Silver Bay, Minnesota: This Is The Ultimate Guide Of Fun Things To Do! [2024]
With stunning hiking and breathtaking Lake Superior views, this is info you need to make the most of your visit to Silver Bay, Minnesota! 🌲 SilverBayMN #NorthShoreAdventure #ExploreMinnesota
You Might Not Get It At First. That’s Okay.
SILVER BAY, MN – Okay. Disclaimer. The first time I visited Silver Bay, Minnesota I didn’t understand it. Coming from the larger metropolis of the Twin Cities, it seemed as if there wasn’t much to the town itself. A scattering of convenience stores, a few industrial businesses and houses here and there, a large lake and trees. Lots and lots of trees.
But something about the town intrigued my husband Jack and I. We felt that deep in the underbelly of this town, there was something magical. Something we were missing, living in the big urban sprawl.
The air was clean here. Crisp. The people were friendly and genuinely seemed curious about how you were doing, and took a moment out of their day to look you in the eyes.
Warm smiles, friendly, helpful suggestions. They wanted you to enjoy your visit. To take a load off, kick back and appreciate the smaller things in life.
Although Jack and I planned to stay overnight in Silver Bay just to get some shut-eye on our way to Grand Marais, we ended up staying almost a week. And we came back a few months later when the season changed. And even though I’ve come and gone through the North Shore area many times since that first stop-over in Silver Bay, part of this tiny town still remains in my soul, calling me back whenever I need to get some fresh air and slow down a bit.
Now I get it. Why Silver Bay is worth a visit, and what the heck you need to do when you’re there!
So enough about me and my visit to Silver Bay, it’s time for me to show you why YOU will love it as much as I did. At least I hope you will!🤞🏽
If you’re a nature buff looking for a fun escape, Silver Bay is the perfect basecamp for things to do in the area. Think of this tiny town as your hidden doorway to an entire universe of outdoor magic! 🌲 Hiking trails, state parks, historic sites, Lake Superior and so much more make this sleepy town a great place to get a refreshing dose of the outdoors.
Beyond natural beauty, the surrounding area’s packed with yummy eateries, quaint shops, and tons of outdoor activities. So whether you’re coming up from Duluth or making the trek down from Canada, it’s the ideal weekend getaway.
Silver Bay, Minnesota: 10 Best Things To Do
With some of the prettiest views in the country, the largest freshwater lake in the entire world, and an abundance of activities for all ages and abilities, this tiny North Shore town can’t be missed. These are our favorite things to do in Silver Bay, Minnesota.
1. Hiking
Craving some green? Silver Bay is the epicenter of awesome trails. When you’re here, hiking should be at the top of your to-do list. State parks are everywhere, including George Crosby Manitou State Park and Tettegouche State Park. Famous for its incredible overlooks and waterfalls, the 300-mile Superior Hiking Trail runs through here, too!
Want to stay close to home base? Conveniently located within city limits is the Silver Bay Scenic Overlook. It loops through spots where you can view Lake Superior, the town, and the mining plant. To get there, turn off Highway 61 onto Outer Drive. Follow the blue signs guiding you to the Scenic Overlook.
2. Palisade Head
Want to take a cool selfie where a Hollywood movie was filmed? About 3 miles northeast of Silver Bay, you’ll find Palisade Head, one of the best overlooks in the Midwest. The best part? Palisade Head is right off the North Shore Scenic Byway: one of the most beautiful road trips in the state.
This stunning 320-foot granite cliff, with its panoramic views, is a favorite among rock climbers and visitors. On a clear day, you can catch a glimpse of landmarks in all directions, some even 30 miles away! You can drive up to this cliffside lookout anytime after 8 a.m., and there’s parking at both the bottom and the top of the attraction.
Note: Keep kiddos away from the edge and be careful taking pics—it’s steep and lacks a guardrail. During winter, the park stays open, but cars can’t access the uphill road. So you’ll need to hike up the road to reach the peak.
3. Black Beach Park
The only black sand beach in Minnesota awaits you in Silver Bay. Beautiful rock formations on either side invite climbing—just watch your step. Located in an alcove that shields you from the wind, this stunning beach is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The unique black ‘sand’ at Black Beach is actually tiny taconite tailings, discarded rock from iron mining in the ’50s-’70s. Pro tip: The tiny onyx-colored pebbles look cool but can be uncomfortable. We recommend bringing a chair or comfy blanket.
Note: Keep driving to the end of the road—past the first parking areas—or you’re at the wrong beach! A short trail through trees leads to Black Beach. There are picnic tables, so pack a snack for a fun afternoon. For amenities like restrooms and trash bins, head back to the main area above the beach. Want to stay longer? Black Beach Campground is just a short walk away.
