Things to do in Duluth/Two Harbors/Grand Marais

[G Stone]

Hello all. So the wife and I have planned a much needed vacation to the town of Tofte, Minnesota (about 1 hr north of Two Harbors and 30 minutes south of Grand Marais. Got a nice hotel right on the lake and this will be our first time to the area. We plan on spending the most time at the hotel (obviously) and Grand Marais. We plan on visiting Gooseberry Falls and eating at some unique restaurants along the way but those are our only plans thus far. I know there a few CEGers who know/live in the area and many more who have visited. Just looking for some recommendations on where to go, trails to hike, sights to see, places to eat, etc. Any tips & suggestions would be great!

 

[Jaybird]

Im sure you will get a few responses shortly. I did spend alot of time up that way years ago, but have not visited the area in 10 yrs. since my dad past away.

I offer no help.......

 

[Redlineracer12]

There are quite a few good national parks up that way. Gooseberry is the most popular (and in turn is the most crowded) because it's the shortest walk from the parking lot to the falls. Another popular destination is the Split Rock Lighthouse. If you're willing to walk more you can hit up some of the other parks. I liked the Tettegouche State Park, the high falls there are pretty sweet: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/tettegouche/index.html

 

[dubsac2]

Hit up Lutsen's restaurant Carribou Lodge (I thing that's the name) for some Walleye. Be sure to try out the roller coaster in Duluth at the ski hill. A drive om the Gun Flint trail is nice too, You can stop and have a picnic @ one of the lakes. The grocery store in Grand Marais (Whole Foods co-op) has some nice stuff as does the fish monger on the right on your way into GM. Can rent a canoe or kayaks in town and see the lake shore that way.
Have fun!

 

[G Stone]

Thanks for the responses! I now have a better idea of some great places to go.

 

[elraido]

You staying at Bluefin Bay? If so, it is a GREAT resort. I have stayed there 3 times....you can spend hours just walking around on the rocks by the lake. There are a TON of state parks along the way to choose from. When you are driving up, if you see signs for one. Just stop at some. The Bluefin Resteraunt is a really really good place to eat. A little on the expensive side but the atmosphere is good and the good is really good. There is an over look in Silver Bay you can stop by and look at....also the lighthouse in two harbors.

 

[elraido]

Shameless photo plug

Rose Garden Duluth

Bluefin Bay

Temprence State park...I think

 

[G Stone]

Elraido: Yes we are staying at Bluefin Bay! Good to hear it is a great resort. It looked amazing from the pictures and the suites looked awesome. We are planning on stopping to eat at Blackwoods Grill in Duluth on the way up and then Gooseberry Falls. I have heard there is a lot of road construction around the Split-Rock Lighthouse so hopefully we will be able to go there. This is our first time to Lake Superior and we are super excited to see all the attractions, I am just really hoping it doesn't rain. We are going tomorrow so I am keeping my fingers crossed for a clear few days even though scct showers are in the forecast. I suppose if it rains we will have to find some tourist shops to roam in but I'm hoping to spend most of it outdoors. Thanks for the pictures too, those are awesome!

 

[elraido]

Elraido: Yes we are staying at Bluefin Bay! Good to hear it is a great resort. It looked amazing from the pictures and the suites looked awesome. We are planning on stopping to eat at Blackwoods Grill in Duluth on the way up and then Gooseberry Falls. I have heard there is a lot of road construction around the Split-Rock Lighthouse so hopefully we will be able to go there. This is our first time to Lake Superior and we are super excited to see all the attractions, I am just really hoping it doesn't rain. We are going tomorrow so I am keeping my fingers crossed for a clear few days even though scct showers are in the forecast. I suppose if it rains we will have to find some tourist shops to roam in but I'm hoping to spend most of it outdoors. Thanks for the pictures too, those are awesome!

Ok. Lets see if I can get an itinerary going for you. lol
(should be in order of south to north)
In duluth (stay on 35 until you see exits for canal park)
1. Canal Park. LOTS to do here. You can even go across the arial lift bridge to park point. The beach there is ALL sand but the water will freeze your ass off most likely.
2. Lief Erikson Park/Rose Garden (great place for photos, espeically of the flowers)
3. Optional stop....Glensheen Mansion - Haven't been there personally but it is on the way out of the east end of duluth
4. Another optional is Enger Tower (it is out of the way, so that one is up to you---would be the first stop you make if you do go). GREAT view from up there though.
5. Follow london road out of town.
6. You have an option to take the senic byway or 4lane to Two Harbors----take the byway on your way up if you have time. Adds about 10-15 min or so.
7. Knife River. Great place for aggot hunting. Not a major stop though
8. Two Harbors. Basically take a right when you are about half way downtown. That will take you to the doc of the one pic I took (frozen on one side, not on the other)
9. The Tunnels!!!! Bwhahahahahaaha....oh the sound of a car threw there!
10. Gooseberry -A MUST...stop and hike around.
11. Split Rock Lighthouse - I think this is one you have to pay for to go to....state park sticker. never been there myself because I am too lazy to get a sticker lol
12. Temprance River State Park - Great trails for hiking etc.....not far from tofte so a place you can go.
13. Tofte! the place you are staying. Enjoy! They do have a full service spa there as well if your lady wants a massage or anything of the sort. Bluefin resteruant is aweseom. Choho cafe is very good as well...casual food at that one. There are two sections to the resort. the old one and the new one. Both are nice so don't worry about which one you are at. If it is not cloudy outside, there is a major meteor shower this weekend, so go out on the rocks and watch them!
14. Cascade River park- another nice park!
15. Grand marais - Sven and Oles Pizza.....lots of little shops to go to as well.

Just enjoy the DRIVE up there. That is half the fun. Make an adventure out of it.

 

[elraido]

Oh yeah, weather out look. 80's most of the time, 30% chance of rain tomorrow....40% friday....after that nothing!

 

[G Stone]

I printed off your itinerary. haha. We will use it as a reference point while driving up and stopping at sights. Did not expect this much info but I'm glad you posted! Thanks!