Adventure-Loving Two-Day Itinerary
Adventure-Loving Two-Day Itinerary
What To Bring:
- Water
- Towel
- Blanket for the Beach
- Lunch/Snacks
- Closed-Toe Shoes
- Gloves
- Bike Helmet (or you can rent one)
- Rain gear and warm clothes
DAY ONE
Climb Along the Shore
Time: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm (4 hours)
Daring thrill-seekers can rock climb Shovel Point or Palisade Head in Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay. Guides can take you out and show you the “ropes.” Positive Energy Outdoors leads world-class outdoor adventure activities in Duluth and on the North Shore of Lake Superior. They offer a half-day guided rock climb up Shovel Point.
With routes for beginners and experienced climbers, Shovel Point is a true climbing destination! It offers gorgeous hikes, unique natural history features, and the opportunity to explore Tettegouche State Park and Lake Superior. The cliffs are directly above Lake Superior, so a strong sense of adventure and no fear of heights will provide the best experience.
During this personalized, small group, four-hour rock climbing experience, you will receive a complete introduction to rock climbing, including safety equipment, cliff edge management, harness and helmet fitting, and an introduction to an anchor setup. They’ll also teach you how to tie climbing knots, learn top belay and rappelling techniques, and more.
Visit OutdoorAdventures.org to book.
Alternative Option
Time: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
If you prefer a more mellow way to get your climb on, book a time at Silver Bay’s North Shore Adventure Park, which offers five ropes courses and ten zip lines. They also added a new professional axe-throwing area where you can blow off some steam!
Eat your lunch along your way to Knife River or stop for lunch at Northwoods Family Grill in Silver Bay or the Rustic Inn at Castle Danger.
On the Water
Knife River Marina, Knife River
Time: 2:30 – 5:00 pm
The Knife River Marina hosts charter fishing tours and sailing expeditions. Book a two-hour sail with Amicus Sailing, where you’ll learn how to sail along glorious lake Superior. From July 18, they offer sails seven days a week. Visit amicusadventuresailing.com to book.
After the sail, take a rest at the Knife River beach. Throw down a blanket and enjoy a snack and the scenery.
Finally, take an evening kayak in Two Harbors. If you didn’t haul your kayak, the Burlington Bay campground provides rentals. Take off along Burlington Bay beach, cruise the rocky coastline, take in views from the water’s edge, and breathe in the fresh Northern Minnesota air.
Take in dinner at Black Woods downtown Two Harbors.
What To Bring:
- Gloves (for adventure park)
- Cooler
- Firewood/Firestarter/Lighter
- S'more Roasting Sticks
- Beach Blanket
Day Two
Ride Through the Wilderness
Take an ATV Ride
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Beaver Bay Sports offers ATV and snowmobile rental for those who prefer to explore the outdoors at a fast pace. Around the shore and back in the woods of Lake County, the ATV trails won’t disappoint. Hairpin turns, rocky terrain, and endless rivers will keep you on the edge of your seat. So buckle up and wear a helmet but don’t be afraid to have fun. Trail maps are accessible online at LovinLakeCounty.com -> Outdoor Adventures -> ATV/OHV.
Adrenaline-Pumping Mountain Biking
Split Rock Wilds
Red Raven Bike Shop in Beaver Bay can accommodate you if you need to rent a mountain bike. Once your bike is loaded up, head toward Split Rock Lighthouse and experience Lake County’s newest mountain bike trails, Split Rock Wilds! These one-of-a-kind trails in Minnesota feature mostly rocky terrain and offer many Lake Superior overlooks along the path, making it a desirable biking destination for biking enthusiasts.
Built on county land, the 22-mile system of trails includes several challenging features: an 850-foot-long rock garden — a course made of boulders that challenges riders to ride over; a flyover bridge that sends riders down a steep, curved deck with no railing; jump trails with gaps; steep, technical and rocky climbs; and endless rocks and drops.
Where to Stay
Larsmont Cottages makes a great place to stay for those who love outdoor adventure. The resort provides a variety of guided experiences throughout all four seasons, including kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, hiking, and more.
In the winter, take a guided snowshoe hike or grab a pair of cross-country skis and explore the scenic wooded property along the Lake Superior shoreline. After a day of exercise, guests can enjoy the fire-stoked sauna – the perfect way to relax during chilly Lake Superior days.
During the spring, fall and summer, take part in kayaking, fly fishing, or beer tasting at Castle Danger Brewery. In addition, guests can schedule a tour with the resort to explore the trails or things to do in town.