4. Silver Bay Marina & Pellet Island
Silver Bay Marina hosts a world-class fishing tournament and offers sailboating and scuba diving. But the hidden gem that most folks don’t know about? Pellet Island! This tiny, uninhabited island on Lake Superior is hikeable from the marina.
If serenity’s your thing, don’t miss the marina. Spend an afternoon at an overlook, watching ships and letting waves soothe you.
5. North Shore Adventure Park
Ready for treetop thrills and axe-throwing? North Shore Adventure Park is family-friendly fun, open from May to October.
Little ones (3-6) will dig the kid-friendly playground and mini zipline. For adventurers 7 and up, the High Ropes Course has six treetop courses with five levels of difficulty.
6. Shovel Point
Some people swear this spot has even better views than Palisade Head, and we can see why.This unique 1.9 mile trail was actually shaped by ancient lava flows. How cool is that?
Start the trail to Shovel Point right behind the inviting visitor’s center. Hike the shoreline – over steps, and across ancient-looking gnarled tree roots—with plenty of stops to take in the views. And if you’re into rock climbing, this is your playground. The cliffs even have built-in hook-ups for your convenience.
7. Black Beach Mini Golf
With a brand new course set up in the summer of 2021, Black Back Mini Golf is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. It’s conveniently close to Black Beach Park, so you can hang out at the beach afterward.
From munchies to ice cream and even frozen drinks, they’ve got goodies to fuel your game. And every week, different food trucks roll up; try new flavors each time. (Don’t worry—if you’re not a putt-putt enthusiast, the city of Silver Bay has a full-size, regulation par 36 course too!)
8. Gitchi-Gami State Trail
Whether you’re into bird-watching, hiking, biking, or rollerblading, this paved trail’s got something for you. We recommend exploring the section from Silver Bay to Gooseberry Falls State Park! During this 17.6 mile stretch, you’ll cross rivers, wander through woods, and even pass through a couple of local towns and state parks.
The trail runs from Two Harbors to Grand Marais along Lake Superior’s North Shore. The best time to visit is from March to October. Oh, and bring your fur baby—dogs are welcome, just keep ’em on a leash!
9. Beaver Bay Agate Shop – 4 mins by car from Silver Bay
Beaver Bay Agate Shop has been all about rocks since 1946, and it’s a family-run business. They’re pros when it comes to Lake Superior Agate, Thomsonite, and all sorts of other cool gems.
Bonus: there’s a beach just a block away where you can hunt for your own gems. Find something cool? Bring it in and they can make it into a custom one-of-a-kind jewelry piece! Call ahead for seasonal hours: (218) 226-4847
10. Split Rock Lighthouse – 12 mins by car from Silver Bay
Trust us, it’s THE place in Minnesota to get that perfect Insta shot. Split Rock Lighthouse is perched on a jaw-dropping 130-foot cliff and offers incredible Lake Superior views—sunrise is a game-changer. Active as a working lighthouse for ships from 1910 to 1969, the MN Historical Society now offers a variety of tours of the historic grounds and lighthouse. ($8-$25, ages 4 and under are free)
Although the lighthouse is run separately, it’s within Split Rock State Park—a paradise for outdoor activities. Pebble Beach, Gitchi-Gami bike trail, camping, shipwreck tours, park programs and so much more can be found in this gorgeous state park!
Silver Bay, Minnesota: Best Restaurants
Treat your senses to a delightful culinary journey in Silver Bay, Minnesota. As you step into one of the town’s beloved restaurants, the aroma of freshly caught fish sizzling on the grill and the warm, buttery scent of homemade bread envelop you, creating a welcoming ambiance that perfectly complements the mouthwatering flavors awaiting your palate. Here’s our picks for dining in Silver Bay!
Northwoods Family Grille
Come hungry and eat here at least once while you’re in town. Why? Burgers. 🍔 And not just any burgers—these are award-winners! Plus, they’ve got mouth-watering BBQ and awesome eats for the whole family.
Less than a mile off Hwy 61, Northwoods Family Grille doesn’t have the shoreline views that my next recommendation has—but, man, do they make a mean burger. Trust us, this spot’s got the casual atmosphere and tasty food you won’t want to miss.
Cove Point Lodge Dining Room
If you’re looking for unbeatable Lake Superior views while you enjoy chef-inspired creations over candlelight, Cove Point Lodge’s dining room can’t be missed.
They have another restaurant on site with a totally different feel, too.
The Crossings Bar and Grill
The Crossings Bar and Grill has laid-back vibes, awesome pizza, and cold beer. Catch a game on the big screen or enjoy the lake breeze from the patio. It’s easy to find off HWY 61 and a hit with locals. Bonus: They offer curbside pickup from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., so you can savor your meal wherever you like. Note: They’re closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Where Is Silver Bay, MN?
