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Published: 9/28/2024
Discover the Best Things to do in Two Harbors, Minnesota
Two Harbors is one of my favorite small towns along Lake Superior’s North Shore in Minnesota. With great scenery, excellent restaurants, a beloved brewery, and a fun assortment of shops and museums, it’s easy to while away a day here.
While you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Two Harbors, as the first town you’ll reach on Minnesota’s 134-mile stretch of Lake Superior shoreline between Duluth and the Canadian border, I think North Shore visitors sometimes overlook this charming town of approximately 3500 residents.
I’ve spent my entire life driving through Two Harbors. When a friend moved here last year, I had the perfect excuse to explore the charming town more thoroughly. And let me tell, Two Harbors is definitely worth discovering. This town offers excellent coffee, fascinating history, and gorgeous Lake Superior views.
In this post, I’ll explain why Two Harbors absolutely deserves a spot on your North Shore itinerary. I’m sharing all my favorite things to do in including hikes, attractions, restaurants, activities, and more. Best of all: everything I mention is just a short 20-minute drive north from Duluth.
Read on to discover the best of Two Harbors, MN!
Must Do Activities in Two Harbors, MN
If you’re in a hurry, or just swinging through Two Harbors as part of a longer North Shore trip, here’s my list of “not to miss” activities.
• Grab coffee at Cedar Coffee Company
• Stop at Agate Bay and walk the breakwall out to the lighthouse.
• Watch ore boat activity at the ore docks in Agate Bay
• Take the Sonju Trail from Agate Bay to Burlington Bay
• Swing by Castle Danger Brewery. If you can’t stay for a pint, grab a growler or a variety of crowlers.
• Pick up a sandwich from Louise’s Place. If you have places to go, it’ll make a great picnic lunch at Gooseberry Falls or Split Rock Lighthouse as you head up the shore.
15 Best Things To Do in Two Harbors
1) Hike the Sonju Trail
The Sonju Trail is a lakeside trail that hugs Two Harbors’ Lake Superior shoreline. You can easily access this mile-long trail from the Burlington Bay parking lot near the municipal campground on the east end of town. Alternatively, hop on the trail near Castle Danger Brewery or the lighthouse.
The wide, level path offers great lake views and access to beautiful beaches and rocky outcroppings.
2) Tour the Light Station
The Victorian era red brick lighthouse that sits on top of a small hill overlooking Agate Bay in Two Harbors looks likes it belongs in New England, not Minnesota! On the national registry of historic places since the 1980s, the lighthouse is now a museum managed by the Lake County Historical Society.
You can also spend the night here by booking a stay in the Lighthouse’s bed and breakfast! The Frontenac pilot house sits in the Lighthouse’s front lawn. Inside that you’ll find exhibits about Lake Superior ships.
3) Hike out to the lighthouse
Just like there are two harbors, there are also two lighthouses in Two Harbors. The one located at the end of the breakwall in Agate Bay near the ore docks actually has a twin on the North Shore; the Grand Marais lighthouse was built using the same design. It’s about a .2 mile stroll on the concrete breakwall to reach the iconic lighthouse.
4) Watch harbor activity
Two Harbors is still a busy harbor with ore ships loading at the docks in Agate Bay. If you’re lucky, during your walk on the lighthouse breakwall, you’ll catch some ore ship action. Whether it’s a ship docking or a train coming in on the railroad, I could honestly watch harbor activity all day.
If you want to see what your odds are of seeing ship come into dock while you’re in Two Harbors, check out the Lake Superior marine traffic tracker.
5) Visit the 3M Museum
Ever use a Post-It note? You can thank Minnesota for that! Specifically, 3M -the massive corporation now based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities metro area- is responsible for Post-Its, command strips, green scrubbies, and so much more.
But did you realize that 3M got its start at the turn of the 20th century when a bunch of North Shore businessmen decided to form a sandpaper company?
Today, you can visit the 3M Birthplace Museum in downtown Two Harbors. The two-room museum is housed in the old Dwan Law office building where the company’s articles of incorporation were signed in 1902.
True, this is a small museum. Set exhibit expectations low and ask plenty of questions from the knowledgable docents to learn about the corporation’s humble origins.
This museum is seasonal with pretty limited hours even when in season, so check operating hours before planning your visit.
6) Get lunch at Madeira
Named for a famous Lake Superior shipwreck, this sweet lunch spot in downtown Two Harbors’ “commercial district” on the west end of First Avenue is the perfect place to grab a sandwich, soup, or bowl. Enjoy your meal in bistro’s funky, retro décor or take it to go.
