Looking for the best things to do in Two Harbors, Minnesota? For the best places to eat, hiking, and fun things to do in Two Harbors, Minnesota, read on!

why this blog? Hi there! My name is Maddy and I’m an outdoor guide committed to exploring the beautiful places the Midwest has to offer. I’ve worked several years as a sea kayaking guide on Lake Superior, and spend the last four autumns-winters living on the North Shore. Two Harbors is a beautiful place to visit and I’m so happy to show you around!

Best Things to do in Two Harbors, Minnesota:

note: this article contains affiliate links! That means if you choose to make a purchase based on my recommendation, I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you!

What to pack for a trip to Two Harbors, Minnesota

• 2 lightweight, long hiking pants. I wear a size 8 and am short, and find the REI trailmade to be super flattering as well as the Kuhl freeflex.
• A pair of shorts, and yoga pants with pockets 
• A fleece. Any fleece will do, but I really love my Patagonia Synchilla
• Wool baselayers. Five years of heavy paddling and my Smartwool baselayers are the only wool baselayers I’ve had that have really stood the test of time. For seven days, pack four baselayer tops. 
• Study hiking boots. I like my Briger Mids. Working in outdoor retail I literally never had anyone try on these shoes and not buy them. Pair with Darn Tough hiking socks and pack at least five pairs. In the alpine areas, trekking poles are also a great choice!
• hiking sandals
• Quick dry shots: I like Patagonia Baggies
• A puffy jacket. It can be cool even in the summer near the lakeshore, especially evenings. My partner Andy (also a wilderness guide) swears by the Patagonia Nano Puff. I like my Helly Hansen Liftloft. 
• If camping, a tent, packable sleeping bag (Nemo Disco) and pad (comfortable sleeping pad): Read my budget tent recommendations here!
• A day hiking pack: I love my Perimeter 35L. I was gifted this pack a few years back and it’s still my go-to day pack; a savvy packer can easily pack for a seven day hiking trip in this bag. 
• A raincoat. I love the Moss Raincoat from Helly Hansen; It’s affordable, cute, and super durable.

1) Visit the Two Harbors Lighthouse

One of the best things to do in Two Harbors, Minnesota is visit the Two Harbors Lighthouse! In the summer, this is a great place to watch the big Laker boats dock! In the winter, this is the perfect spot to watch an icy sunrise or sunset.

2) Grab pie at Rustic Inn

Looking for the coziest place to grab a bite to eat in Two Harbors? Head to Rustic Inn for a delicious meal and to taste some of the best pie the North Shore has to offer!

3) Hike Gooseberry Falls

For one of the best family friendly things to do in Two Harbors, head to Gooseberry Falls State Park! This popular state park features a large waterfall and plenty of easy hiking trails. Gooseberry Falls is a must-stop in Two Harbors.

4) Visit Castle Danger Brewery

Looking for one of the best breweries in Minnesota? Look no further than Castle Danger in downtown Two Harbors. Castle Cream Ale is an all-time favorite!

5) Watch the Sunrise at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

For one of the prettiest places to visit in Two Harbors, Minnesota, head to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park! This iconic Lighthouse sits on a large cliff overlooking Lake Superior. There are plenty of hiking trails in the park, and sunrise is one of the coolest times to visit the park.

6) Ski the Erkki Harju trail

Visiting Two Harbors in the winter? Check out the Erkki Harju beginner friendly ski trail! This trail is perfect for beginner skiers looking to test the trails on a gentle loop. There’s only one or two big downhill sections on this incredible little loop. This ski loop is lit at night, and located just outside of town.

7) Get Coffee at Cedar Coffee Co

Every wanted to get your coffee in the forest? Cedar Coffee Co is just outside of Two Harbors and nestled in the woods. All coffee syrups are made in-house, and you can snag a delicious sandwich here too!

Fun fact! I used to work at this coffee shop and it’s still one of my favorite places to hang out! This shop can be super busy in the summer, but it really is worth the wait. No other coffee drinks have ever measured up since my stint here.

8) Watch the Gales of November

Have you heard of Lake Superior’s Gales of November? Two Harbors, Minnesota is the perfect place to base camp to watch the big waves roll in off Lake Superior. From Two Harbors, you can watch the Gales at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park or drive all the way to Tettegouche State Park, the most popular place to watch the November storms roll in.

9) Grab lunch at Madiera Bistro

For a cozy and cute spot to grab lunch in Two Harbors, swing by Mardiera Bistro in town! The ice tea is unbeatable, and the meny is always incredible.

10) Hike the Split Rock River

Looking for a great hiking trail just outside of Two Harbors? Hop on the Split Rock River wayside trail. This trail takes you past one waterfall on the creek, then to another waterfall on the river. This trail can be a little muddy, so pack sturdy hiking boots!

11) Watch the Sunset from Day Hill

For the best sunset hike near Two Harbors, head to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park and hike the Day Hill trail. This beautiful trail takes you up above the cliffs and bluffs of Lake Superior with views of the Lighthouse and beautiful shoreline both! Head up here at sunset for the best views.

This trail is about one mile uphill out on the way back, and a quick walk down on the walk back, making it perfect to hike when it’s darker out.

12) Drive Old Highway 61

For one of the best scenic drives on the North Shore, hop on old Highway 61! There are so many beautiful pull offs here, and a number of small businesses to stop and support!

13) Visit Tettegouche State Park

Looking for the best hiking near Two Harbors? Head up to Tettegouche State Park, just over a half hour drive! Here you can find incredible waterfalls, overlooks, shoreline views, and more!

Where can I learn more about exploring the midwest?

Check out the Midwest Adventure eBook Bundle for over 300+ pages of detailed adventure planning including hidden waterfalls, the best campsites, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and more covering Sleeping Bear to the end of the Gunflint Trail and everything in-between!

Love reading about the best things to do in Two Harbors, MN? Check out these other Great Lakes Destinations:

• Check out the best things to do in Grand Marais, MN
• Explore the Apostle Islands Sea Caves
• Check out 15 incredible Great Lake Destinations

free resources like this one are made possible by paying subscribers of the Hello Stranger Newsletter. Join the newsletter today to connect with thousands of like-minded adventurers and get gritty and honest adventure stories delivered right to your inbox (aka read my diary).

Love reading the best things to do in Two Harbors, MN? Share this article on social media!