A Weekend Getaway in Duluth & Two Harbors, Minnesota
Updated August 6, 2022
by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan
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Instead of traveling on an airplane in the early days of the pandemic, my husband and I ventured out for a couples’ trip “up north” to Duluth and the North Shore in Minnesota. We stayed three nights at the Larsmont Cottages in Two Harbors and enjoyed a ton of outdoor activities. We had such a fun time on our North Shore vacation that we decided to visit again a few weeks later for a short weekend trip, staying at the Super Shores Resort and checking out different local activities. Our 3- to 4-day summer itinerary below includes our recommended things to do and places to eat outdoors in the Duluth and Two Harbors Minnesota area, with some activities farther up the MN North Shore as well. This could be a romantic getaway, a birthday trip or you could use these ideas for a family vacation. If you don’t have a lot of time, you can use some of these ideas for a fun day trip in Minnesota.
Day 1: Drive from Minneapolis to Two Harbors
Spice up your drive with some stops along the way from Minneapolis to Duluth:
State Parks near Duluth MN – We hiked at Banning State Park but there are lots of other state park options along the way, including Jay Cooke State Park, which is on our to do list for next time. It’s easy to pre-purchase a Minnesota State Parks Permit online (a one-day pass is $7 and an annual pass is $35) rather than taking time to do it in person. Pro tip: If you buy the annual pass for two cars at the same time you save $9.
Take a slight detour off Interstate 35 in Rush City to take some selfies with “the Largest Walleye.” You can find a list of additional roadside attractions here for this road trip or your next one.
Visit the Frank Lloyd Wright Gas Station in Cloquet, MN. As long as you’re in town, grab some coffee or lunch to go at the Common Ground Coffee Bar & Deli located in an historic movie theater.
Related: Check out this fun fall road trip scavenger hunt!
Arrive in Two Harbors, Minnesota
Before heading to your North Shore lodging, stop and take some photos of the Two Harbors Breakwater Light as you stroll down the breakwater (in case you’re not familiar with the definition of breakwater, it means “a barrier built out into a body of water to protect a coast or harbor from the force of waves”). If you have extra time, check out some other things to do in Two Harbors, MN.
The Best of Two Harbors MN Lodging:
Stay at Larsmont Cottages
The scenic Larsmont Cottages are conveniently located about 10 minutes south of Two Harbors. With a variety of lodging options, it’s a low-key place to read a book while sitting on Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake Superior, roast marshmallows over a bonfire or watch the sunset. Larsmont Cottages are perfect for a family-friendly vacation or couples on a romantic getaway.
Recommended Dinner & Evening: Do North Pizzeria will deliver to your room at Larsmont Cottages and then you can head to Two Harbors and play cards on the spacious outdoor patio of Castle Danger Brewery.
Stay at Superior Shores Resort
As the name suggests, the Superior Shores Resort is located right on the shores of Lake Superior. Less than a five-minute drive from downtown Two Harbors, their property includes a main lodge (where we stayed) and two other lodging options with either guest rooms, suites or townhomes. If you’re able to, reserve a room with a lakeside view.
Not far from the main lodge you can access the 2,000-foot beach where there is plenty of space to take a walk along the beach, sit around a bonfire or enjoy a picnic lunch or sunset dinner. Speaking of dinner with a view, the on-site restaurant, Silver Creek Chophouse features the area’s largest outdoor deck.
Related: Discover all of the Two Harbors restaurants here.
Day 2: Spend some time in Duluth and on Lake Superior
Drive the quick 30 minutes to Duluth, Minnesota and you will find plenty of things to do downtown around Canal Park. Enjoy a tasty lunch on the rooftop deck of the famous Grandma’s Saloon & Grill and have a close-up view of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge or eat at one of the other nearby restaurants with outdoor dining.
After lunch, take a nice stroll across the lift bridge’s pedestrian walkway and then pick up a tasty souvenir cocktail kit from the local Vikre Distillery. If you’re a fan of local craft beer, Ursa Minor Brewing is a great choice.