7) Try a Tipsy Mosquito cocktail
The Tipsy Mosquito Wine and Spirit Room brings life to another old downtown Two Harbors building. This very atmospheric lounge features a mix of seating styles from couches and lounge chairs to traditional tables and, of course, a bar. It’s the perfect place for a happy hour with one of their signature cocktails.
While they do offer some bites, this is definitely a bar rather than a restaurant. However, their massive pub pretzel is a worthy companion to your drink of choice.
FYI: they can also make the majority of their cocktails N/A.
8) Do some shopping
While Two Harbors might not be the hotbed of small boutiques that Grand Marais is, there are still plenty of little shops where you can while away a good chunk of the day. Some favorite downtown shops include Back Forty Books, Moose-cellaneous, and Superior Finds.
9) Look for agates and skip rocks at Agate Bay
One of the very best things to do anywhere on the North Shore is to spend as much time next to Lake Superior as possible. Two Harbors’ rocky Agate Bay Beach is the perfect place to practice your rock skipping technique or search for the Bay’s namesake: banded stones known as agates.
The bands in Lake Superior agates are formed by iron. I always recommend walking right along the water’s edge when hunting for agates because the water causes the quartz “eyes” of the agates sparkle, making them easier to spot.
If you’re looking to perfect your rock skipping, be sure to select nice flat rocks and remember “it’s all in the wrist!”
10) Get beers at Castle Danger
Since it opened in 2013, Castle Danger Brewery has become an absolute Two Harbors institution. It’s an important “third place” in the community, beloved by locals and visitors alike. While you can pick up their beer in liquor stores all over the region, nothing beats their beer on tap.
While I usually just pick up a growler or selection of crowlers when passing through, plan on staying for a while for a pint or two if you have the time. In addition to their amazing outdoor patio, they often host food trucks and live music.
Their seasonal Mosaic Fresh Hop IPA is my very favorite, but their Aurora Haze is another new classic. And of course, you can’t go wrong with their Cream Ale.
11) Visit the Edna “G” tugboat
On the backside of the ore docks in Agate Bay, you’ll find Two Harbors’ unofficial mascot: the Edna “G” tugboat. This stalwart tugboat built in 1896 spent her entire career in Two Harbors helping ore boats dock. She finally retired in 1981.
Although you can swing by Paul Van Hoven Park on the Agate Bay waterfront anytime to visit Edna, you can only tour the tug on very specific days of the year. Your best chance of touring the tug is during Two Harbors Heritage Days in mid-July.
12) Stop at Cedar Coffee Company
Tucked in a cedar grove on the northwest edge of town, Cedar Coffee Company is hands down the best coffee shop in Two Harbors. I always find an excuse to stop if I’m passing by during operating hours. While it’s obviously a great spot for a hot beverage, they also have an excellent food menu. I often grab my lunch and a latte to go.
13) Explore the paved bike trails
When you grab your coffee from Cedar Coffee Company, you’ll notice a paved bike path as you enter the shop’s parking lot. (The coffee shop shares a building with Spokengear bike shop.) This path loops around the northern edge of Two Harbors, ending at the Burlington Bay Municipal Campground where it connects with the Sonju Trail.
Eventually these paths will connect with the Gitchi-Gami State Trail which will allow you to bike all the way up the shore to Grand Marais. Sadly, we’re still a long way away from that reality.
14) Go to the historic depot
The best place to learn about Two Harbors history is at the historic Duluth and Iron Range Depot in downtown Two Harbors. This is another Two Harbors museum run by the Lake County Historical Society. Exhibits include information about Two Harbors’ origins, Lake County as a whole, and plenty of information about area industries.
Keep in mind, this is a small local museum. Exhibits are a little chaotic and a fair amount of artifacts feel significant only to those born and raised in the community. However, I think there are some real gems in here too, like the model of the Edna G tugboat. The information about the area railroads and ore shipping were my favorites!
Pro tip: If you pan to go to all three historic sites in downtown Two Harbors operated by the Lake County Historical Society (Depot, 3M Birthplace Museum, and the Lighthouse) be sure to buy a bundled ticket at your first stop!
15) Stock up on pasties and provisions from Louise’s Place
Louise’s Place is a sweet little grab and go café in downtown Two Harbors. In addition to breakfast and lunch items, they also keep a freezer stocked with homemade “take and bake” dinner items like curries, shepherd pies, and pasties. My paternal grandmother was fiercely Cornish so I always pick up a couple pasties for an easy, delicious dinner.
In addition to the restaurant, Louise’s Place also has a small shop which includes a selection of U.K. grocery items.
