Several years ago, my wife convinced me to take a vacation to visit the Great Lakes. Lake Superior to be specific. Our first trip was to Madeline Island, just off shore from Bayfield Wisconsin.
I was hooked. We have been back several times, mostly as a family vacation with our son and his family.
Today, we still like to get the family up to the Big Lake, usually staying in the Duluth/Two Harbors area, using this area as our base of operations. I think after looking through these images from the area, you will find the area to be worth adding to your road trip bucket list. I know for sure that you won't be disappointed, and I can almost guarantee that your family will love you for taking them.