Family-Friendly Itinerary
north shore Family-Friendly Itinerary
Two-Day Trip
What To Bring:
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
- Swimsuit
- Towels
- Blanket
DAY ONE
Knife River
Start the day traveling north on Scenic Highway 61. Pull into Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse to pick up smoked salmon or whitefish, crackers, cheese, and some beverages for the family.
Then, head over to the Great Lakes Candy Kitchen for some hand-crafted sweet treats, such as gummy bears, homemade fudge, caramels, and turtles.
Next, stop at Knife River Beach to play in the sand, skip rocks, and, if it’s warm, take a dip in the big lake.
Two Harbors
Continue driving north on Scenic 61 to Two Harbors. Turn right down Waterfront Drive to Agate Bay. Take a stroll along the Two Harbors Break Wall to the lighthouse at the end of the pier. You may spot a large laker loaded with iron ore in the harbor.
Next, bring the kids to the Duluth and Iron Range Depot Museum, which showcases old trains and the fascinating history of the North Shore’s railroad and iron ore industries.
While riding the train theme, pull into Burlington Station, which features a cool model train that travels around the store. Shop for North Shore gifts, or continue to indulge your sweet tooth with some goodies from Callie’s Sweets.
Before leaving Two Harbors, grab maps and brochures at the R.J. Houle Tourist Information Center and snap a family picture on the Big Chair. Walk down to Burlington Bay for more beach time and snacks.
gooseberry falls state park
Head north about 15 miles to Gooseberry Falls State Park, the top-visited Minnesota state park featuring four waterfalls. Hike around the upper, lower, and middle falls and continue a fairly easy hike down to Agate Beach to rockhound for agates and sea glass.
Castle Danger
After a full day, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite! Drive a few miles south to Castle Danger and have dinner at The Rustic Inn on their large deck overlooking Lake Superior. They offer an excellent menu and some of the North Shore pie – do not skip dessert!
Day Two: silver bay
What To Bring:
- Gloves (for adventure park)
- Cooler
- Firewood/Firestarter/Lighter
- S'more Roasting Sticks
- Beach Blanket
To fuel the action-packed day, plan to have breakfast at the Northwoods Family Grille in Silver Bay. The restaurant offers family-friendly menu items, like Smore’s French Toast.
Then, make a quick stop at Zup’s Food Market and gather some snacks for a picnic; be sure to hit the deli for a sample of northern Minnesota ethnic delicacies.
Next up: climbing at the North Shore Adventure Park, which features ten zip lines, six challenge courses, and a little climbers park for 3-6-year-olds. If you don’t care to climb, you can watch for free or try your hand at Ax Throwing. Give yourself 2-3 hours at the park.
Afterwards, head to Black Beach for a lakeside picnic and let the kids climb the large rocks or take a swim. If it’s a little cool, you can enjoy a fire along the beach.
Finally, play a round of golf at the Black Beach Mini-Golf Course, which features a replica of Split Rock Lighthouse.
Have dinner at Zoe’s Pizza Kitchen in Silver Bay. The menu features various types of pie, plus calzones, salad and appetizers. If you’re you’re headed back south, Do North or the North Shore Pizza Café in Two Harbors make excellent choices.