Family Vacations on Minnesota's North Shore

Family Fun on the North Shore

Home Family Fun on the North Shore

Lake County: A Family destination

Sure, there are many beautiful places in Minnesota. However, none can replicate the feeling of being on Lake Superior’s North Shore; the smell of fresh, crisp northern air; the trance of watching waves crash against the rocky cliffs; the panoramic view off Palisade Head. That’s why once folks experience the rugged beauty of Lake County, they can’t wait to come back.

Lake County makes the perfect escape from phones, screens, and the daily grind. Families can spend quality time in nature, enjoy the beauty and freedom of the wild north, and engage in real face time, creating moments your kids will never forget.

trending family adventures

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Two-Day Trip

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 ...

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 ...

Ultimate North Shore Road Trip

Plan the Ultimate North Shore Road Trip through Lake County, MN, this summer and be wowed by its ancient cliffs, hidden beaches, and stunning vistas. ...

family-friendly things to do

All
Arts & Culture
Attraction
Recreation

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 ...

The Finland Minnesota Heritage Site in Finland, Minnesota

Finland MN Historical Society Heritage Site

The Finland MN Historical Society, founded in 1986, has preserved the John Pine Homestead, creating the Finland Heritage Site. Many area locals remember stories of ...

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Gooseberry Falls State Park earns its popularity for its spectacular waterfalls, river gorge, and Lake Superior shoreline. Additionally, it features Civilian Conservation Corps log, stone ...

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 ...

Bay Area Historical Society

Encompass the history of Beaver Bay, the oldest immigrant settlement on Minnesota’s north shore, and Silver Bay, built-in 1956 by Reserve Mining Company to house ...

Flathorn-Gegoka Nordic Ski Trails

The Flathorn-/Gegoka Ski Trails, tucked into the heart of the Superior National Forest near Isabella, Minnesota, offer a serene wilderness experience for cross-country skiers of ...

Tettegouche State Park

At Tettegouche State Park, you’ll discover the spectacular overlooks at Shovel Point, featuring rocky cliffs and inland bluffs; the plunging 60-foot High Falls of the ...

burlington bay campground on lake superior north shore two harbors mn

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 ...

Caribou Falls Wayside

Heading north on 61, just north of Little Marais, sits the Caribou Falls Wayside. Park at the rest area and take a half-mile hike along ...

Knife River Depot

The Knife River Depot, built during the 19th century, offers visitors a glimpse of life along Lake Superior more than 200 years ago.

Glen Avon Falls

Although typically unknown to the casual North Shore traveler, Glen Avon Falls, a hidden North-Shore gem, is a popular destination for anglers. Visitors can park ...

Kawishiwi Lodge

The small, family-owned lake resort was established in 1924, along with 20 contributing properties. The lodge serves as a rare surviving example of a once-common ...

Silver Bowl Bowling Alley

Silver Bowl Bowling Alley offers family-friendly and league bowling. (Wednesdays and Thursdays) from mid-September through April (it is closed during summer). The Silver Bowl bowling ...

Black Beach

One of the most unique beaches along the North Shore, Black Beach earns its name from the fine black sand that resulted from taconite tailings ...

North Shore Adventure Park

Explore the unique North Shore Adventure Park for hours of family enjoyment. The forested adventure park features ten zip lines, six challenge courses, and a ...

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 ...

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 ...

Birch Lake Campground

The Birch Lake Campground in Ely, MN, sits on the shore of Birch Lake, a 21-mile-long lake with 80 miles of shoreline featuring many beautiful ...

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 ...

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 ...

Two Harbors Curling Club

Two Harbors Curling Club provides recreational and competitive opportunities at the local, regional, and national levels. Additionally, it gives the local community an affordable way ...

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 ...

Positive Energy Outdoors

Positive Energy Outdoors specializes in world-class outdoor adventure activities in Duluth and on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Their extraordinary and skilled team carries ...

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 ...

Illgen Falls (Tettegouche)

To see Illgen Falls, designated as part of Tettegouche, you can take a short drive up HWY 1 to find the scenic falls that flow ...

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 ...

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 ...

Black Beach Mini Golf

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy beautiful weather with friends or family, look no further than the newly constructed Black Beach Mini Golf ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Paul Van Hoven Park

Paul Van Hoven Park is located on Waterfront Drive in Two Harbors and offers excellent ship-watching views, children’s playground, picnic area, and parking.