Activities & Attractions Archives - Page 11 of 12

1 01, 2020

Cramer Tunnel
Cramer Tunnel

Cramer Tunnel

Martha Finley2024-02-26T18:09:23+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaver Bay/Silver Bay/Finland, Spooky Places on the North Shore|

History of Cramer Tunnel The Cramer Tunnel is the longest railroad tunnel in the state of Minnesota, measuring 1,800 feet from the entrance to exit. During the peak of the taconite industry in the 1950s, LTV Steel used a 72-mile railroad system to connect their Hoyt Lakes taconite plant with their Taconite Harbor shipping port located near Schroeder, MN. The most visible part of this system for most North Shore visitors is the three railroad overpasses that allowed trains to cross over Highway 61 to areas around Taconite Harbor. You will pass under these as you drive on Highway [...]

1 01, 2020

Cutface Creek
Cutface Creek

Cutface Creek

Martha Finley2021-02-25T23:06:50+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Grand Marais|

Located on Good Harbor Bay a few miles south of Grand Marais along Highway 61 is the small Cutface Creek wayside rest. It is not your ordinary rest spot, though! This spot is where the construction of the highway began cutting away into a sandstone bed that was overlaid with lava. You'll see the unique rock patterns to the southwest of the wayside rest along Highway 61. Good Harbor Bay is also one of the best places along the North Shore to find beautiful Thomsonite rock. Most of the rocks are now only small pebbles, but the six-mile stretch of beach [...]

1 01, 2020

Minnesota State Park Hiking Club
Minnesota State Park Hiking Club

Minnesota State Park Hiking Club

Martha Finley2021-10-05T16:40:19+00:00Activities & Attractions|

Did you know that the Minnesota State Park system has a hiking club that features 68 hiking trails scattered in state parks throughout Minnesota? The trails highlighted in the Hiking Club are specific trails that lead hikers to the main attraction of each park. The trails are marked with hiking club signs, including a sign at the end of the trail (or at the turnaround point) with a password unique to the area. The club offers hikers a great way to explore some of the best and most popular attractions throughout the state. Trail highlights include everything from waterfalls, to [...]

1 01, 2020

Pincushion Trail System
Pincushion Trail System

Pincushion Trail System

Martha Finley2021-10-05T16:33:47+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais|

Because of its varied terrain, the Pincushion Trail system offers many acres and miles of trails. Trails for hikers, bikers, skiers, fat-tire bikers, birders, and more! Plus, it's high vantage point provides a spectacular overlook of the town of Grand Marais. For hikers, the 15 miles of Pincushion Mountain’s trails offer loops to Lake Superior’s North Shore, the Devil’s Track River, and more! Keep an eye out along the way for countless birch, aspen, and pine trees. Hikers can use either the cross-country ski or biking trails but must keep alert at all times. There are about six miles of [...]

1 01, 2020

Stoney Point
Stoney Point

Stoney Point

Martha Finley2021-02-25T23:11:03+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Scenic Drive|

Although very rare, there are spots to surf on Lake Superior! One of these spots is named Stoney Point. Located about ten miles north of Duluth, this little spot on the beach is best known for its enormous freshwater waves. The lay of the land and great power of the lake make this spot a favorite for local surfers. Some of them even say it competes with the best surfing locales in the world. Some of the Great Lakes best surfing comes in the winter, powerful winter storms mean strong winds and good surf. You'll likely see surfers in full [...]

1 01, 2020

Flood Bay
Flood Bay

Flood Bay

Martha Finley2021-08-04T15:07:08+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Flood Bay is a unique spot on Lake Superior with a panoramic view of its natural harbor and pebble beach. Named after a settler who operated a small steam sawmill in 1856, this bay was once an important log landing and raft site. All can have a great view from the parking lot, but there are steps to get down to the beach for those who want to explore further. On the beach, you can often find driftwood piled up by a storm. Flood Bay is also well known for its tiny agates. The beach consists primarily of basalt pebbles. Agates, [...]

1 01, 2020

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park

Martha Finley2021-03-01T17:48:03+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, State Parks, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is another popular North Shore state park. Home to the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse, the state park offers visitors a unique and historic experience. Although the lighthouse and state park are operated separately, most visitors take the time to enjoy both. However, there are many things to do at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, besides visiting the lighthouse! Our Favorite Things to Do at Split Rock State Park 1. Visit the Pebble Beach: Pack a bag with a light lunch or just head down to the beach to skip some rocks. The beach provides excellent views [...]

1 01, 2020

Temperance River Gorge
Temperance River Gorge

Temperance River Gorge

Martha Finley2022-04-11T14:57:45+00:00Activities & Attractions, Schroeder/Tofte, Waterfalls|

The Temperance River Gorge is a narrow river and waterfall section of the Temperance River located in Temperance River State Park. The water in the river flows through high-walled rock outcroppings. The gorge can be found above the parking area on Highway 61 and is viewable after a short hike. How the Gorge Was Created Have you ever wondered what the source of the Temperance River is and how it became so powerful? Or, how the beautiful cauldrons were created along the walls of the river canyon? The river's source is Brule Lake. It originates in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area [...]

1 01, 2020

George Washington Pines
George Washington Pines

George Washington Pines

Martha Finley2021-10-05T16:02:20+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA|

Nowadays, it’s hard to find a place where you can be surrounded by enormous towering pines and still be able to navigate your way through a trail. However, the George Washington Pines Memorial Trail outside of Grand Marais lets you experience just that on a 2.25-mile trail. The George Washington Memorial Pine Plantation was established when 13 boys from the Grand Marais Boy Scout Troop #67 planted 32 acres of land with 14,570 Norway Pine and 7,500, White Pine, in 1932 after a 1927 fire. A short spur from the parking lot off the Gunflint Trail will lead you to a hiking loop. [...]

1 01, 2020

Wolf Rock
Wolf Rock

Wolf Rock

Martha Finley2021-02-23T23:02:55+00:00Activities & Attractions, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The Superior Hiking Trail offers visitors the opportunity to travel by foot to many unique places along the North Shore that would likely be inaccessible otherwise. The trail takes hikers past gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, up to incredible Lake Superior overlooks and through the beautiful Boreal Forest. Though the trail as a whole is something we recommend to all hikers who are able to explore, there is a list of trail sections that we prefer over the others. One of these sections leads hikers to Wolf Rock. Wolf Rock is a Superior Hiking trail overlook near Two Harbors that allows [...]