AMERICA, ONE BEAUTIFUL ROAD AT A TIME

Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway

Minnesota
Take your time. Make a few stops. Enjoy the view.
View of Grand Marais from Sawtooth Mountain Ridgeline · Public Domain. Photo by Dennis O'Hara, courtesy of Grand Marais Area Tourism Association · Photo credits
THE JOURNEY IS THE REASON TO GO

Let the road set the pace.

The Gunflint Trail is best known as the eastern entrance to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA), a unique wilderness of more than a thousand lakes and streams joined by short overland trails called portages.

The experienceNational Scenic Byway
Start with this outlineMinnesota · Grand Marais into lake-and-forest country
The small town of Grand Marais (population 1100) lies 1000 feet below this overlook perched on a steep hillside. The natural and man-made breakwaters and two lighthouses of Grand Marais gracefully embrace the entrance to the harbor. The deep blue of Lake Superior makes up the background.
View of Grand Marais from Sawtooth Mountain Ridgeline
Public Domain. Photo by Dennis O'Hara, courtesy of Grand Marais Area Tourism Association · Photo credits
The North Brule River in high water flows between alder and spruce trees on its bank. A series of shallow rapids form ripples on the river.
North Brule River
Public Domain. Photo by Sue Weber · Photo credits
GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO STOP

Places and landscapes to consider

  • Boreal forest
  • Lakeside scenery
  • Grand Marais

Before you drive

Plan fuel, meals and turnarounds ahead of time. Backcountry excursions need separate arrangements from the road outing.

Make it a satisfying day

Choose a realistic section, then allow time for viewpoints, a town stop and breaks. Scenic mileage rarely tells the whole story of how long an outing will take.

Match the road to your vehicle

Check the exact roads for your car, RV or motorcoach. Tunnel dimensions, turning space, grades and road surfaces can matter as much as distance.

Official route information ↗State road-condition links ↗

Route overview and designation: Federal Highway Administration, America’s Byways. Research: October 2026. This is a travel idea, not live navigation or a guarantee that the full route is open. Confirm exact roads, current conditions, parking and any attraction reservations before departure.