Activities & Attractions Archives - Page 7 of 12

1 01, 2020

Hovland Dock
Hovland Dock

Hovland Dock

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:44:27+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Hovland/Grand Portage|

Located on Chicago Bay in the ghost-town of Hovland, MN (19 miles northeast of Grand Marais), is the last remaining vintage commercial dock on Lake Superior. The concrete dock dates back to the early 1900’s when Hovland was a thriving economic hub in the area. Its primary use was a loading and unloading site for passenger and cargo ships traveling between Duluth and Canada. Today the dock stretches out about a hundred feet into the deep water, with a couple sections disconnected and submerged into Lake Superior. An old bell that was rung in years past to signal the arrival of a [...]

1 01, 2020

Edna G Tugboat
Edna G Tugboat

Edna G Tugboat

Martha Finley2021-08-09T19:59:02+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

Built-in 1896, the Edna G Tugboat was the last steam-powered tugboat that operated on the Great Lakes. It sits at 110 feet long, with a 23-foot beam, and has a 1000 horsepower engine. The engine generates a bollard pull of a whopping 30 tons (bollard pull is the nautical equivalent of horsepower)! During its operation, the engine would use roughly 25 tons of coal per week, or 5 tons per day. That equates to about 12 shovels full of coal that had to be manually shoveled into the boiler every 10 minutes! Edna G was built by the Cleveland Shipbuilding [...]

1 01, 2020

French River
French River

French River

Martha Finley2021-08-10T16:45:41+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Scenic Drive|

If you find yourself driving along the North Shore in need of a reprieve, make a stop at the French River. The French River offers quick, easy access to Lake Superior’s shoreline. It gives you the opportunity to dip your toes in the water on a hot day. It is also home to an adult fish trap used by the French River Cold Water Hatchery (FRCWH). The trap is used to capture spawning fish (Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, Kamloops and Rainbow Trout) who are then brought indoor to the spawning facility upstream where they spawn and they are released. Though the [...]

1 01, 2020

Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain

Eagle Mountain

Martha Finley2021-09-09T18:47:33+00:00Activities & Attractions, Gunflint Trail/BWCA|

, At over 2,300 feet, Eagle Mountain, a Minnesota State Historic Site, is the highest natural point in Minnesota! It is located within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, northwest of Grand Marais. Coincidentally, it is located only 15 miles from Minnesota’s lowest elevation point, Lake Superior. The peak can be climbed during any season, however, be cautious during the winter as it can be slippery. Most of the hike to the summit is straightforward and uncomplicated. Although, occasional rocky and rough terrain make some people categorize it as a strenuous hike. The first two miles of the hike have [...]

1 01, 2020

Duluth and Iron Range Depot
Duluth and Iron Range Depot

Duluth and Iron Range Depot

Martha Finley2021-09-09T18:22:00+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The Duluth and Iron Range Depot is a two-story brick building that has been standing in Two Harbors since 1907. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it was the headquarters and corporate office for the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad. The Minnesota Iron Company developed the Duluth and Iron Range Railroad in 1883. They laid out the town of Two Harbors in 1885 and built depots to conducts its business. When the railroad line to Duluth was complete, it served as a transfer point for passengers, lumber, and mining supplies. It played a major role in both passenger [...]

1 01, 2020

Putt ‘N Pets
Putt ‘N Pets

Putt ‘N Pets

Martha Finley2021-08-09T17:42:58+00:00Activities & Attractions, Grand Marais, Local Businesses|

Driving into Grand Marais from the west (Duluth) you’ll find yourself catching a glimpse of some peculiar things on the south side of Highway 61. A moose? A bear chasing a man up a tree? A… goat watching mini-golf? Don’t worry, you aren’t seeing things. Your long drive from wherever you are coming from has not made your eyes play tricks on you. At least, not in this case. Those things are really there. They are at Putt ‘N Pets, the most whimsical mini-golf course on Earth (or, at least, on the North Shore). Located at 2014 W Highway 61 [...]

1 01, 2020

Burlington Bay
Burlington Bay

Burlington Bay

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:58:54+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

The small town of Burlington Bay, which consisted of a sawmill and a few shacks near present-day Two Harbors, was built by David A. Currier and Charles Hibbard in the mid-1800s. The two men initially came to the area to salvage lumber after a nearby forest fire ripped through the area. A steam-powered sawmill and dock were built on the east side of the bay to support their efforts. At the peak existence in 1957, there were 25 residents. Just a few short years later, after the timber salvage was over, the sawmill was moved to Duluth. Eventually, the town [...]

1 01, 2020

Taconite Harbor
Taconite Harbor

Taconite Harbor

Martha Finley2021-08-09T16:41:37+00:00Activities & Attractions, History, Schroeder/Tofte|

Taconite Harbor is a safe harbor located near Schroeder, MN. The harbor originally opened in 1957 and was built using two natural islands that were located near the shore. The breakwaters built from these islands were built large enough for massive ore boats to enter and leave the harbor. While in the harbor, the boats were filled with low-grade taconite pellets that came by rail from Hoyt Lakes 75 miles away. The harbor closed in 2001 after the steel industry declined. Now the harbor is used as a public water access site and a safe harbor. On the far side [...]

1 01, 2020

Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:59:36+00:00Activities & Attractions, Beaches, Grand Marais|

Looking for agates or a great public beach to visit near Grand Marais? Rock Picking and Agate Hunting is a popular family hobby and Paradise Beach is one of the most popular agate hunting sites along the North Shore. This long cobblestone beach is a perfect place to take a leisurely stroll while keeping your eye out for your next big payday! Paradise Beach is also very close to an entry point for the Superior Hiking Trail making it easy to take a hike and enjoy the views of the lake. There are also picnic tables located along the shore [...]

1 01, 2020

Agate Bay Railroad Tracks
Agate Bay Railroad Tracks

Agate Bay Railroad Tracks

Martha Finley2021-02-25T21:59:54+00:00Activities & Attractions, Two Harbors/Castle Danger|

If you’re walking along the shore of Agate Bay in Two Harbors near the lighthouse, you might stumble upon something strange, the Agate Bay Railroad Tracks that begin at the edge of the water and lead into the harbor. It’s a strange sight that will immediately make you wonder about the history of the tracks and why they lead into the water. No, there is not an underwater train that you can ride. Instead, this set of railroad tracks once served the booming commercial fishing village of Agate Bay, and now it sits eerily disappearing into the depths of Lake [...]