Silver Creek Cliff Wayside
The Silver Creek Wayside is one of the most dramatic and scenic overlooks along Minnesota’s North Shore.
About Silver Creek Wayside
Located just north of Two Harbors, this wayside gives visitors an unbeatable view of Lake Superior from the top of Silver Cliff, the highest bluff rising directly out of the lake. The area is part of Silver Creek Township and managed by MnDOT. While the site is small, it’s clean, paved, and well cared for, offering access to the Gitchi-Gami State Trail and a beautiful overlook point.
From this vantage, visitors can look out over the sparkling lake and rugged shoreline while also taking in a piece of North Shore history. This spot marks the original path of Highway 61, carved into the cliffside in 1923, over 125 feet above the lake. Before the modern tunnel was built, travelers once hugged the cliff’s narrow, winding road to get through this area — a drive not for the faint of heart!
The Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel
The modern Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel replaced that dangerous stretch of road in 1994 after three years of careful blasting and the removal of over a million cubic yards of rock. The new tunnel is 1,344 feet long and takes only about 17 seconds to drive through, offering a much safer route for travelers.
For those who want to experience a piece of history, the old highway bed has been preserved as part of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. You can park at the wayside on the northeast side of the tunnel and walk or bike the paved trail that follows the original roadbed along the cliff’s edge. This half-mile trail (about 1.2 miles round trip) offers uninterrupted views of Lake Superior and is one of the most spectacular short walks on the entire North Shore.
What to Do
- Walk or bike the Gitchi-Gami Trail: Enjoy the paved path that winds along the old Highway 61 route, providing panoramic lake views.
- Visit the overlook: Take the paved path from the parking lot up to the bluff for incredible views of Lake Superior.
- Read the history: Stop by the
kiosk at the top of the trail, which tells the story of Highway 61’s construction and the evolution of the North Shore Scenic Drive.
- Drive through the tunnel: Experience the quick but impressive passage through one of the North Shore’s engineering landmarks.
Getting There
The Silver Creek Wayside is located along Highway 61, about 3 miles north of Two Harbors. Look for the parking lot on the lake side of the highway just beyond the Silver Creek Cliff Tunnel when driving north. The site has 17 paved parking spaces, including one ADA-accessible spot with clearance.
Though there are no restrooms or trash cans on-site, this wayside makes an excellent stop to stretch, take photos, and appreciate the breathtaking transition between land, lake, and sky.
