Superior National Forest Scenic Byway
Serene as it is Scenic
Established in 1909, the Superior National Forest is the largest National Forest east of the Mississippi River at 3 million acres. Home to thousands of clean lakes, rocky landscapes, and Northern Minnesota wildlife, this area also has a rich cultural history. To show this cultural history, this state scenic byway was designated in 1999. Originally spanning from Aurora in the west to Silver and Beaver Bays to the east, the byway was extended westward in 2014 to Gilbert, and eventually moved further westward to Eveleth. Today, the Byway traverses 78 miles and serves as a direct route between Highway 53 in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range and Highway 61 along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Experiencing the Superior National Forest Scenic Byways means exploring Minnesota's heritage and foundations in iron ore mining, forestry, and the culturally significant Gitchi Gummi - otherwise known as Lake Superior.
Skibo Vista Scenic Overlook
Explore the Byway
Stop and look around! This paved two lane road offers a relaxing alternative filled with breathtaking natural views and rich natural and cultural history. Valued for its boreal forest ecosystem, the Forest is home to a plethora of clean lakes, fresh rivers and streams, and bogs in summer. Come winter it becomes abundant in snow with gorgeous hiking and skiing trails.
Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife! You'll be sure to spot an eagle in flight, and might even get lucky enough to spot a black bear or a moose! In the fall be sure to stop at the Skibo Vista overlook, where hawks are known to frequently fly over the golden horizon.
This spectacular drive is filled with amazing adventures and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered and explored. It features breathtaking panoramic views, historic attractions, camping, fishing piers, and beaches. Plus, it offers solitude with picnic areas, recreational water access, hiking and skiing trails, and endless opportunities to spot wildlife and birds of the forest.
Discovery Sites
We've selected 44 points along the 78 mile Byway so that you can better discover what the area has to offer. As you drive, be sure to stay on the lookout for the easily visible navigational signs that mark the way, as the Byway is made up of several county road segments. In addition, keep your eyes open for the signs that direct you towards the points of interest, as everything is clearly marked.
Below is a link to a Google My Maps Viewer that shows all the points in a smaller map, with directions available via Google (these are also listed in the points in the story map under the "Google Maps" text at the bottom).
To open up the legend, bring your curser up to the top left corner and click the button that looks like a computer monitor. The legend will slide out from the left side of the screen. To close it, click the same button again. Happy travels!
Additional Links
- U.S. Forest Service - https://www.fs.usda.gov/superior
- Iron Range Tourism - https://ironrange.org/
- North Shore Explorer - https://northshoreexplorermn.com/things-to-do-in-silver-bay-mn/
- City of Eveleth - https://www.evelethmn.com/
- City of Gilbert - https://gilbertmn.org/
- City of Beaver Bay - https://www.beaverbaymn.com/
Safety
The Superior National Forest Scenic Byway is a gorgeous path that encompasses some of the most special cultural and natural spots in the region. While you should take all the time possible to explore and view the scenery, be sure to stay vigilant as it is limited in the number of services available to travelers throughout the mid-section of the Byway. Be sure to stay vigilant for wildlife, and check your gas before leaving Hoyt Lakes; the next stop isn't for another 55 miles in Silver Bay!
Stewardship
Discover without destroying. Please don't litter or leave any items behind. Taking wild plants and animals not only will destroy fragile habitats but also may be illegal. Also, please respect private property along the Byway.
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Iron Range Historical Society
The Iron Range Historical Society (IRHS) is a historical society in northeastern Minnesota. Located on the Mesabi Range in Minnesota’s Arrowhead, it has offices in McKinley. The Society was founded in 1973. IRHS is a research library and archival house specializing in family and historical research. At present, the all-volunteer, nonprofit, charitable trust, is governed by a Board of Directors.
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Aurora, MN
This small city has some great restaurants to choose from, and is the home of the Laurentian District offices of the Superior National Forest. Every year, Aurora is the home base for the Northern Lights Music Festival, featuring chamber music events and a full length opera performed at various venues.
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St. James Mine Pit - Aurora, MN
Accessible by paved walking trail, St James Mine Pit offers a leisurely three-mile loop. The trail is groomed for cross country skiing in winter. Natural iron ore was mined from the St. James and shipped between 1916 and 1963. Currently, the city of Aurora utilizes the pit water for the city's municipal water supply. The maximum depth of this lake is close to 400 feet! A boat ramp provides water access to motorized and nonmotorized watercraft.
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Pumpkin Fest
The second Saturday in October: crafters, food, games, wagon rides and of course, pumpkins.
Located in the City of Aurora, MN!