Silver Bay is smack dab in the middle of all the action on Lake Superior’s North Shore. It’s 28 miles from Two Harbors and 54 miles from Duluth if you’re coming from the southwest. Headed from the northeast? It’s 55 miles from Grand Marais and about a 100-mile hop from the Canadian border.
Visiting Silver Bay: FAQs
Silver Bay? It’s legitimately one of the top spots in Minnesota for incredible views and amazing hikes. If you’re seeking nature vibes, this quaint town is on Lake Superior and has state parks all around.
Drive up to Palisade Head – one of the tallest peaks overlooking the lake – and catch a view of ships cruising by. And Silver Bay’s got the only black sand beach in the state. The unique black “sand” is made of crushed taconite pebbles that washed ashore, making it a stunning backdrop for photos. It’s one of our favorite beaches!
Is Silver Bay worth visiting?
Absolutely, yes! Here’s why:
- Silver Bay is on Lake Superior. It has massive cliffs with some of the best views in the entire state.
- Silver Bay’s Palisade Head has such an impressive view even Hollywood came knocking! The climactic cliff scene in the 1993 thriller film “The Good Son,” starring Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood, was filmed on location.
- They have an island you can hike to. How cool is that?
- You can walk in the woods, go rock climbing, or have fun in the snow.
- They have a cool swimming beach with black sand (the only one in Minnesota!).
- There are several state parks with hiking, biking, camping and gorgeous waterfalls nearby.
- The drive to Silver Bay is one of the prettiest in the country! It’s part of the North Shore Scenic Drive on Highway 61.
How do I get to Pellet Island?
Pellet Island is a tiny island on Lake Superior near the town of Silver Bay. No one lives there, so it’s uncrowded and has amazing views.
To get there, start from the Silver Bay Marina and hike across a part of the lake. The path is a jagged line of giant boulders piled next to each other, called the Silver Bay Marina Breakwater. It’s like a rock bridge!
Once you’re on the island, there’s a makeshift ladder to climb (it was shaky when we visited, so be cautious). From the top, you’ll see the whole lake around you. It’s gorgeous! Remember, the trek can be tricky and even dangerous, so be careful. Bring a backpack and good hiking shoes—you’ll need both hands for the climb. Pellet Island is a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience for adventurous hikers!
How far is Silver Bay from the Canadian border?
Silver Bay, Minnesota is about 100 miles south of the Canadian border. We love writing about fun things to do in the cool Canadian town of Thunder Bay, Ontario.
How big is Silver Bay Minnesota?
Silver Bay is a cool small town in Minnesota’s North Shore area, home to about 1,900 folks. It’s famous for its epic Lake Superior views, featuring awesome cliffs and a unique black “sand” beach made of crushed taconite. Definitely a spot worth checking out!
What’s the best time of year to visit Silver Bay?
The best months to visit Silver Bay are from June to mid-September. July is the hottest, with average highs of 76°F and lows of 54°F. Lake Superior stays pretty chilly, even in summer, with water temps hovering around 43-52°F. So, while swimming might be a brisk experience, kayaking or toe-dipping is totally doable.
For leaf peeping and cool-weather hikes, mid-September to late October is your jam. Heads up: North Shore state parks close for two weeks in November for hunting season.
If you’re planning to visit during the winter or spring (November to May), be prepared for unpredictable and possibly dangerous weather. But trust us, Silver Bay’s summer months are unbeatable!
Where is the best place to see the sunrise on the North Shore in Minnesota?
Heard of Split Rock Lighthouse? It’s a 13-mile drive from Silver Bay on the iconic Highway 61 and offers epic Lake Superior views, especially at sunrise. It’s THE Minnesota photo op.
Don’t skip Palisade Head in Silver Bay either. It’s 320 feet above the lake, and the view is a knockout. The road to the overlook is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you’re an early bird, you’ll have to park and walk up. Safety tip: the cliff edge is steep, so stay alert and watch your kids. You might even spot rock climbers!
Was a movie filmed at Palisade Head?
Yup! The big cliff scene in the 1993 thriller “The Good Son,” starring Macaulay Culkin and Elijah Wood, was shot right at Palisade Head.
Conclusion: Silver Bay, Minnesota
Silver Bay is your ultimate outdoor playground, complete with Minnesota’s only black sand beach and epic cliffs. It’s a slice of paradise for everyone—hikers, chill-seekers, and Instagram aficionados alike. We hope reading our top picks for things to do in Silver Bay helps you plan your epic vacation! Happy travels!
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🗣 Have you ever been to Silver Bay, Minnesota? Have a Midwest travel question for us? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
