Amber & Larry
Larry & Amber's Top 10 North Shore Stops
Jay Cooke State Park
Jay Cooke has become somewhat of a tradition for our Grandma's running crew, which Larry was initiated into a few years ago. It's a great stop either on your way up to Larsmont or heading south back home after the wedding festivities, with a swinging bridge and great photo spots! There are a few trails of varying distances to stretch your legs out a little bit after or before a long car ride. Distance from Larsmont: 40 miles (44 minutes)
Canal Park
There is SO much to do in Canal Park, from walking the boardwalk, grabbing a bite to eat, or watching the ships enter the bay! Some of our must-see sights in Canal include the Aerial Lift Bridge, the SS William A. Irvin freighter, the Great Lakes Aquarium, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center, and the Lakewalk. The link will take you to the daily shipping schedule and give you an idea of what restaurants and other activities are available. Distance: 22 miles (27 minutes) P.S. A trip to Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is also MUST
Enger Tower
Your visit to the North Shore should kick off with a quick stop to Enger Tower. If you're brave, be sure to take the 85 steps to get a fantastic panoramic view of Duluth, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and the shoreline. There are also beautiful gardens and picnic tables for an impromptu lunchtime spot. Distance from Larsmont: 24 miles (33 minutes)
North Shore Scenic Railroad
The North Shore Scenic Railroad is such a great way to see the North Shore landscape without having to do any driving! There are shorter rides and full-day trips along with the Pizza Party Express rides for families. Be sure to check out their website to purchase tickets and for updated ticket prices. Distance from Larsmont Cottages: 22.2 miles (27 minutes)
Agate Bay Beach
Agate Bay Beach is a great spot to visit and watch the iron ore freighters enter the bay. If you stay for long enough, you might even get to see the tugboat help pull the freighters back out into the lake! The Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum is a short walk from Agate Bay Beach and has a lot of history on lighthouses along the North Shore. Not into history? Castle Danger Brewery is within walking distance (0.7 miles) and often has food trucks available for a bite to eat. Distance from Larsmont Cottages: 6.8 miles (13 minutes)
Betty's Pies
If you love pies, stop here! This is one of our favorite places to stop and get a slice of pie (or two...or maybe just an entire pie). They also have a menu and great outdoor dining views! Distance: 8 miles (15 minutes)
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Gooseberry Falls is one of those must-do stops along the North Shore! You can spend a few hours here checking out the waterfalls or doing some (moderate) hiking. Depending on the water level, visitors can wade through the bottom of the falls. We always figure it burns off the treats from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Betty's Pies ;-) Distance: 19 miles (25 minutes) NOTE: As a Minnesota state park, there is a park permit required. An annual vehicle permit is $35 and a single-day permit is $7 and can be purchased at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
The state park and visitor's center offers amazing viewpoints and guided tours (extra fee) to learn more about the lighthouse's history. General admission to explore the lighthouse property is $12 and hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Just looking for a good photo spot? Look for the trailhead/camping area by entering the park and turning to the right to park at the trail center. Look for the Little Two Harbors trail to the left to get down to the rocky shore. Distance from Larsmont: 26 miles (32 minutes)
Black Beach
This is a neat spot because it's the only black beach in Minnesota and offers a perfect place to just relax (but the water will likely be a little too cold for the faint of heart for a quick swim!). It's a quick little stop right off of scenic Highway 61 and offers beautiful views of the water with plenty of room to spread out. We were even lucky enough to catch a wedding ceremony during one of our visits :-) Distance from Larsmont Cottages: 35.2 miles (45 minutes)
Tettegouche State Park & Palisade Head
Another great spot to check out the Lake Superior shoreline! Besides the beautiful views from Palisade Head, there are waterfalls to check out, sea caves, and sea stacks. Distance from Larsmont Cottages: 38.2 miles (47 minutes)