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Aurora Patriotic Days
Aurora's Fourth of July celebration complete with games, parade, fireworks and more.
Located in the City of Aurora, MN!
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Northern Lights Music Festival
Annual classical music festival includes a professional opera and performances around the region.
Located across the Range, with event centers in Gilbert and Aurora along the Byway
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Rudy's Bar and Grill
Bar and Grill on Aurora's main street with 4+ stars for food and service.
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The Hive
Fun breakfast and lunch restaurant with bakery and delicious food in downtown Aurora.
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The Dahlin House
Historic home gives you a break from tech and puts you close to trails and restaurants in Aurora.
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A&W Family Restaurant
All-American food and your favorite frosty mug of root beer with drive-up or eat-in service. Open seasonally.
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Forest Garden Motel
Family-owned, affordable motel near downtown Aurora and close to trails.
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Hoyt Lakes
Not incorporated until the 1950s, this "company town" was built to house workers for the former Erie Mining Company, which at the time was one of the country's largest private investments.
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Vaughn's Restaurant
Family-style restaurant serving breakfast and lunch daily with evening hours Wed-Fri.
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Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival
An annual tradition with a carnival, water-ski show, parade and more.
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Fisherman's Point Campground
Great municipal campground with lakeside sites, beach, boat ramp, plenty of shade and serenity.
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Country Inn of Hoyt Lakes
Three-star hotel with a four-star rating near trails, hockey arena, park and more.
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Longyear Diamond Drill Site
In 1890 the first drill bored into the bedrock of the Mesabi Iron Range in search of minerals at this site. The core sample didn't show ore, but it's operator, Edmund Longyear, went on to drill over 7,000 more holes across the region.
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Pequaywan and Bird Lake Trailhead
Four miles southeast of Hoyt Lakes, the trailhead is on the shore of Bird Lake. Follow the loop trail to the north, or cross the Scenic Byway to head back toward the town. Canoe access on Bird Lake. The trail is also groomed for classic skiing in the winter.
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Bird Lake Recreation Trail
Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter and open for day hiking the rest of the year, this is an out-and-back trail with two side-loops near Lillian Lake. The trail is also groomed for classic skiing in the winter.
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Norway Point
Norway Point is located on the St. Louis River and has a picnic area and boat launch. Fish found in the river include northern pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and pan fish.
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Stone and Big Lakes Trail
Groomed for cross-country skiing in winter and open for day hiking the rest of the year, this is an out-and-back trail with two side-loops near Lillian Lake. Skiing and Snowshoeing is allowed on the hiking trail.
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Skibo Vista
Scenic overlook with interpretive panels that share the history of the region. Located several miles east of Hoyt Lakes.
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Jenkins Creek Trail
This 4.5 mile trail is a great place to spot ruffed grouse, whether hunting or not!
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Otto and Harriet Lake Trail
Primitive trails and backwoods campsites can be found near these two undeveloped lakes in the Superior National Forest.
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Cadotte Lake and Campground
Lovely campground with sandy beach, fishing pier, boat landing and picnic area.
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Bassett Lake Public Access
Smaller, lightly developed lake with boat access. Fish varieties to be found!
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Toimi School
Historic school served a small Finnish community starting in 1913. Main room was for all grades; teacher's living quarters were under the same roof. The school closed in 1942 and was restored in the 1990s. Vault toilets in sheltered area.
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Sullivan Lake Campground
Sullivan Lake has primitive lakeside campsites and two miles of nature trails. Offers day-use picnic areas open year round
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White Pine Interpretive Trail
Picnic area with short interpretive trail that has nine stations offering information and history.
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Silver Bay to Caribou Superior Hiking Trail
This 310-mile hiking trail follows most of the length of Lake Superior offering stunning views and challenging climbs. Open all year!
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Zoe's Pizza Kitchen
Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, this restaurant features innovative pizza, calzones, sandwiches and more
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Mariner Motel
Conveniently located motel in Silver Bay near dining. 3.5-star rating on Google.
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North Shore Adventure Park
High ropes course with zip line and axe throwing. A great stop on Hwy 61 for the whole family.
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Silver Bay
A town of just over 1,600 overlooking Lake Superior along Minnesota's iconic Highway 61.
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Black Beach Inn
Hotel with many amenities including free breakfast and easy walk to Lake Superior
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Black Beach Campground
RV and tent sites on Lake Superior and ideal base for exploring the North Shore. Many, many amenities, including marina, ATV trail access, liquor store and bar.
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Silver Bay Mini Golf
North Shore-themed mini-golf course is a great way to spend a few hours in Silver Bay!
