Two Harbors

Founded in 1937, Gooseberry Falls State Park is located on the North Shore of Lake Superior along the scenic Minnesota Highway 61. This 1,687 acre park encircles the mouth of the Gooseberry River and includes Lower, Middle, and Upper Gooseberry Falls. Gooseberry Falls also provides 18 miles of hiking trails and eight miles of mountain biking trails, both of which connect to the famous 310-mile long Superior Hiking Trail. During the winter months snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing are popular activities in the park. The park’s visitor center provides naturalist’s with interesting exhibits, interpretive programs, and a gift shop. There are also a few historical sites within the park including the original bridge.

Gooseberry Falls State Park , 3206 Highway 61 East, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-595-7100

The Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park, a 2,200 acre state park, is situated on Lake Superior’s North Shore. It’s most prominent fixture is the Split Rock Lighthouse, a historic site and one of the most photographed lighthouse’s in the nation. It also features, a trail center, a lakeshore picnic area, and a visitor center with a museum store showcasing maritime décor, Lighthouse souvenirs, north woods artwork, apparel, and locally crafted items from artisans. The park also provides visitors with 14 miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing trails along the lakeshore and into the northern forest

Split Rock Lighthouse & State Park, 3755 Split Rock Lighthouse Road, Two Harbors, MN 55616, Phone: 218-226-6372

The Superior Hiking Trail also referred to as the SHT, is a 310-mile-long footpath that runs along the rocky ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior. There are over 50 access points from one end of the trail, near Jay Cooke State Park to the other end of the trail, the Canada-US border near Lake Superior. The trail travels through forests of pine, aspen, birch, cedar, and fir, passing by cascading waterfalls, babbling brooks, and rushing rivers. Hikers will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the Sawtooth Mountains and boreal forests. The SHT also provides 93 backcountry campsites dispersed every five-eight miles for long-distance trekkers.

Superior Hiking Trail , 731 7th Avenue, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-834-2700

First lit in 1892, the historic Two Harbors Lighthouse is the oldest operating lighthouse in Minnesota. Made entirely of red brick, it consists of six structures, a fog signal building, a skiff home, a garage, an oil house, the lighthouse tower with attached keeper’s home, and an assistant keeper’s home. Visitors can tour the beautifully restored Lighthouse Tower housing the rotating light and the Keeper’s Quarters which serves as a bed and breakfast and underwent an early 20th century restoration. The Assistant Keeper’s building is also available to the public. It has been restored to the 19th century era and acts as a museum displaying exhibits on the development of Agate Bay and Lake Superior shipwrecks. You can also stay at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast.

Two Harbors Lighthouse, 520 South Avenue, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-834-4898

Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area is located in Two Harbors, situated between the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park. A pristine and untouched pebbled beach, it features pink felsite and rhyolite pebbles that make tinkling musical sounds as the waves roll in and out, a characteristic unique to this area. It is one of only three Scientific and Natural areas in Minnesota. There are no maintained trails, but visitors are welcome to hike in the area to explore the wildflowers and native plants and well as enjoy some wildlife viewing. They are also permitted to swim at Iona Beach, however water shoes are recommended.

Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area, Gitchi Gami State Trail, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-753-2580

Hellacious Overlook, more commonly referred to as Palisade Head, is a North Shore landmark located off Highway 61 close to Silver Bay. To access the 350-foot-tall cliff, visitors will need to watch for the narrow, lakeside road that appears at milepost 57. They will exit off onto this road and take the steep but safe drive slowly up to the top of this soaring coastal cliff in order to reach the lookout. There is a small parking area that requires some tight maneuvering at the top. Made from volcanic rock, this stunning cliff formation overlooks the gorgeous Lake Superior.

Hellacious Overlook, 3206 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-595-7100

The Depot Museum is housed in a historic brick building built in 1907 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Former headquarters of the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad, the building played a prominent role in the development of the iron ore industry throughout region and Minnesota itself. It served as a functional station until 1961 serving both passenger and freight needs. Today, the building serves as a museum showcasing the development of Lake County through various exhibits focusing on three main industries, timber, commercial fishing, and the railroad and iron mining. It is also the home of the administrative offices of the Lake County Historical Societies, the Judge William Scott Library, and archive storage.

Depot Museum, 520 South Avenue, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-834-4898

Housed in the original Dwan Law Office Building, the 3M Dwan Museum was created to honor the original roots of 3M, a multinational conglomerate that was once simply, the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company. Located in Two Harbors, the museum features exhibits explaining how 3M defined the business model for research and development, as well as how they became a global force that employs nearly 90,000 people worldwide. Exhibits include the recreated office of Attorney John Dwan, a lab, and a complete history and timeline of the company that incorporates photos, documents, and artifacts. They also have several technology applications and hands-on interactive programs.

3M Dwan Museum, 203 Waterfront Dr, Two Harbors, MN 55616, Phone: 218-834-4898

Opened in 1972, the Northwoods Pioneer Gallery & Gifts was started by a number of small local craft organizations. It was created as a means for elderly and low-income Northeastern Minnesotans to bring their crafts to market as well as to provide educational arts and crafts activities to locals and visitors alike. It has since opened up to all local artisans regardless of income or age. As a cooperative, the facility is run by its members, they tend to the shop and work as sales clerks. Often times, the members who are working provide demonstrations of their craft, sharing the techniques of their trade. This includes, wheat weaving, beading, wood working, beading, and painting.

Northwoods Pioneer Gallery & Gifts , 2821 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-834-4175

The Purple Lotus offers different types of therapeutic massage and bodywork. The owner and certified massage therapist, Christina has created a tranquil space for her customers to relax in the heart of Two Harbors. An earthy oasis, The Purple Lotus features stunning hardwood floors, sea foam green walls, a comfortable seating area, and a private Zen room boasting a Japanese garden atmosphere. Customers can choose from a wide range of services including several different types of massage such as Pregnancy, Sports, Relaxation, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, and Raindrop. The Purple Lotus also offers paraffin wax treatment for the hands and feet as well as aromatherapy and head and scalp massages.

The Purple Lotus, 620 1st Avenue, Two Harbors, MN, Phone: 218-260-1298