Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs
From Duluth to the Iron Range mines, the canoe-country town of Ely and the water-bound Voyageurs National Park on the Canadian border.
- Distance
- 426 km (264 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- States
- MN
- Updated
- May 17, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 426 km (264 mi) with 7 stops, from Duluth to Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake. About 4 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Minnesota · More road trips from Duluth
Route description
Leave Duluth north-west on US-53 and MN-37 to Hibbing on the Mesabi Iron Range. The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View looks into an open pit more than three miles long, still worked by giant trucks.
US-169 follows the range east through birch and pine to Soudan, where the state park lowers visitors in a mine cage about half a mile underground in summer. The road continues past Lake Vermilion to Ely, the main gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
In Ely, the International Wolf Center has a resident pack, and outfitters can set you up for a day paddle. Then take MN-1 and US-53 north through Orr to International Falls; the forest is dense and gas stations are far apart.
Voyageurs National Park is mostly water. Stop at the Rainy Lake visitor center east of International Falls for a boat tour or a short trail, and stay up late: on clear nights the northern lights sometimes appear. Early summer brings blackflies and mosquitoes; August and September are more comfortable.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Duluth
MN - 2116 km
Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View
HistoryHibbing, MNAn overlook on the rim of one of the world’s largest open-pit iron mines, more than three miles long. Trucks and shovels still work in the pit below.
- 381 km
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
HistorySoudan, MNMinnesota’s oldest iron mine, where a cage lowers visitors about half a mile underground. Tours run mainly in summer; bring a jacket, since it is cold below.
- 435 km
Ely
MN - 54 km
International Wolf Center
NatureEly, MNAn education center with a resident wolf pack behind large viewing windows. A good introduction to the North Woods before heading into canoe country.
- 6169 km
International Falls
MN - 722 km
Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake
NatureInternational Falls, MNA park that is mostly water, with rocky islands and bays along the Canadian border. The Rainy Lake visitor center runs boat tours in summer; kayak rentals are nearby.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Duluth → Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View · 72 mi · 1 h 17 minOvernight nearby, for example: North Hibbing campground (< 1 km); McCarthy Beach State Park Campground (17 mi).
- Day 2: Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View → Soudan Underground Mine State Park · 50 mi · 0 h 54 minOvernight nearby, for example: Vermilion Ridge Campground. (3 mi); McKinley Park Campground (2 mi).
- Day 3: Soudan Underground Mine State Park → International Wolf Center · 24 mi · 0 h 26 minOn the way: Ely.Overnight nearby, for example: Cliff Wold's Campground (3 mi); Vermilion Ridge Campground. (18 mi).
- Day 4: International Wolf Center → Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake · 118 mi · 2 h 07 minOn the way: International Falls.Overnight nearby, for example: Wood Duck Island K36 (9 mi); Grassy Islands South K9 (9 mi).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
FAQs
How long is Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs?
4-day road trip of about 426 km (264 mi) with 7 stops, from Duluth to Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake. About 4 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs?
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs start and end?
It starts in Duluth and ends in Voyageurs National Park, Rainy Lake.
Which states does Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs pass through?
Minnesota.
Where can you camp along Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs?
OpenStreetMap lists 60 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: McCarthy Beach State Park Campground, Vermilion Ridge Campground. and Red Pine Campground.
When is the best time for Minnesota North Woods: iron mines to Voyageurs?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
