Two Harbors, Minnesota
Two Harbors
In the late 1800s, the area of Two Harbors was actually divided into two separate communities, Agate Bay and Burlington. In 1907, the two communities merged together and became incorporated and were uniformly known as Two Harbors.
Had it not been for the discovery of iron ore in nearby areas, Two Harbors may not have existed. In 1907, the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad was built, and the railroad continued to expand its operations. An international highway between Duluth and Grand Portage began construction in 1921. Two Harbors is the county seat of Lake County, Minnesota, and has a population of around 3,500 people.
A Hub For outdoor activities
The town is a section on the Superior Hiking Trail, which features 300+ miles of trails alongside Lake Superior. The city also features paved walking and bike trails. It’s also home to two of Minnesota’s most visited state parks: Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse.
The town hosts the Lake County Fair, The Two Harbors Fall Art Festival, and Heritage Days, a weekend festival held in July. It’s also one of the checkpoints for the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and the start line for the Grandma’s Marathon and the NorthShore Inline Marathon.
As a port town, it regularly sees massive ore tankers get loaded with Iron Ore at the iconic Ore Docks. Just a short detour off HWY 61, turn down Waterfront Drive to explore its charming downtown and scenic waterfront.
Take a stroll along the Two Harbors Breakwall down to the lighthouse at the end of the pier and take a lovely view of Agate Bay or possibly catch a large ore boat loaded up at the docks.
Two Harbors attractions
Gooseberry Falls State Park
As the gateway to the North Shore, Gooseberry Falls earns popularity for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, Lake Superior shoreline, Civilian Conservation Corps log and …
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Gaze upon miles of North Shore coastline at the daring height of 130 feet off the Split Rock Lighthouse cliffside. Take in the charming architectural …
Little Red School House
The Little Red Schoolhouse of Larsmont, established by Swedish and Finnish settlers in 1914, reflects a unique piece of history on the North Shore and …
Lake County Historical Society
Organized in 1925, the mission of the Lake County Historical Society is to preserve the history of Lake County, Minnesota through the preservation, study and …
Edna G
The tugboat, Edna G, once worked the Great Lakes and is now preserved as a museum ship. Edna G was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding …
Peter Toth Indian Head
The Peter Toth Indian Head is still in place, in relatively good shape, and is easy to spot while driving into town near the R.J. …
Large Rooster
The large fiberglass rooster statue was once snatched by vandals and thrown off a bridge. It now resides at Weldon’s Gifts in Two Harbors.
Gitchi-Gami State Trail
The Gitchi-Gami State Trail features a paved, non-motorized biking and walking trail along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Once completed, the route will stretch …
Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area
Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area, located just north of Two Harbors, was named after Iona Lind, who owned Twin Points Resort (it formerly occupied …
Crystal Bay Beach & Sea Cave
Just north along 61 and past the HWY 1 junction, the cobblestone Crystal Bay Beach provides a scenic view of one of Lake Superior’s largest …
The Ore Docks
Made of steel, more than 1300 feet long, and seven stories tall the Two Harbors Iron Ore Docks allow ships to pull alongside some 112 …
3M Museum
Did you know that 3M company originated in Lake County? The 3M Museum in Two Harbors resides in the original Dwan Law Office Building. The …
Anchor Memorial
While taking in the variety of activities, shopping, and food Two Harbors has to offer, don’t miss out on getting a glimpse back in time …
Gooseberry Falls State Park – Agate Beach
Agate Beach is a rocky Lake Superior pebble beach located within Gooseberry Falls State Park. Hike along the Gooseberry River down to the mouth as …
Thompson Beach
At Thompson Beach, located about 15 miles north of Two Harbors, you’ll find a pebbly, secluded Lake Superior shoreline. This beach is only accessible by …
The Big Chair
In 2017, the North Shore’s gigantic Adirondack chair was built by Two Harbors High School shop class students and placed at the R.J. Houle Visitors …
Agate Bay Beach
Agate Bay is a rocky lakeside beach with a long pier leading to a lighthouse. It offers a newly renovated boat ramp with some of …
Superior Hiking Trail
Spanning 300+ miles from Jay Cooke State Park to the Canadian border, the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) is a national treasure. It recently joined the North Country …
Burlington Bay Beach
Burlington Bay is a laid-back bay North Shore beach offering rocky & sandy shorelines. In the summer, it’s a perfect spot to launch a kayak …
Mile Marker Bear
The hand-carved Mile Marker Bear landmark located downtown Two Harbors has been giving the passerby directions for decades. It stands right next to the Dairy …
The Two Harbors Band Shell
The Band Shell, located in the heart of Two Harbors, reflects the rich tradition of providing summertime music to its citizens since 1937. Check our …
Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur
As you drive north on HWY 61 into Two Harbors, you can’t miss Pierre the Pantsless Voyageur! The giant canoe-paddler statue reflects a time when …
Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse stands as a North Shore icon perched on the cliffs of Lake Superior. The historical lighthouse became a National Historic Landmark in …
Two Harbors Carnegie Library
The Two Harbors Carnegie Library was built in 1909 with a $15,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie, along with more than 3,000 libraries in 47 states …
The Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum
The Duluth and Iron Range Railroad played a vital role in the development of northern Minnesota’s economy and its iron ore industry, serving passenger and …
North Shore Scenic Railroad
The North Shore Scenic Railroad is a heritage railroad that operates between Duluth and Two Harbors, Minnesota, along 28 miles of the Lakefront Line, once …
Two Harbors Light Station & Museum
The Two Harbors Light Station remains the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Minnesota’s North Shore. Overlooking Lake Superior’s Agate Bay, the Light Station is located …
Lake County Courthouse
The Lake County Courthouse, the first original courthouse of Lake County, originated as a wooden building built in Two Harbors in 1887. In 1904, it …
Coca-Cola Mural
Folks in Two Harbors love the giant Coke Sign that’s been around for decades, maybe because it’s just cool or maybe because it makes the …
Two Harbors Breakwall
Two Harbors Breakwater Lighthouse stands at the end of the breakwater at the entrance to Lake Superior’s Agate Bay. First established in 1895, it first …
Agate Bay Boat Launch
Agate Bay Boat Launch in Two Harbors, MN, features public water access located within the commercial harbor and the future site of a safe harbor …
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