Summer doesn't end with the flip of a calendar page — and around Lake Superior, there's plenty of warm-weather adventure left to squeeze in before fall takes over.
This Labor Day weekend, take one more plunge, paddle, hike, bike ride or road trip around the Big Lake. From the beaches of Duluth to the trails of Copper Harbor, the islands off Bayfield and the wild shore beyond Thunder Bay, here are some of our favorite places to give summer a proper sendoff.
Park Point, Duluth, Minn.
1. Have One Last Beach Day in Duluth
Stretch out on the sand at Park Point, dip your toes — or more, if you're brave — into Lake Superior and give beach season one last go.
Artist's Point, Grand Marais, Minn.
2. Road Trip to Grand Marais
Cruise Highway 61, chase a waterfall, walk Artist's Point and grab a bite in one of the North Shore's great little harbor towns.
Apostle Islands, Wis.
3. Get Out on the Water in the Apostle Islands
Summer on Lake Superior is best experienced from the lake itself. Launch a kayak or take a cruise from Bayfield and spend a few final summer hours among the islands.
Big Top Chautauqua, Bayfield, Wis.
4. Catch a Show Under the Big Top
Few things say summer quite like live music beneath the canvas tent at Big Top Chautauqua. The Wallflowers take the stage Saturday night, September 5th.
Copper Harbor, Mich.
5. Bike the Keweenaw
Copper Harbor Trails Fest takes over the tip of the Keweenaw for Labor Day weekend, with mountain biking, trail running, music and plenty of reasons to get outside.
Brockway Mountain, Mich.
6. Watch the Sunset from Brockway Mountain
Take the winding drive above Copper Harbor and watch the sun drop toward the horizon from one of the finest overlooks on Lake Superior.
Sleeping Giant, ON
7. Go Big at Sleeping Giant
For those who aren't ready to surrender camping season, head north of Thunder Bay for a long weekend of hiking, paddling and camping at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park.
Thunder Bay, ON
8. Send Summer Off at a Small-Town Fair
Finish the weekend with something wonderfully traditional. Hymers Fair near Thunder Bay celebrates Labour Day with livestock, exhibits, food, music and country-fair fun.
Summer around Lake Superior never seems long enough. All the more reason to make this weekend count.
