All-American roads are cited for important scenic, natural, historical, cultural, archaeological or recreational qualities, but as much as anything the title confirms that a road to somewhere else can be a destination unto itself. Technically, the stretch from Duluth to Two Harbors is a State Scenic Byway, while the All-American highway runs 112.5 miles from Two Harbors to Grand Portage on the Canadian border. But that's a quibble. The designation will mean additional federal funds to promote the route and develop information centers, kiosks and other features. Not that very much information is needed to savor the scenery.
Lake Superior is ever present, sometimes rolling, sometimes raging.
Frequent pull-outs and small parks provide lake access for those who want to look for agates or skip flat stones, or just to picnic on its shore. Two years ago, I drove the highway all the way to Thunder Bay, Ontario, while circling Lake Superior. One is the busy highway, crowded with shops and the usual tourist magnets. The other is at the waterfront, where boat tours are offered and the Lake County Historical Museum tells the story of the still-busy port. Two Harbors also is headquarters for the Superior Hiking Trail, which rises to as much as 1,000 feet over Lake Superior and stretches more than 200 miles through waterfall and wild river country.