Two Harbors, Minnesota, is a small town on the shores of Lake Superior. The city serves as the county seat of Lake County. The population was 3,633 as of the 2020 census. The town is easily accessible thanks to Minnesota State Highway 61, which runs through the town.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
On the north shore of Lake Superior, on the scenic Minnesota Highway 61, you will find Gooseberry Falls State Park. It is just 13 miles northeast of the city of Two Harbors. This park offers waterfall viewing and other activities for the whole family. The park is open year-round and provides a great opportunity to get in touch with nature.
The park features several viewing decks that offer breathtaking views of the Gooseberry River. During the summer months, you can see a variety of birds. Ravens are among the many species of conifer-dependent birds that live in the area. The park’s Visitors Guide also includes checklists for bird watching.
If you have a vehicle, Gooseberry Falls State Park has ample parking. There is a two-hour limit for parking, but it is easy to find a spot. If you plan to stay overnight, consider making arrangements in advance. Gooseberry Falls State Park is open year-round, but some facilities may be closed during the winter. The park also promotes a “leave no trace” policy, which ensures a better experience for other visitors and the environment.
While at the park, you can go hiking or biking along the park’s trails. There are easy trails for beginners. The trail is well-marked and paved, and it passes three waterfalls. The lower falls are the largest, while the middle falls are smaller. You can also swim at the Lower Falls.
Dog sledding
If you’ve never tried dog sledding before, you can’t go wrong with Dog Sled Adventures, the #1 leader in the lower 48 for sled dog sports. The company provides dog sledding trips in the Duluth – Two Harbors, MN area.
Dog sledding in Minnesota takes many forms. The state has a vast landscape of lakes and forests that provide the perfect setting for this fun activity. The roads are often icy or snowy. So, it’s a good idea to have a four-wheel drive vehicle for the trip. Otherwise, you’ll have to drive a long way to get to the dog sledding destination.
During the winter, the temperature can drop a few degrees below zero, so it’s recommended that you dress warmly. The dogs in the sleds are trained on trails in the Superior National Forest. This means that they can get tired much faster than they would on flat ground. However, this training is essential to the dogs’ development.
Dog sledding is one of the most popular winter activities in the area. The experience is exhilarating and can be done as a day trip or overnight.
Ice fishing
Ice fishing in Two Harbors, Minnesota can be challenging. It’s not always possible to access the lake from shore, and the ice in some areas is incredibly thin. Many of the boat landings in the area are buried under ice and snow, but some small boats have been able to launch over the ice. Despite the poor weather conditions, small boat anglers will be heading out in search of trout and salmon.
The Minnesota State Parks Department has several resources available to those who want to take advantage of ice fishing. One resource is the Lonestar excursion, which offers half-day and full-day trips. The Lonestar excursion also offers guided tours of the lake. If you are not a fisherman, you can still enjoy the lake’s beauty by taking a walk on the protected Lake Walk. Another great place to walk in Two Harbors is the Lakeview Golf Course, which offers discounted rates after 3 PM.
When the ice is thick, lake trout are easy to find. These fish can be found almost anywhere where the water is the right depth. One great place to fish for lake trout is along the shore of Lake Superior on Highway 61. There are also several parking spots along the shoreline of the lake.
Snowshoeing
In the winter, snowshoeing can be an excellent way to get outside and enjoy nature. The Superior Hiking Trail offers a number of snowshoeing trails. A popular section of this trail is the Split Rock River Loop. This hike offers spectacular views of the Split Rock River valley and gorge. It also offers a chance to see the historic Split Rock Lighthouse.
The trails are easy to use and can accommodate beginners. It is best to start your outing early in the morning when the sun is still out. It is important to remember that temperatures can be much lower than they actually are in Minnesota during the winter, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.
During the winter, Two Harbors is known for its gorgeous landscape and rugged beauty. In addition to the pristine beauty of nature, the area also has a thriving ski and snowboarding scene. If you’re looking for a wintertime adventure, this is the place to visit.
If you’re looking for a longer hike, the Superior Hiking Trail is a great choice. This trail spans 146 miles and includes many sections that offer different distances and views. For those who love exploring the forest and nature, the Two Harbors section is a great option.
Skiing
If you love the outdoors and enjoy skiing, there are many places in the area to practice. Cross-country skiers will have plenty of opportunities on the North Shore, which is covered by hundreds of kilometers of trails. Most trails require a Minnesota Ski Pass, which can be purchased at businesses, trail centers, and online.
The Twin Cities region is known for its snowy winters, but Two Harbors offers more than just snow. Despite being one of the most popular parts of the state during the summer, this area is also known for its rugged beauty. While summers are often crowded and difficult to find a campsite, winters are beautiful.
If you enjoy skiing, you can try the Alt Expert Loop trail. This 1,916-foot black diamond machine-groomed trail is near Two Harbors, Minnesota. You can enjoy the views at any time of the year, whether it’s early morning or late at night. The trail is a great place for beginners or advanced skiers to get started.
You can also check out the Nordic ski center in the Clover Valley area, which is home to eleven kilometers of single-track ski trails. The center has been an important part of the Duluth area’s cross-country ski scene for over 50 years and has hosted several races. The Eric Judeen 10k Classic and the Bangin’ in the Brush trail races have been held here since the 1960s. This ski center is also a venue for Fat Tire Bike races, including the Balsam Basher 10k Fat Tire Bike Race.
Historic lighthouses
If you’re interested in exploring historic lighthouses, you’ll find two good options in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Split Rock Lighthouse sits high on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior. Built in 1910, the lighthouse uses a 1000-watt bulb to light the way into the harbor. You can take a self-guided tour of the lighthouse’s main lighthouse or the assistant keeper’s house. Both of these lighthouses are open to the public, and are home to interesting maritime exhibits.
The light station was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Today, it serves as a museum and is listed on navigational charts. The Lake County Historical Society recently received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Lake Superior Coastal Program to add new exhibits to the light station’s museum. The society also added the Frontenac Pilot House to the Light Station for museum purposes.
The Two Harbors lighthouse is a small building that’s located in a beautiful park. The museum has a small gift shop and a collection of informative books. Whether you’re a lighthouse enthusiast or just looking to learn more about this unique way of life, there’s something for everyone.
Split Rock Lighthouse is another historic landmark in the area. Perched on a cliff above Lake Superior, it’s a unique sight to behold. It was first put into service as a navigational aid in 1910. In addition to the lighthouse, the split rock lighthouse park also features three keeper’s houses, a Fog Signal Building, and a Visitor Center. Daily tours are available throughout the summer months.