Drive to the top five: Minnesota winter road trip destination #2

December 16, 6:50 PMTwin Cities Area Travel ExaminerJordon Whitney

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From Minneapolis/St. Paul, we head back up North for our #2 winter road trip destination to Silver Bay and Grand Marais.  Each of these locations would certainly be a fun destination on their own during the winter months, and Grand Marais is an awesome place during the summer, but when put together in a combo, this trip comes in at the #2 spot.

Take the scenic route North from Duluth to Silver Bay.  There are beautiful homes and numerous scenic overlooks of Lake Superior along the way that provide great photo opportunities.  When you finally reach Silver Bay, spend your first night at the AmericInn.  The hotel itself is located in a beautiful location.  ATV and snowmobile trails are right off of the parking lot.  These trails go on for miles and miles all the way up to the Canadian border.  You could also enjoy some cross country skiing.

The hotel also features a whirlpool, steam room, large swimming pool and a massive water slide.  The rooms are cozy and the expanded continental breakfast provides a wide array of  goodies.  My favorite part of the breakfast was the "do it yourself" Belgian waffles.  I would go back just for those!

Above all, the rates are great making the AmericInn in Silver Bay the perfect stopping point before reaching the final destination of Grand Marais.

In Grand Marais, there are numerous hotels, lodges, and places to eat.  Again, you will find connections to many miles of snowmobile, and cross country ski trails and a number of specialty shops where you will find things from clothes and art to antiques and leather mittens, which I seem to get a pair of every time I am in that city.

The views of Lake Superior from the harbor are second to none and make the whole trip worth it!  Take a day and drive up the Gunflint trail toward the Boundary Water Conoe Area or follow the North Shore on Highway 61 up to Grand Portage and then the Canadian Border.  Keep your eyes open for moose, deer, and other photo opportunities!  You never know what might show itself!

The feeling you will have on this trip is difficult to explain.  There is just something about being that far up north and seemingly so deep into the wilderness that comforts you.  You will truly feel "away from it all" on a trip like this, which is why this destination made it so high up on my list.  It is honestly a trip that you have to experience for yourself!  You will want to go back as soon as you return home!

Photo provided by the Gunflint Trail Association

Make sure to check back soon when I reveal the #1 winter road trip destination in Minnesota!  And if you happened to have missed one of the previous destinations, click the links below!

Destination #3:  Twin Cities

Destination #4:  Lake of the Woods

Destination #5:  Red Wing