Lake Superior is a wonderful destination in Minnesota for a weekend getaway! With plenty of outdoor activities accompanies by stunning views of the lake and shoreline, you can be assured of never having a dull moment when here!
So without any further adieu, let us get straight into the 5 amazing things you can do at Lake Superior!
5 Things to do at the Lake Superior
1. Agate-hunting
The Lake Superior Agates shoreline is an agate hunter’s paradise. Many individuals like collecting agates as a passion.
The rich red, orange, and yellow hue of the Lake Superior Agates distinguishes it from other existing agates which are found across the world. These agates may be found on any pebbly beach, albeit the most popular areas may have been over-exploited.
As the Lake Superior Agates waves wash in a fresh crop of stones to locate, one of the greatest times to find them is just after a storm or strong winds. Whatever the case may be, there is always the possibility to find superior agates with some or other colored bands of agates.
Rock collectors are prized as humongous superior agates with interesting markings. Agates that are large and especially beautiful can be worth hundreds of dollars. A rock and mineral display is a great place to see a variety of extremely rare agates.
Fun Fact – The Lake Superior Agates was designated as Minnesota’s State Rock (official state gemstone) in 1969. It outperformed other rocks such as Binghamite golden silkstone, Thomsonite, and Pipestone.
Few Examples of Types of Solidified Flows Formed by Agates
a) The Fortification Agates:
This agate is the most frequent and unique. The Bands are crystallized in the concentric layers which follow the geometry of the hollow they fit in.
b) The Water-Line Agates:
In the process of these agates, the silica-rich solution might have slowly got into the hollow, layering the bands, the water content drained out, leaving a bare minimum amount of silica, groundwater transported the elements of ferric iron, or else the vesicle happened to get filled due to low pressure.
c) The Shadow Agates:
Shadow agates are those which got tossed back and forth, and a shade seems to appear to travel through the agate layers.
d) The Tube Agates:
Agate Tube formation happens with parallel projections of tiny mineral rods the size of human hair first developed within the silica gel.
e) The Eye Agates:
The strange agate feature is thought to have emerged when a maximum of the silica gel flowed out of the hollow space while leaving only a drop off to layer up in the cavity’s interior wall.
f) The Plume Agates:
Before the deposition of chalcedony bands, these agates had formations over the exterior layers. Mineral inclusion filament growths called “feathers” or “ferns” are what they look like.
g) The Geode Agates:
In rare cases, the silica-rich water supply runs out before the cavity is filled. Geodes are known to have a hollow center surrounded by a glassy outer fill.
h) The Moss Agates:
Iron or manganese oxide makes up the majority of moss agate inclusions. Mineral inclusion clusters in moss agates resemble flora.
i) The Seam Agates:
Seam agates, as opposed to flawlessly round bands, are found in gaps within a rock formation. The band’s form is in series or in parallel, following the crack or seam and sealing it in.
2. Go to the Pink Beach
Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, has a lot of beaches.
On Minnesota’s North Shore, Iona’s Beach is a scientific and natural area or SNA. It is roughly 50 miles north of Duluth on Highway 61, near Two Harbors.
When you arrive, you will travel down a trail that passes through a dense forest before emerging onto one of Minnesota’s and maybe the world’s most unusual beaches.
It is composed of millions of flat, pink rocks. They are a sight to behold when you wander by Lake Superior’s icy waters.
There are several rock kinds here, but the majority have a pinkish hue. Most have been worn flat and smooth after years of being pummeled by waves. However, the pink tint is not the only reason Iona’s Beach is unique.
The waves produce a lovely tinkling sound when they hit the stones. Iona’s Beach is known as the “singing beach” because of its melodious rocks. It is a North Shore hidden gem and one of the most unique beaches you will discover anywhere.
Visit this gorgeous beach the next time you are driving down Highway 61 on the North Shore. It is a wonderfully lovely area, with the pink rocks and the melodic noises, that everyone should visit at least once.
3. Prettiest Scenery In Minnesota On Split Rock Ridge
Minnesota is one of the country’s best-kept secrets, with some of the most diversified landscapes fashioned by ancient geology, the mighty waters of the Mississippi, and the chaotic clashing of climates from all sides.
For outdoor aficionados, this means some fantastic hiking paths to explore. The stunning Split Rock Trail is an outstanding must-do trek on the North Shore for an accessible sample of some of Minnesota’s greatest scenery.
The 310-mile Superior Hiking Trail is one of Minnesota’s most popular hiking paths. The path follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the eastern Minnesota border to Canada, passing through eight separate state parks.
The Split Rock Trail (Split Rock Ridge) is only a little section of the SHT, but it packs a lot of beauty into a 5-mile circle.
4. Kayaking
Copper Harbor is located on the Keweenaw Water Trail, which runs beside Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake and a premier sea kayaking destination.
The way is a well-established route designed from the perspective of a paddler to assist the Keweenaw Peninsula circle.
On the Multi-Day Isle Royale Tour, you will discover an old coastal cave while kayaking on the largest island in the largest lake, Isle Royale National Park.
The Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Sunset on Porter’s Island is always a great treat on the big superior agates.
5. Bike Trials
These trial difficulties are easy to go ahead with and provide excitement on a paved surface.
5.1. Silver Creek
It follows the ancient Highway 61 roadbed around Silver Cliff, providing spectacular vistas.
- One-way distance: Around 800 meters
- The Creek Tunnel, end of the NE
5.2. Beaver Bay to Gooseberry Falls
At the Visitors Center trailheads, travelers can easily find space for parking vehicles, restrooms and washrooms, and clean drinkable water. Beaver Bay has restaurants, bathroom facilities, and other services.
- One-way distance: Approx 25 KM
- You can find trailheads of Gooseberry Falls Park, Lighthouse of Split House, Twin Points Wayside, and Beaver River
5.3. The Beaver Bay-Silver Bay
This route goes straight to the lakefront inland along with the view of the hillside; it begins at Beaver Bay east on over through the west road and finishes at the Hockey Arena of Silver Bay; it is not connected to the rest of the trail.
- One-way distance: Approx 4 KM
5.4. From the Cut Creek Face Rest Stop to the Grand Marais spot
River Fall cascade has a highlighting view and the river mouth, vistas of the lake superior, minor rock cuts, along with a large slope into the Grand Marais.
You can take a ride to amaze yourself with the beauty from Cut Face and ride to the bridge. And the same route to come back.
- One-way distance: Approx 9 KM
Apart from just these activities you can even go fishing, have golf courses, hiking, and do various winter activities if you visit winter. There are quite some amazing beaches to discover as well.
All in all, Lake Superior is a destination for manifesting highly calming and scenic peaceful vibes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you swim in Lake Superior?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Superior but be warned as the waters are usually very cold, making them uninviting for swimmers.
2. Is Lake Superior man-made?
No, Lake Superior is not man-made. In fact, it was formed around 1.2 billion years ago.
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Last Updated on March 17, 2023 by Ananya Sreen
