Memorialized on vinyl by Minnesota native Bob Dylan, stunning Scenic Hwy-61 follows Lake Superior for 150 miles from Duluth to the border, its precipitous cliffs interspersed with pretty little ports and picture-postcard picnic sites.

At Gooseberry River State Park , forty miles northeast from Duluth, the river splashes over volcanic rock through waterfalls and cascades to its outlet in Lake Superior. Like all but one of the seven other state parks along Hwy-61, it provides access to the rugged two-hundred-mile Superior Hiking Trail , divided into easily manageable segments for day-trekkers. To camp at any of the state parks, reserve at 218/834-2700 or tel 1-800/246-CAMP.

Just beyond Cascade River State Park , the road dips into the somnolent little port of GRAND MARAIS , where a walk around the photogenic Circular Harbor will soon cure car-stiff legs. The visitor center at 13 N Broadway (tel 218/387-2524 or 1-888/922-5000, ) has lists of outfitters for those going into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Inexpensive room options include the ultraclean Sandgren Motel , by the lights on Hwy-61 (tel 218/387-2975 or 1-800/796-2975; $50-75), and the appealing Harbor Inn Motel (tel 218/387-1191 or 1-800/595-4566, ; $50-75). Naniboujou Lodge , fifteen miles east on Hwy-61 (tel 218/387-2688, ; $100-130), is a bit pricier, but it's worth dropping by this former 1920s private club just to see the restaurant's eye-popping Cree Indian designs. A backpacker haunt with a difference is Spirit of the Land Island Hostel (tel 218/388-2241 or 1-800/454-2922; up to $35), 58 miles inland from Grand Marais on an island in Seagull Lake; bunks cost $17-19, plus $2 extra for nonmembers. For herrings and imported beer, or just a well-priced snack, head for Sven & Ole's Pizza , 9 W Wisconsin St (tel 218/387-1713).

The town of GRAND PORTAGE , just below the Canadian border, is at the lake end of the historic 8.5-mile portage route - so vital to the nineteenth century fur trade - now preserved in Grand Portage National Monument. A stockade has been superbly reconstructed. Residents of the Grand Portage Indian Reservation operate a casino in the town. In summer, ferries run daily to remote Isle Royale National Park .

North from Duluth: Highway 61

• North from Duluth: Highway 61

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