Two Harbors, Minnesota: Travel, Hiking & Waterfalls along the Lake Superior Circle Tour

two harbors mn
Agate Bay, Two Harbors, Minnesota

Two Harbors, Mn is considered by many to be the gateway to the Minnesota's North Shore. While much of the traffic through town is headed to points north, it is has much to offer as a worthwhile destination and an extended day visit for things to do and see.

Two Harbors Events.

In July the community hosts "Heritage Days" and a highlight of August is the annual Two Harbors Kayak Festival.

It's winter festival is the Two Harbors Winter Frolic, the second weekend in February.

For 2022 a new event comes to Two Harbors

The Tall Ships Festival of Sails
August 4 - 7, 2022
(See Articles & Pictures from Earlier Tall Ships Festivals)

What Else to See and Do in Two Harbors

~~~"Click" on smaller images for a larger picture~~~

For Jo & I, a typical first stop coming into town is the Superior Hiking Trail office and store to pick up some hiking maps and check out "what's new" in terms of books, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and gift items.

Our usual second stop is across the street (hwy 61) at the Vanilla Bean Bakery & Cafe for baked goods & coffee if we are heading down the road; breakfast or dinner if we are staying around Two Harbors for a while.

Another popular breakfast or lunch stop is 2 miles northeast of town at Betty's Pies.

Agate Bay, Sonju Lakewalk & Lighthouse

The Sonju Lakewalk is an easy hike, with some more rugged side trails for the more adventuresome, the Sonju trail provides fresh air, exercise, and some scenic views along the lakeshore.

Snowshoe hiking the Sonju Lakewalk Trail.

The Ore Docks are still operational allowing you to see, up close, some big ships docking and unloading.

The Tugboat Edna G was retired in 1981 to service as a floating museum. Next to Edna is the Grandpa Woo excursion boat operating out of Two Harbors and other north shore ports.

The Two Harbors lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. Now in private hands, tours are available.

Also on the lighthouse grounds is the assistant Light Keeper's house and the restored pilot house from the iron ore freighter Frontenac.

Burlington Bay Camping & Rock Picking

The Burlington Bay Municpal Campground is located along the lakeshore with over 100 campsites, all with electric service and some with sewer hookups.

The Burlington Bay beach is a good spot to hunt for Lake Superior agates.

But one end of the beach is relatively sandy and good for sunbathing and swimming.

The Burlington Bay Campground (pictured below) is in the process of adding a new RV subdivision to expand its capacity.

Golfing Two Harbors

Two Harbor's Lakeview National Golf Course, a scenic and challenging 18 hole course is located on the eastern edge of town across from the Burlington Bay Campground.

Agate Hunting Rock Picking Two Harbors

Sparky Stensaas' rock pickers guide says the Burlington Bay beach is a good spot to hunt for Lake Superior agates.

2 miles NE of Two Harbors, the Flood Bay State Wayside is a scenic spot for a picnic or rest stop. Its beach is another worthwhile stop for rock hounds.

Best Agate & Rock Hound Beaches along the North Shore

Winter Recreation Page: Two Harbors to Beaver Bay

See Two Harbors Winter Events & Activities
plus scenes from the Sonju Two Harbors Lakewalk