Recommended water activities on the MN North Shore: Americus Adventure Sailing, a family-owned charter sailing company was a great find. Our private sail provided us with a beautiful afternoon on Lake Superior. Book your reservation today and you will not be disappointed.
Our sea kayaking experience with Positive Energy Outdoors was amazing and a unique way to see the Split Rock Lighthouse (from the water below). They provided us with all the necessary equipment and training and our guide shared some natural history of the North Shore during our kayak tour.
Lodging in Duluth: If you would rather stay overnight in Duluth, check out the Pier B Resort Hotel. It’s not downtown on Canal Park but there are many rooms with a view of the lift bridge as well as free parking and an outdoor hot tub. You will still be close enough to the local Duluth attractions.
Pro-tip: If you didn’t have time to pick up lunch from the Northern Waters Smokehouse (one of the best places to eat in Duluth), you can have their delicious fish shipped directly to your home!
Day 3: Road trip up the MN North Shore Scenic Drive
Before heading up the North Shore, pick up a picnic lunch (or a breakfast coffee, tea or smoothie) at the Cedar Coffee Company. Pro tip: This coffee shop shares space with Spokengear Cyclery & Outdoor - if you’re in the market for a rental bike, a new bike or a bike repair, go check them out.
Hit up the following six stops for an easy day trip up the MN North Shore on Scenic Highway 61:
Split Rock Lighthouse – This North Shore icon is open seasonally from the end of April to the end of October. If you are visiting after October, you can still see or photograph the lighthouse from inside Split Rock Lighthouse State Park which is open year-round.
·Black Beach – This unique beach with black sand offers an opportunity to swim, enjoy a picnic or just hang out and take in the scenery.
Palisade Head – Here you will find breathtaking views from veeerrry high up. Also, it’s an alternate spot to bring a picnic blanket and have your lunch on the rocks while overlooking Lake Superior. Don’t forget your selfie stick because you will take amazing pictures!
Tettegouche State Park – We loved the Shovel Point Trail (1.5 miles, moderate to moderately difficult, includes 300 stairs) but there are multiple other hiking options. The main areas of the visitor’s center are closed but they are open for a bathroom stop, vending machines, and helpful printed maps. A Minnesota State Park pass wasn’t needed to access the visitor’s center or trails that began there but you will need it if you venture further into the park for trails like Two Step Falls and Cascade Falls (both of which we highly recommend for fun hiking and beautiful waterfalls).
Iona’s Beach - If you’ve ever wondered about where to find natural colorful rocks, look no further than this beach full of pink rocks! A hidden gem, consider this a must-see stop along the North Shore.
Gitchi-Gami State Trail – This was an unexpected stop we discovered on our way back from the North Shore to Two Harbors. You will find it just before the Silver Creek Tunnel as you are heading south. You will see a small parking lot so it’s easy to get out and follow the path that overlooks Lake Superior.
After a day of exploring, it’s time for some pie! Betty’s Pies and the Rustic Inn Café are local favorites where you can stop in for a slice or take away the whole pie. If you can’t make it in person, no worries because you can order online and have pies shipped to your home later!
Pro tip: When you’re hiking and spending time in the Minnesota State Parks, please practice leave no trace procedures.
Day 4: Head home to Minneapolis
Take a leisurely day to drive back to Minneapolis. Stop in Duluth for breakfast and eat in the outdoor seating area of The Boat Club at the Historic Fitger’s Inn on your way out of town. Just beneath the restaurant, you can hop on the recently renovated Duluth Boardwalk which is perfect for a stroll (or a bike ride).
On your Minnesota road trip off of Interstate 35 you will find the lovely North Folks Winery in Harris, MN where you can enjoy a wine sampler and tasty cheese plate. To find wineries and breweries all throughout Minnesota, use this handy Land of 10,000 Lakes Drinks Map brought to you by the Growler magazine. Please remember to drink responsibly.
Related: Find Travel Ideas in Your Own State
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