The trip in short
From Minneapolis and its chain of lakes north to Duluth, where ore ships pass under the lift bridge on Lake Superior. The North Shore Scenic Drive follows the cliffs and waterfalls to Grand Marais. Across in Wisconsin, Bayfield is the gateway to the Apostle Islands and their sea caves, by kayak in summer. Madison, between two lakes, is the last stop before Minneapolis. Forests, lakes and few people; in late September the woods turn, which makes this one of the autumn trips of the Midwest. Lake Michigan's side is the Great Lakes.