Two Harbors - Gateway to North Shore Attractions

Explore North Shore Attractions Mile by Mile from our Beautiful Property

Starting from Burlington Bay Condos in Two Harbors and heading north along Scenic Highway 61, here are the must-see attractions all the way to Grand Marais. Perfect for day trips or longer adventures.

🛣️ North Shore Scenic Drive: Two Harbors to Grand Marais - Waterfalls, Scenic Spots & State Parks with Details

Mile 26: Two Harbors 🏘️

🗼 Agate Bay & Breakwater Lighthouse
Historic lighthouse with harbor views. Open year-round.
Activities: Walking, photography.
Best Time: Summer and early fall.

Mile 30: Inspiration Point 🌄

Panoramic Lake Superior views. Open year-round.
Activities: Photography, picnicking.
Best Time: Late spring to early fall.

Mile 39.5: Gooseberry Falls State Park 🌲💧

Waterfalls: Lower, Middle, Upper, and High Falls
Hiking trails connect all falls, picnic areas available.
Hours: Park open 24/7; Visitor Center 9 AM–4 PM (seasonal)
Activities: Waterfall viewing, hiking, birdwatching, picnicking.
Best Time: Spring for water flow, fall for foliage.

Mile 42: Split Rock Lighthouse Overlook 🌄

Scenic overlook with views of the lighthouse and cliffs. Open year-round.
Activities: Photography, resting.
Best Time: Summer and fall.

Mile 46.0: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 🌲🗼

Historic lighthouse, museum, hiking trails.
Hours: Visitor Center 10 AM–6 PM (May–Oct)
Activities: Tours, hiking, photography.
Best Time: Summer and early fall.

Mile 52: Silver Bay 🏘️

Beach and picnic areas.
Activities: Swimming, beachcombing.
Best Time: Summer.

Mile 53: Silver Creek Falls 🌲💧

Short hike (~0.5 miles) to waterfall near Silver Bay. Open year-round.
Activities: Hiking, photography.
Best Time: Spring and summer.

Mile 58.5: Tettegouche State Park 🌲💧

Waterfalls: High Falls of Baptism River (70 ft) - MN’s highest waterfall
Cliffs at Shovel Point, hiking trails, rock climbing.
Hours: Park open 24/7; Visitor Center 9 AM–4 PM (seasonal)
Activities: Hiking, waterfall viewing, climbing, kayaking.
Best Time: Summer and early fall.

Mile 60.0: Black Beach 🌄

Black sand beach with lake views. Open year-round.
Activities: Beachcombing, picnicking.
Best Time: Summer.

Mile 63: Palisade Head 🌄

Cliffs with spectacular views. Open year-round.
Activities: Hiking, photography, birdwatching.
Best Time: Summer and fall.

Mile 73.3: Finland 🏘️

Small town with cultural points.
Activities: Sightseeing, dining.

Mile 76: Little Marais 🏘️

Fishing village with lake access.
Activities: Fishing, hiking.
Best Time: Summer.

Mile 80.4: Temperance River State Park 🌲💧

Waterfalls: Multiple cascades along Temperance River Gorge
Hiking trails, swimming areas.
Hours: Park open 24/7; Visitor Center 9 AM–4 PM (seasonal)
Activities: Hiking, waterfall viewing, swimming.

Mile 83: Carlton Peak 🌄

Moderate hike to scenic overlook.
Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing.
Best Time: Summer and fall.

Mile 85: Lutsen 🏘️⛷️

Ski resort and summer outdoor activities.
Activities: Skiing (winter), hiking, ziplining, boating (summer).
Best Time: Winter for skiing, summer and fall for hiking.

Mile 90: Eagle Mountain 🌄

Highest point in Minnesota (2,301 ft).
Activities: Challenging hiking, wildlife spotting.
Best Time: Summer and early fall.

Mile 95: Cascade River State Park 🌲💧

Waterfalls: Multiple cascades along the Cascade River trails
Hiking, camping.
Hours: Park open 24/7; Visitor Center seasonal
Activities: Waterfall viewing, hiking, camping.
Best Time: Late spring to early fall.

Mile 100: Grand Marais 🏘️🎨

Harbor town with art galleries, shops, dining.
Activities: Shopping, dining, cultural events, harbor walks.
Best Time: Summer and fall.

Canal Park Lighthouse is a must-see for visitors to Duluth. Situated at the end of the Duluth Ship Canal, this iconic red-and-white lighthouse offers beautiful views of Lake Superior and the bustling harbor. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, watch ships pass by, or simply enjoy the peaceful lakeside atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, a photo op, or just to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake!

Split Rock Lighthouse is one of Minnesota’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a dramatic cliff above Lake Superior, this historic lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscape. You can explore the lighthouse itself, visit the museum, or hike the nearby trails for even more stunning vistas. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Split Rock is a must-see destination that captures the beauty and charm of the North Shore.

Gooseberry Falls State Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Famous for its picturesque waterfalls, the park offers a variety of trails with views of the falls, along with lush forests and scenic river views. Whether you’re hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the area, Gooseberry Falls is the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore. Don’t forget your camera—this place is full of photo opportunities!

Tettegouche State Park is a true gem of the North Shore. With over 9,000 acres of pristine wilderness, the park offers scenic trails, stunning views of Lake Superior, and beautiful waterfalls like High Falls. Whether you enjoy hiking, bird watching, or just relaxing by the lake, Tettegouche has something for everyone. It’s the perfect place to experience the rugged beauty of Minnesota’s outdoors, just a short drive from your cozy getaway!

Lutsen Mountain, located along Minnesota’s breathtaking North Shore, is the state’s largest ski and mountain resort—but it’s just as stunning in the warmer months, especially during fall. Surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains and overlooking the vast blue expanse of Lake Superior, Lutsen offers year-round beauty and adventure. In autumn, the hillsides explode with brilliant reds, oranges, and golds, drawing hikers, photographers, and nature lovers to its scenic trails and panoramic overlooks. Whether you're riding the gondola to the top of Moose Mountain, hiking through vibrant forests, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air, Lutsen delivers a peaceful yet adventurous escape into nature.

Bean and Bear Lakes, located near Lutsen Mountain along Minnesota’s North Shore, offer one of the region’s most breathtaking hiking experiences. Accessible via the Tettegouche State Park segment of the Superior Hiking Trail, this loop takes hikers through dense forests, rugged ridges, and dramatic overlooks of the twin lakes nestled below. In fall, the area is especially stunning—vibrant foliage surrounds the deep blue waters, and sweeping views from the bluffs above create perfect photo opportunities. The challenging hike is well worth the effort, rewarding adventurers with solitude, stunning natural beauty, and a peaceful connection to the Northwoods landscape. It's a must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in the rugged charm of Minnesota’s North Shore.