As our guest at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast the Lake County Historical Society would encourage you to enjoy all that Minnesota's North Shore of Lake Superior has to offer. The lake, trails, and wilderness, it all starts in Two Harbors. Visit local events listing at Two Harbors Chamber website.
Lake Superior
In addition to activities like boat watching in Agate Bay, relaxing and just enjoying the natural beauty of the big lake there are several activities to enjoy while staying at the B&B.
Sailing
Amicus Adventure Sailing, Knife River or Two Harbors. 218.290.5975
Knife River Campground, (Randy has a 40 ft Sailboat)218.834.5044
Charter Fishing
Kendall’s Charter Fishing and Waterway Cab, Two Harbors. 218.834.2013
Sport Trolling Inc., Knife River/Two Harbors/ Silver Bay. 218.834.4270/218.830.1050
Reel Escapes Charters and Tours, Knife River/ North Shore. 952.239.6315
Shoreline Fishing
Bring your own equipment! There is great fishing off of the Breakwater just outside the fence at the Bed & Breakfast.
Kayaking and Canoeing
The new Public Boat Launch in Agate Bay (Two Harbors) features the north shores first fully ADA compliant kayak launch.
Trails
Sonju and Agate Trails
Starting just outside the light house gate, the Sonju trail is a partially paved trail between Burlington and Agate Bays, our two harbors. It connects with the Agate Trail, a new paved trail that encircles the City of Two Harbors.
Erikka Harju Fitness and X Country Ski Trail
In the summer a 5k fitness trail for walkers and runners alike through the wooded area just to north of the golf course. In the winter it becomes a lighted x country ski trail.
Gitche Gammi Trail
Beginning just a short distance up the road at Gooseberry, (but I would suggest parking just a little further north at Twin Points) the “Gitch” is a paved pedestrian and biking trail along the scenic north shore.
Lake Superior Water Trail
The water trail is for the Lake Superior kayaker and offers primitive campsites along the north shore.
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail is a wilderness trail that runs along the ridges and valleys of the north shore. The terrain can be very challenging. There are four trail heads all within 15 minutes of the B&B.
· Fors Road: This is the original trailhead of the SHT. Travel east to CO. 3; turn north travel to Fors Road (CO 301), turn left, the trailhead is 1/2 mile down the road.
· Reeves Road: Travel north from TH on CO. 2 for five miles. Parking area is on top of the hill to the left.
· Castle Danger: Travel north on US 61 to Castle Danger (CO. 106 at the Rustic Inn) turn left, travel 4 miles, parking area is well marked and to the right.
· Ferguson Demonstration Forest: The demonstration forest is an interpretative trail system that explores the types of forests found in northern Minnesota. The SHT connects with it through a spur trail. Travel north on CO 2 to CO 12, turn left, go three miles to the Hom Road and turn right, this will connect you to the Drummond Grade. Go left and travel north about 5 miles, parking to the right.
Scenic Drives
Everyone loves a Road Trip! Lake County is home to two routes on the National Scenic Byways Register.
· US 61: The North Shore Scenic Drive, The All American Road, no matter what you call it is one of the nicest drives in the country. The locals just call it, The Highway.
· Forest Highway 11: From Silver Bay to Hoyt Lakes this National Scenic Byway is a pleasant afternoon drive. Just off the route is White Pines Picnic Area north on CO. 2. This is one of the few places you will see old growth forest like it was 150 years ago. Stop by the Historic Toimi School and Wayside for a little bit of history with some local color.
· MN 1: From Illgen City to Ely, this is one of the most truly spectacular drives in the northland. A favorite of motorcyclists for years it is a long winding route through the state and national forests. You will find yourself traveling through little communities like Finland and Isabella before getting to Ely. To drive the entire trip is several hours.
Picnicking
What goes hand in hand with a road trip like a picnic? There are dozens of lovely waysides along these routes to enjoy. I would suggest calling Louise’s Place (834.2176) in Two Harbors and have her pack you a picnic basket.
· If I could make a suggestion, Ilona’s Beach at Twin Points Safe Harbor is a great spot that is not too heavily travelled. Located just north of Gooseberry State Park it comes up fast on the right hand side. Don’t be fooled by the hoarder that has all the junk next door. It’s a nice spot with access to the Gitche Gammi Bike Trail.
State Parks
There are three excellent State Parks within a 30-45 minute drive of the B&B.
· Gooseberry: Just 12 miles north of Two Harbors is this fully accessible state park. Complete with an interactive visitors center, and interpretive nature programs offered throughout the summer.
· Split Rock: The Split Rock River loop is a 5 mile hike and reputed to be the most popular portion of the Superior Hiking Trail. Easily accessed from the wayside on the river this trailhead also provides access to the Gitch Gammi bike trail.
· Split Rock Lighthouse Museum: It is important to note that this is run by the MN Historical Society and is not actually a part of the state park system.
· Tettegouche: About 5 miles north of Silver Bay on the Baptism River, this park offer very accessible hiking for the whole family.
In the area for the day? You can see the Two Harbors Light Station Museum by stopping by for a self-guided tour. The Two Harbors Light Station is one of four museums operated by the Lake County Historical Society. The others are the Duluth & Iron Range Depot Museum, the Edna G Tugboat Tour, and the Dwan Building 3M Museum.
Museum Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10:00am - 6:00pm and Sundays from 10:00am - 4:00pm, May through October. Please contact the Lake County Historical Society office at 218-834-4898 for winter tours.
Adults: $3.00
Children ages 9 - 17: $1.00
Children under 9: No charge
DINING & ENTERTAINMENT:
American Legion: 218-834-4141 / 614 First Avenue, Two Harbors
Black Woods Grill & Bar: 218-834-3846 / 612 Seventh Ave, Two Harbors / Black Woods website
Coffee & Bridgemans On 61: 218-834-6044 / 812 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
Do North Pizzeria: 18-834-3555 / 15 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
The Pub: 218-834-2300 / 602 First Avenue, Two Harbors
Judy's Cafe: 218-834-4802 / 623 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
NorthShore Pizza Cafe: 218-834-1234 / 802 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
Louises Seventh Heaven Cafe: 218-834-2176 / 19 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
The Landing Sports Bar on Highway 61: 218-834-5191 / 629 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
Vanilla Bean Restaurant: 218-834-3714 / 812 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors / Vanilla Bean Cafe website
Vietnamese Lantern Restaurant: 218-834-4373 / 629 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
ARTS:
Cold Snap Photography 218-834-0756 / 632 First Avenue, Two Harbors Cold Snap Photography Website
Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Depot Museum: 218-834-4898 / 520 South Avenue, Two Harbors / Lake County Historical Society
Two Harbors Light Station Museum: 218-834-4898 / 1 Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors
3M Museum: 218-834-4898 / 203 Waterfront Drive,Two Harbors
Two Harbors Library: 218-834-3148 / 320 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors / Two Harbors Library
ACTIVITIES:
Lakeview National Golf Course: 218-834-2664 / 1349 Highway 61, Two Harbors
Erkki Harjju Ski Trail: 218-834-2600 / Highway 2, Two Harbors [This is a lit trail in Two Harbors]
Sonju Trail: 218-834-2600 / Lighthouse Point to Burlington Bay, Two Harbors
Superior Hiking Trail: 218-834-2700 / 731 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors / Superior Hiking Trail website
LOCAL EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO:
The Two Harbors Area Chamber of Commerce host several seasonal events including Winter Frolic in February, Heritage Days in July, the Two Harbors Kayak Festival in August and more at:
LIGHTHOUSE BED & BREAKFAST
