Two Harbors, Minnesota

Location: Lake Superior

Ease of Getting There: 8/10

Ease of Staying There: 9/10

Ease of Eating There: 9/10

Along the north shore of Lake Superior in northeast Minnesota, you will find mesmerizing Two Harbors, Minnesota. Located 20 miles northeast of Duluth, Two Harbors is the largest town on the north shore, but it retains its quaint vibe and picturesque beauty.

A history lover's dream, Two Harbors is complete with over 40 historic sites and museums. Around the corner, you will find the 3M Museum, found in the original building in which the company was founded in 1902. A city with strong history, iron ore is a foundation of the city of Two Harbors. You will often see gigantic ships moving around the ore docks in Agate Bay. Check out the historic docked Edna G.Tugboat,  which was the only steam-powered tugboat to operate on the Great Lakes. Become one with nature by embarking on a hike along the Sonju Trail, where you might run into the many deer that explore that area. Together with other trails in the area, you can observe and appreciate Lake Superior, geologic formations, wildlife, and wildflowers. Take a climb up to Palisade Head, a large rock formed by rhyolitic lava flow over a billion years ago, to admire the spectacular cliffs over Lake Superior.  These views are awe inspiring and reminiscent of Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher.

Two Harbors has several options for lodging, including hotels, cozy cabins, vacation rentals and campgrounds. When it comes to food, consider the Rustic Inn Cafe, located right off of the scenic Minnesota State Highway 61 in Castle River. Another option is Do North Pizza, which boasts a pizza recipe that local folks have been enjoying for over 50 years. For dessert, you won’t want to miss Betty’s Pies, a local staple founded in 1958 known for their five-layer pies.

If you are coming from Chicago, this historic town is just shy of 500 miles away, which is roughly an eight-hour drive by car. For people who prefer to fly, the Duluth International Airport is a quick 40-minute drive from Two Harbors, Minnesota.