 minutes up the shore for a lighthouse framed in crimson leaves, or you can climb Skyline Parkway and watch the entire city glow from above—all in the same day.
And when the drive winds down, the perfect ending is waiting at Gitche Gumee cabins. Pour yourself a steaming mug of pumpkin-spice hot cider, settle onto your porch, and let the colors linger in the fading light.
Fall here isn’t just about chasing maple gold—it’s about slowing down, soaking it in, and making memories you’ll carry long after the leaves have fallen.
