Enjoy both history and outdoor fun in Two Harbors, just 25 minutes northeast of Duluth on Lake Superior's spectacular North Shore. Founded in the mid-1800s, Two Harbors flourished as a shipping point for iron ore discovered in northeastern Minnesota. The historic waterfront offers a fascinating look at the area's past.

Turn south from Highway 61 on Waterfront Drive to begin your visit. By getting off this bustling thoroughfare, you discover the rest of Two Harbors. Visit the Depot Museum first to get an overview of local mining, logging and shipping history.

Moored in the harbor nearby is the Edna G., one of the last coal-fired, steam-powered tugboats in the U.S. Built in 1896, the Edna G. served Two Harbors until her retirement in 1981. Tours of the tugboat are normally offered, but the Edna G. is currently being restored and may not be open to visitors this fall.

You can't miss the enormous ore docks that dominate Agate Bay. Originally made of wood, the docks were rebuilt in 1911 of steel and are still in use today.

The Two Harbors Light Station sits on the point separating Agate and Burlington Bays. Built in 1892, it is the oldest lighthouse on the North Shore and still operates 24 hours a day. The lighthouse keeper's quarters have been completely restored and are maintained by the Lake County Historical Society as the Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast. Guests are invited to become keepers of the light during their stay.

Five Two Harbors businessmen founded Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) in 1902. The recently renovated 3M Museum, located in their original, tiny office on Waterfront Drive, offers interesting exhibits about the history of 3M and its products. Finish your visit to historic downtown at two great shops on Seventh Street, Second Chance Antiques and Home Sweet Home Antiques, where you can buy a little piece of the past to take home.

Two Harbors makes a wonderful base for viewing the North Shore's spectacular fall colors. Try the new Sonju Harbor Walking Trail, which loops from the Depot.

Museum around Lighthouse Point and along the shore to the Burlington Bay campground located just east of town, for a delightful in-town walk.

For longer hikes, explore the Superior Hiking Trail, a footpath running from Two Harbors to the Canadian border on the first ridgeline in from Lake Superior. The Superior Hiking Trail Association's headquarters are located in a Victorian house at 731 Seventh Avenue (Hwy. 61). Stop in to get advice and buy maps and other hiking essentials, or visit their website at www.shta.org.

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Media Contact: C - J Johnson +1 651-297-3488 curt.johnson@state.mn.us