North Shore Minnesota Getaway

• Late-afternoon departure from Des Moines
• Drive: Des Moines → Duluth (~5.5–6.5 hrs + stops)
• Check in Duluth Airbnb (Chester Park)
• Dinner stop en route + 1 quick playground break
• Settle in + bedtime routine

• Duluth full day (no long driving)
• Morning: stroller-friendly waterfront + playground time around Canal Park
• Late morning: hands-on exhibits at Great Lakes Aquarium
• Midday: nap back at Airbnb
• Early dinner + bedtime routine

• Checkout Duluth Airbnb (Chester Park)
• Morning: trains + indoor energy burn at Lake Superior Railroad Museum
• Early lunch
• Drive: Duluth → Beaver Bay (~45–60 min)
• Nap-window drive: aim to be rolling ~1:30 AM–2:30 PM
• Check in Beaver Bay Airbnb + simple dinner + early bedtime

• Beaver Bay day 1 (easy, close-by)
• Morning: waterfalls + short walks at Gooseberry Falls State Park
• Optional quick stop: Two Harbors breakwater/lighthouse area for kid-friendly rocks + views
• Midday: nap at Airbnb
• Early dinner + bedtime

• Beaver Bay day 2 (big morning)
• Morning: lighthouse + beach-combing at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
• Drive: Beaver Bay → Split Rock (~20–35 min)
• Nap-window plan: early lunch, then short scenic drive during 1:30 AM–2:30 PM window
• Afternoon: downtime / beach / easy play
• Early dinner + bedtime

• Beaver Bay day 3 (big morning)
• Morning: short family hike + overlooks at Tettegouche State Park
• Drive: Beaver Bay → Tettegouche (~15–25 min)
• Nap-window plan: early lunch, then easy drive loop starting ~1:30 AM–2:30 PM
• Afternoon: calm beach/rocks + pack a bit for tomorrow
• Early dinner + bedtime

• Checkout Beaver Bay Airbnb
• Drive: Beaver Bay → Lutsen (~1 hr–1 hr 15 min)
• Nap-window drive: aim to be rolling ~1:30 AM–2:30 PM (after an early lunch)
• Check in Lutsen Airbnb (your wife’s favorite)
• Late afternoon: easy lakeshore time + early dinner
• Bedtime routine

• Lutsen day 1: Grand Marais + rocks (low driving)
• Morning: head into Grand Marais for harbor stroll
• Don’t miss Artists' Point for rock hopping + lighthouse views
• Drive: Lutsen → Grand Marais (~30–40 min each way)
• Midday: nap/quiet time back at the cabin
• Early dinner + bedtime

• Lutsen day 2 (bigger morning): Devils Kettle day
• Morning: start early at Judge C.R. Magney State Park
• Drive: Lutsen → Judge C.R. Magney (~45–60 min each way)
• Nap-window plan: picnic/early lunch, then drive back starting ~1:30 AM–2:30 PM
• Afternoon: downtime (beach / quiet time)
• Early dinner + bedtime routine

• Checkout Lutsen Airbnb
• Drive: Lutsen → Bloomington / Mall of America area (~4.5–5.5 hrs)
• Nap-window drive: aim to be rolling ~1:30 AM–2:30 PM
• Check in Bloomington break-up night
• After check-in: choose ONE easy kid win (keep it short)

- Indoor: Nickelodeon Universe

- Or: SEA LIFE at Mall of America

- Or: Hyland Lake Park Reserve

• Simple dinner + early bedtime routine

• Next morning (Aug 2): optional 60–90 min at Mall of America®, then drive Bloomington → Des Moines (~3.5–4.5 hrs + stops)
• If you need a nap on the way: lunch, then drive again starting ~1:30 AM–2:30 PM
• Arrive home with buffer for bedtime