17 Fun Things to Do in Two Harbors, MN

The small town of Two Harbors is one of the first stops as you drive up the North Shore, and often times is overlooked by visitors to the area!

But in all of the times that I’ve visited the North Shore (I’ve been hundreds of times!), we always make sure to stop and check out all of the things to do in Two Harbors.

From waterfalls to cozy restaurants and one of the best viewpoints over Lake Superior, I’m going to share with you all of the best places to stop and activities to check out in Two Harbors, Minnesota!

Why Trust Us? We’re Tyler and Kassidy, two Minnesota natives who call the North Shore their favorite place to travel. We have visited hundreds of times in all seasons and enjoy hiking, skiing, and exploring the area. We typically visit at least once a month and have been since we were just kids!

Things to Do in Two Harbors

A woman standing on the shoreline of Lake Superior, at one of the best hikes near North Shore, MN.

1. Visit Split Rock Lighthouse

If you’ve ever driven Highway 61 along the shore, you’ve probably spotted Split Rock Lighthouse just outside of Two Harbors.

It sits high up on a rocky cliff just off of Lake Superior and you can visit it by stopping at the namesake state park.

You can either go inside of the lighthouse for a small fee or you can do what Tyler and I love to do by walking down along the lakeshore and enjoying the views of the lighthouse from there.

A view from Palisade Head looking out over Lake Superior.

2. See the View From Palisade Head

You’re in luck during your Two Harbors visit, because you’ll be close to my favorite viewpoint on the entire North Shore.

Palisade Head is a huge rocky cliff that overlooks Lake Superior, and you can walk right up onto it to enjoy the view.

People rock climb here, and others like myself just find a nice spot to sit and enjoy the breeze that comes off the lake. It’s seriously stunning!

Just remember that the parking lot is small and fills up fast. So I always recommend getting here as early in the day as you can!

Myself holding black sand in my hand from Black Sand Beach.

3. Hangout at Black Beach

Black Beach is one of the most unique spots on the North Shore and is actually the only of its kind in all of Minnesota.

It’s a small beach just outside of Two Harbors that is known for having black pebbly sand, unlike anywhere else! It’s a bit tucked away off the shore, so it’s perfect for a stop from your drive.

A visit to Black Beach really makes it feel like you’re on another planet, and Tyler and I usually like to pack snacks and hangout here since there are picnic tables.

There’s also a great campground nearby that’s called the Black Beach Campground, if you’re looking for somewhere to camp.

Myself standing at the viewpoint overlooking Bean and Bear Lakes in fall time.

4. Hike the Bean and Bear Loop

If you’re up for a hike, then Bean and Bear Lake is the best one to take.

After about a 3.2-mile hike through the woods, you’ll emerge high above where you started and will have the best overlook at the lakes that are shaped like an hourglass.

Bean and Bear Lakes are especially gorgeous in the fall months when the leaves change. I remember my first hike here, and how I was speechless when I saw those colors.

The hike is moderately difficult and there are some small boulder fields that you’ll need to cross over. But it’s all worth it because this is one of the most stunning hikes on the North Shore!

5. Visit the 3M Birthplace Museum

3M is well known for making Scotch Tape, Post-It Notes, and Command Strips, all which started right here in Two Harbors.

You can stop in at the museum and learn about the brand’s history, how they got started, and how they’ve become a successful business.

It’s a nice stop for a rainy day or to get inside on a warm, sunny day to learn about some of Two Harbors history.

6. See the Two Harbors Breakwater Lighthouse

There are two lighthouses in Two Harbors – the Breakwater Lighthouse and the real Two Harbors Lighthouse.

The Breakwater Lighthouse sits, you guessed it, right on the Breakwater off of the shores of Agate Bay Beach.

You can walk the entire breakwater to see the small, white lighthouse and it’s kind of a unique to be able to walk all the way out into Lake Superior and see how things operate.

A brown building with a sign that reads 'Fresh Pies' on a sign on top of it.

7. Compare Desserts at Rustic Inn and Betty’s Pies

If you have a sweet tooth like I do, then a stop at Rustic Inn and Betty’s Pies can’t be missed.

These two places are known to have, probably, some of the best pie in Minnesota. And it’s a must to stop and compare the two.

I know which I prefer (shhh… don’t tell Betty!) but it’s up for you to decide your favorite!

Tyler and I recommend the Great Lakes Crunch at Betty’s Pies and the Raspberry Cream at Rustic Inn!

