This section of Highway 23 has been known as the scenic route to Duluth for decades. Near the beginning of the route is Banning State Park, with camping, hiking, river fishing, canoeing and, for the adventurous, kayaking the Kettle River with its infamous "Hell's Gate" rapids. Creeks and small rivers criss-cross the length of the route, many of which offer fine trout fishing, especially the Nemadji and South Fork rivers on the northern part of the route. Near the end of of the route is the Veteran's Memorial Overlook, with a breathtaking view of the St. Louis River Valley.