5 Choices to Cruise Minnesota's North Shore

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One of the best ways to enjoy Lake Superior is to get out on Lake Superior. Visitors to Minnesota’s North Shore this summer can choose sightseeing tours, dinner cruises or even a sailing adventure. Whether you have two hours or a full day, here are some of the best options – from Duluth to Grand Portage – for getting out on Lake Superior.

  • In Duluth, Vista Fleet’s most popular cruises are the Duluth Waterfront Tour (one hour, 15 minutes) and Grand Sightseeing Tour (one hour, 45 minutes), May to mid-October. The fleet also offers dinner and brunch cruises and special events like the Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. www.vistafleet.com
  • Time Out Sailing on Park Point offers half-day, full-day and sunset captained cruises, as well as overnight trips (one night to two weeks), on Time Out, a 36-foot sloop. The season runs Memorial Day through fall colors. sailingduluth.com
  • In Knife River, Amicus Adventure Sailing has day sails on Amicus II from July 10 to August 28, and September 17 to late October. Try the popular two-hour cruises for up to six guests. Private charters are available, too. www.amicusadventuresailing.com
  • At Silver Bay Marina, North Shore Scenic Cruises has 21⁄2-hour daily tours mid-May to October. The most popular one passes Split Rock Lighthouse; the other route features Palisade Head and Shovel Point. www.ScenicSuperior.com
  • In Grand Marais, North House Folk School offers two-hour daily sails on the 50-foot schooner Hjørdis from June into September. Sails start at 9 a.m., fill quickly and include a sunset trip. northhouse.org
  • From Grand Portage, Grand Portage-Isle Royale Transportation Line sails daily to Isle Royale National Park, where you get four hours for hiking, park programs or relaxing before the return trip. It’s a full day of sailing and sightseeing that includes views of the America shipwreck and Rock of Ages Lighthouse. www.IsleRoyaleBoats.com