Explore Duluth's North Shore with Our Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour
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Discover the stunning North Shore of Lake Superior with this self-guided audio driving tour. Perfect for those who love scenic drives and fascinating stories, you'll explore iconic landmarks, historic sites, and natural wonders at your own pace.
From the haunting tales of shipwrecks like the Edmund Fitzgerald to the grandeur of Gooseberry Falls State Park, this tour offers a rich blend of history, nature, and local legends. The route also includes stops at the historic Glensheen Mansion and the famous Split Rock Lighthouse, providing picture-perfect moments along the way.
All you need is your car and a smartphone. Download the app, follow the audio guide, and enjoy a flexible, offline experience that you can revisit anytime. Whether you're planning a day trip or a repeat visit, this Lake Superior North Shore self-guided audio driving tour delivers memorable adventures without the crowds.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, covering over 48 miles with more than 47 audio stories.
Do I need a guide or special equipment?
No guide is needed. Just bring your car and phone. The mobile app provides all the navigation and storytelling.
Can I do the tour multiple times?
Absolutely! Once purchased, you have lifetime access to the tour, so you can enjoy it whenever you like, on any trip.
Is the tour accessible for everyone?
Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and ages from 0 to 120. The tour is private and flexible, so you can start, stop, or pause anytime.
Are there any additional costs?
The tour includes everything you need. However, entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate expenses.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 3 hours
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Just bring your car and phone; the app guides your tour.
- Support available via chat, email, or phone if needed.
- Planning tools, route maps, scenic stops, and area previews included.
- Private tour experience for your family, in your own car.
- Lifetime access: use the tour anytime and keep it for future trips.
- Works offline with GPS route guidance and automatic audio stories.
- One purchase covers everyone in your car, not per person.
- Flexible tour: start, stop, and pause anytime during your trip.
- Self-guided audio tour through our easy-to-use mobile app.
- Hidden gems and local stories included along the route.
Not included
- No live guide. Entrance fees, parking, food, and car rental are separate.
Itinerary
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Stop 1
Begin at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center at 600 Canal Park Drive, Duluth. Exit the parking lot and turn right onto Canal Park Drive to start your tour. This route covers over 48 miles with more than 47 stories, taking about 2-3 hours.
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Stop 2
Learn about the canal's construction, which locals say was dug in just three days, though a steam dredger did most of the work. A fun piece of local lore!
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Stop 3
Visit the historic Congdon estate, built in 1908, and hear the mysterious story of Elisabeth Congdon’s 1977 murder, along with her nurse's death.
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Stop 4
Discover the origins of Duluth’s name, linked to French explorer Daniel Greysolon Dulhut, who planted the French coat of arms here in 1679.
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Stop 5
Stop at the overlook with panels on the commercial fishing industry, including the fish sanctuary that helps maintain lake ecosystems by catching and releasing rainbow trout.
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Stop 6
Visit a scenic spot with a marker, and learn about the importance of wildflower roots in stabilizing soil and recycling nutrients.
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Stop 7
Explore the historic red-light district with its many saloons from the late 1800s, where men gathered to share stories and unwind.
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Stop 8
Learn about the construction of the tunnel that replaced a dangerous cliffside road, making the drive safer and less nerve-wracking.
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Stop 9
Hear about the 1928 voyage of the SS America, carrying passengers including wealthy vacationers heading to Isle Royale.
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Stop 10
Discover the Ojibwe name for this area, Shabonimikani-zibi, or River Place of the Gooseberries, highlighting the cultural significance of these berries.
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Stop 11
Learn about the volcanic activity that shaped the landscape, creating rhyolite and felsite rocks at Iona’s Beach.
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Stop 12
End your tour with a visit to the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, one of the most photographed sites in the world.
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Begin from Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, 600 Canal Park Drive. After booking, check your email or texts for the 'audio tour' link. The tour is valid forever, so set it up while connected to Wi-Fi or data. Do not wait until you're onsite to download and activate the tour.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if canceled at least 1 day in advance
- No refund if canceled within 24 hours of the scheduled start
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $16.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