Other Fun Things To Do Near Two Harbors
Two Harbors makes an excellent jumping off point for other North Shore adventures. Here are some favorite things to do within a short drive of Two Harbors.
Drive the Scenic North Shore Drive between Two Harbors and Duluth
Ditch the freeway between Duluth and Two Harbors and opt for the scenic route beside Lake Superior. Dotted with resorts and small businesses, a drive up the scenic North Shore Drive (old Highway 61) is the perfect way to start your time in Two Harbors. Favorite stops include the New Scenic Café, Russ Kendall’s Smoke House, and the Moon Market.
Settle the Betty’s Pie & Rustic Inn Café pie debate
Just north of Two Harbors, right along Highway 61, you’ll find two cafes known for their pies. Betty’s Pies is an absolute North Shore institution located 2.5 miles outside of Two Harbors. In my lifetime, Betty’s has transformed for a teeny roadside operation to a restaurant behemoth. 10 miles farther up the road, you’ll find Rustic Inn Café.
Some people swear by Betty’s, but personally, I think there’s something special about Rustic Inn’s Raspberry Creme Pie. While I prefer Rustic Inn, the only way to make up your own mind is to sample pies at both places. What a delicious prospect!
Gooseberry Falls
Did you even go up the North Shore if you didn’t stop at a waterfall? You’ll find the North Shore’s most popular waterfall at Gooseberry Falls State Park about a 15-minute drive north of Two Harbors.
Split Rock Lighthouse
The North Shore’s icon, Split Rock Lighthouse, is about a 20 minute drive up Highway 61 from Two Harbors. During your visit to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, be sure to check out some of the great hikes like the Split Rock River trail or Day Hill. You’ll visit Little Two Harbors on your way to Day Hill!
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail runs the length of Minnesota’s North Shore, starting in Jay Cooke State Park and ending near the Canadian border north of Hovland. The Superior Hiking Trail Association keeps a storefront in downtown Two Harbors where you can buy maps and guidebooks as well as learn more about the numerous trail sections.
Of course, while you’re in the area, why not choose a section of trail to explore on a day hike?!
Take the scenic railroad
You can ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad all the way from Duluth to Two Harbors. This is an especially popular North Shore fall colors activity and autumn trips on this route sells out quickly.
Planning Your Two Harbors Visit
You can easily “do” Two Harbors in a single or even half day. What you get up to really depends on your interests. If you’re not much on shopping or history, you probably don’t need to budget more than a day in downtown Two Harbors during your North Shore adventure.
However, when you factor in all of North Shore attractions near Two Harbors, you might aptly decide that Two Harbors makes the perfect base for your northern Minnesota vacation. After all, you’re only a 20-minute drive from Duluth’s big town delights while being able to immerse yourself in smalltown Minnesota.
Like all North Shore towns, you’ll find the most going on during the summer season. As North Shore visitors decline, many Two Harbors businesses are closed in November and April or even the entire winter. If you’re opting for an off-season trip, be sure to double check operating hours before setting your itinerary in stone.
Where To Stay in Two Harbors
Larsmont – This Lake Superior resort of “cottages” (really townhouses) includes a restaurant, spa, and activities. Less than a 10-minute drive down the scenic North Shore Drive from Two Harbors, it’s great option for families or girls’ weekends.
Country Inn of Two Harbors – For a traditional hotel in Two Harbors, your best bet is the County Inn. Unfortunately, the hotel’s location in Two Harbors’ commercial district on the west end of town isn’t especially scenic. But hey, you’re right next to the mini golf course if you’re in the mood for a little putt-putt.
Lighthouse B&B – The most unique place to stay in Two Harbors is the lighthouse! That’s right, you can stay in the lighthouse keeper quarters in Two Harbors’ 19th century brick lighthouse. A night here is on my bucket list . . . .
Vacation rentals – If you want a home away from home during your time in Two Harbors, you’ll find no shortage of Airbnbs and VRBOs in downtown Two Harbors. This is an especially good option if you’re planning to do a lot of North Shore exploring during your visit.
Conclusion: The Best Things to do in Two Harbors, MN
As you can see, you don’t want to overlook the North Shore town of Two Harbors, MN.
With multiple lighthouses, museums, little shops, and great food and drink options, you can easily fill a day in Two Harbors. You can’t beat the town’s Lake Superior views; especially when an ore ship comes in to dock.
When you venture beyond downtown, you’ll find easy access to hikes, restaurants, and other North Shore attractions.
Whether you choose to fill your Two Harbors days with museums, shopping, outdoor adventures, or simply gazing at beautiful Lake Superior, I hope this post helps you plan a perfect visit!
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