Historic U.S. 61: Algoma Way
Algoma Way
Located: 0.4 miles south of Beaver Bay along the east side of State Hwy 61, in Beaver Bay Township, Lake County.
Historic Context: Part of the original North Shore Scenic Highway constructed in the 1920's.
Length: 0.25 miles
Constructed: 1924
Bypassed: 1996 (retired as U.S. 61 in 1990)
Also Part Of:
Status: Intact, now a local road, plus the official route of the Gitchi Gami Trail.
Access: Public, one access point on the east side of State Hwy 61. Also by bike via the Gitchi Gami Trail at each end.
More U.S. 61 Articles
North >> Beaver River Bridges
South >> Wood Ridge Drive
Algoma Way, a short local road south of Beaver Bay, was once part of the North Shore Scenic Drive. Built as part of the original highway in 1924, the road was finally bypassed by the construction of the current alignment in 1996. Aside from being a local drive, it is also the official route of the Gitchi Gami Trail. The road appears to have been left untouched.
Map
Key
- Green = Intact (private)
- Orange = Old alignment, removed.
Photos - taken in April, 2010.
Looking north at the north end of Algoma Way, where it merges with the Gitchi Gami Trail. The town of Beaver Bay is visible on the horizon.
Southbound view of Algoma Way. Notice the intact highway pavement.
The south end of Algoma Way, looking north from the Gitchi Gami Trail.
Sources
- MNDOT. Construction Project Log: Control Section 3806
- Minnesota Highway Department. Construction Plan for Trunk Hwy No. 61-1 Between Little Marais and Two Harbors: S.P. 61=1-01, June, 1923.
- MNDOT. Right-of-Way Map: Beaver Bay to Chapin's Curve: 179-4D.
