Minnesota's substantial northern half, covered with forested lakes, remains much as it was when the Europeans first traded with the Indians. The northeast - the Arrowhead , poking into Lake Superior - holds the greatest charm: most visitors choose secluded outdoor vacations centered on fishing, canoeing and snowmobiling, but there's infinite potential for driving tours in a wilderness comparable to the Alaskan interior.

The Arrowhead is anchored by busy Duluth . From here, Scenic Hwy-61 skirts the clifftops around Lake Superior, passing waterfalls, state parks and neat little towns on the way northeast to the Canadian border. Sleepy little Grand Marais is poised at the edge of the wild Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Gunflint Trail . Inland, the Iron Range makes a scenic route north to the idyllic Voyageurs National Park . To the southwest, in Itasca State Park , the Mississippi River begins its great roll down to the Gulf of Mexico; you can cross the headwaters on stepping-stones. Everywhere you'll find campgrounds and Ma and Pa lakeside resorts , havens of homely simplicity dedicated to soothing urban-ravaged souls.

Northern Minnesota

• Northern Minnesota

Explore Northern Minnesota

• Canoeing wilderness and the Gunflint Trail
• Duluth
• Iron Range
• North from Duluth: Highway 61
• Voyageurs National Park

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