Gooseberry Falls dropping over a rocky cliff with a bridge spanning over the top of the waterfall.

8. Chase Waterfalls at Gooseberry Falls

The North Shore has so many waterfalls, but the most well known is probably Gooseberry Falls.

This state park has the main Gooseberry Falls, otherwise known as Upper, Middle, and Lower Gooseberry Falls, as well as a smaller waterfall, Fifth Falls just a short hike away.

The main falls are really easy to get to from the parking lot, which keeps them busy. I love visiting Gooseberry, but I will always recommend that you arrive early, as the parking lot fills up fast! Staying at a cabin nearby makes it easy to get there right away in the morning.

9. Wander the Railroad Depot Museum

This small museum is found in the headquarters of the old Duluth and Iron Range Railroad Company.

While at the museum, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the local industries that have played a huge role in the Iron Range and North Shore.

There are exhibits that have information about commercial fishing, milling, and iron mining that have helped to make this area what it is today.

10. Swim at Burlington Bay Beach

There aren’t many beaches great for swimming on the North Shore, but Burlington Bay Beach is one of the few that has a sandy area to swim at!

It’s found just right off of Highway 61 and although the lake is cold year-round, it’s a nice spot to wade in the water on hot summer days or let the kids splash around, as they’re usually braver than us adults are.

The pink colored rocks on the shoreline of Lake Superior at Iona's Beach.

11. Visit Iona’s Beach

This small beach is pretty unique. It’s different from other rocky beaches near Two Harbors because instead of brown or gray rocks, the beach is covered in pink rocks.

And when you sit quietly, you can hear the rocks clinking together under the water, which create this peaceful chiming sound. It’s really beautiful!

During our last visit, we were the only ones at Iona’s Beach. It was amazing, and I know a lot of people skip over it! So be sure to make a visit!

A view of Oberg Lake from a viewpoint on the Superior Hiking Trail during fall with colorful leaves.

12. Hike on the Superior Hiking Trail

If you’re a hiker, then checking out the Superior Hiking Trail is a must.

This is a 300+ mile thru hike, but because there are dozens of stopping points and sections, you can hop on the trail and hike whatever distance you’d like.

The Bean and Bear Loop is actually found on the SHT, and my other favorite section is in between Two Harbors and Grand Marais, from Split Rock River Wayside to Beaver Bay.

This is a really pretty section and there usually aren’t a ton of people on it, since most are further up by Silver Bay and Lutsen!

13. Grab Lunch or Dinner at a Local Restaurant

Two Harbors has some of the North Shore’s best restaurants right in town, which makes it easy to choose a lunch or dinner spot.

You can choose between nicer sit-down places or mom-and-pop style restaurants.

Tyler and I personally really love Vanilla Bean. I love their all-day breakfast and the Norwegian Crepes are to die for.

14. Visit the Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum

Now for the real Two Harbors Lighthouse, this one is a small, red, brick building that sits right on the shore of the lake.

It’s actually been turned into a museum and Bed and Breakfast where you can learn about the duties of being a keeper on Lake Superior.

Snow covered trees at the edge of a field.

15. Learn to Cross Country Ski

If you’re visiting the area around Two Harbors in winter, then learning how (or going if you alread know how) to cross country ski is a really great activity, since there are some great trails nearby.

The Erkki Harju Ski Trail is a nice spot for intermediate and beginner skiers with almost 11 kilometers of groomed trails.

I love cross country skiing and have found the North Shore to have some of the best trails out there! Plus this gives you a way to take advantage of the cold winters.

16. Try the Brews at Castle Danger Brewery

If you’re a brewery lover, then consider making a stop at Castle Danger Brewery to try out their locally brewed beers.

Their taproom has a huge selection of local brews which are all actually brewed with water from Lake Superior, making it pretty unique.

17. Hike Up Day Hill

Another hike to check out near Two Harbors is Day Hill, which is actually found in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.

This hike is only about 3.5 miles long and is fairly easy. And honestly, the trail map brings you to a ton of unnecessary stops, so you can make it way shorter than that even!

But it brings you to this stunning viewpoint overlooking the forest and Lake Superior. It’s amazing when the fall colors change, but we also still love it every other time of year too!

Conclusion: Two Harbors, MN Activities

If you’re visiting the North Shore and Two Harbors, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy and allow you to see the beautiful views in the small town!

We’ve found Two Harbors to be pretty underrated, and know that you’ll find some amazing places to love here too.