Attractions
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.
Free Museum Passes
3M Museum
218-834-4898 / 203 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
Two Harbors Light Station Museum
218-834-4898 / 1 Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors
The 3M Museum / Dwan Office Building
The Lake County Historical Society purchased the Dwan Building in 1991. A year later it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and opened as a museum depicting 3M’s early years.
The Duluth & Iron Range Depot Museum
The Depot Museum features exhibits that reflect the development of Lake County with special emphasis placed on the big three industries; iron mining and the railroad, timber, and commercial fishing.
The Two Harbors Light Station
The Two Harbors Light Station is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Minnesota's North Shore.
Lake Superior
Trails
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.
Lake Superior Water Trail
The water trail is for the Lake Superior kayaker and offers primitive campsites along the north shore.
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.
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.
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.
Scenic Drives
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.
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 Waysidefor a little bit of history with some local color.
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.
Picnicking
White Pines Picnic Area
Take a drive up County Road #2 to White Pines Picnic Area where you will see one of the last stands of white pine that once to covered northern Minnesota.
Ilona’s Beach at Twin Points Safe Harbor
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. It’s a nice spot with access to the Gitche Gammi Bike Trail.
Louise’s Place
I would suggest calling Louise’s Place (834.2176) in Two Harbors and have her pack you a picnic basket.
State Parks
Tettegouche
About 5 miles north of Silver Bay on the Baptism River, this park offer very accessible hiking for the whole family.
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.
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.
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.
Dining
Lilly’s Asian Cafe
826 7th Avenue, Two Harbors, MN
218-834-4373
Vanilla Bean Restaurant
218-834-3714 / 812 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
Rustic Inn Cafe
Castle Danger 218.834.2488
Russ Kendall’s Smoke House
218-834-5995 / 149 Scenic Drive, Knife River
https://www.loc8nearme.com/minnesota/knife-river/russ-kendalls-smoke-house/4851025/
Northshore Pizza and Coffee House
218-834-1234 / 802 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
Louise’s Place
218-834-2176 / 19 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
Landing Sports Bar on Highway 61
218-834-5191 / 629 Seventh Avenue, Two Harbors
Kamloops Restaurant and Lounge at Superior Shores Resort
218.834.5671 1521 Superior Shores Drive
Earthwood Inn Grill
933 Stanley Road Two Harbors 218.834.3847
Do North Pizzeria
218-834-3555 / 15 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
Cedar Coffee Company
1130 11th Street Two Harbors 218.834.2117
McQuades Pub and Grill
1102 7th Ave., Two Harbors
218-834-2030
Betty’s Pies
218-834-3367/ 1633 Hwy 61, Two Harbors
American Legion
218-834-4141 / 614 First Avenue, Two Harbors
Entertainment
Arts
Christian Dalbec Photography
218.391.7560
Ronnings Lake Carvings
218.590.6081
Two Harbors Library
218-834-3148 / 320 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
3M Museum
218-834-4898 / 203 Waterfront Drive, Two Harbors
Two Harbors Light Station Museum
218-834-4898 / 1 Lighthouse Point, Two Harbors
Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Depot Museum
218-834-4898 / 520 South Avenue, Two Harbors
Architectural Antiques
224 7th Street Two Harbors, MN 55616 218-834-0018
Activities
Arts On Superior
Events and Friday Concerts In The Park 651.208.4991
Superior Hiking Trail Shuttle Service
218.834.5511
Sonju Trail
218-834-2600 / Lighthouse Point to Burlington Bay, Two Harbors
Harbor Kayak and Paddleboard rentals
By appointment 218.393.4545
Erkki Harjju Ski Trail
218-834-2600 / Highway 2, Two Harbors [This is a lit trail in Two Harbors]
Lakeview National Golf Course
218-834-2664 / 1349 Highway 61, Two Harbors
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.
Local Events
Kayak Festival
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:
Winter Frolic
Heritage Days
Independence Day
Two Harbors City Band
Concerts Thursdays at 7 PM mid June to mid August
Thomas Owens Memorial Park aka “the Bandshell”
