These scenic lookouts on Lake Superior offer unique points of the incredible coastline. No two scenes will be the same. And, each of these stops has an interesting story to tell. There are plenty more stops along the route so take the time to ask visitor information centre staff, or parks staff during the trip. They are happy to share their favourite spots to help you explore the incredible shores of Superior.
Michigan
Top of Brockway Mountain Drive
Surely this is one of the many reasons to visit Copper Harbor in the UP of Michigan. The ride follows the ridge of Brockway Mountain on the Keweenaw Fault and climbs 1,320 feet above sea level and 720 feet above the surface of Lake Superior! Some viewpoints along this route are panoramas of Copper Harbor, Superior and the woodlands. Isle Royale, an island in Lake Superior can be seen from the top of the mountain on a clear day. Also, freighters if your luck will have it! You can access the route from either Eagle Harbor or Copper Harbor off M-26. Descending, the road twists and turns into the smaller hills.
Wisconsin
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in northern Wisconsin sits on 180 acres of beautiful land and is next to the Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge. This centre is neat and comprises a 5-storey observation tower, wildlife viewing platform, theatre and some interesting exhibits. Exhibits to explore are 18th fur trading, iron mining, human culture, and natural resources of the Great Lakes region, from the ice age to the present. In particular, the Community of Life Mural depicts the culture and history of the people who call this area home. There are also rotating exhibits on display from time to time. They are located west of Ashland near the corner of Highway G and US Highway 2.
Minnesota
Enger Park Tower and Gardens
The Enger Tower is a unique structure situated above Duluth’s West End, at a place once called Grand Mountain. The tower was built in 1939 in honor of Mr. Enger who donated money to develop the park seen today. It stands 80 feet high and is 5 storeys tall. It gives you a birds-eye view of the city and the harbour. Another interesting piece of history is that it was dedicated by Crown Prince Olav and Crown Princess Martha of Norway the year construction was completed! The park is considered a must-see stop when visiting Duluth. The gardens at the park have colourful flowers and shrubs and include a Japanese rock garden. Click here for a virtual tour of the tower and park. The tower is a short walk from the parking lot.
Palisade Head
Palisade Head is a headland located on the north shore of Lake Superior within Tettegouche State Park. The coastline of Superior is home to a love of geological wonders, as much of the history of its formation was over 1 billion years ago. Palisade Head was formed from a lava flow. It towers above the water at 335 feet at its highest point. This means the views are incredible and surely worth the stop. You can ride right to the top of Palisade Head from the Highway for the stunning view. Please take precautions as the cliffs are high. Following Hwy 61, it’s mile marker 57
Ontario
Terry Fox Visitor Information Centre
The Terry Fox Visitor Information Centre is located at Hwy 11 / 17 Trans Canada Highway is a short walk to the Terry Fox Monument. This incredible monument is dedicated to Terry Fox, a courageous Canadian who embarked on a one-legged cross-country run for cancer research called the Marathon of Hope. The 9-foot granite monument sits majestically overlooking Lake Superior and the famous Sleeping Giant. It is simply awe-inspiring and contemplative as it is a tribute to a remarkable person.
Nipigon Lookout Tower
The Bridgeview Lookout Tower is a neat lookout tower offering a 360-degree view from Lake Helen to the Nipigon River Bridge, the Marina and beyond into the Lake Superior landscape. Standing 40 feet high, there’s a picnic area and plenty of parking. Exploring the site around the tower, you will also find a Group of Seven Moments of Algoma interpretive panel that shares the area’s historic connection to members of the Group. Take time to see the Norval Morriseau Monument dedicated to this Indigenous Group of Seven Artist. Morriseau was born in Fort William Thunder Bay and spent much of his early childhood in Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, or Sand Point First Nation.
Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout
(our feature photo)
The Agawa Bay Scenic Lookout is a spectacular roadside lookout along Trans Canada Highway 17 in Algoma Country. It’s a great leg stretch stop between Sault Ste. Marie and Wawa offers a breathtaking view of Lake Superior and Montreal Island. Did you know? This area offers an approximate view of what the Canadian Group of Seven Artists would have seen from the Algoma Central Railway train near Frater, a stop along this historic railway during their historic painting journeys to the area.
