Black sand, pebble beaches, and cliffside views were part of our second day along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
(This was part of our trip to explore part of the North Shore in Minnesota and the Apostle Islands.)
BLACK SAND BEACH
The Black Beach Inn is, of course, not far from the Black Sand Beach.
We drove to the right of the hotel along Mensing Drive. Then, we made a left onto W. Lakeview Drive and a right onto E. Lakeview Drive. We continued to drive to the end of this road, and the last parking lot on the left was for the beach.
A short pathway leads to the black sand beach.
History of the Beach
The dramatic color we see today results from industrial pollution, specifically taconite tailings, starting in the 1950s.
A significant court case in the 1970s ended the pollution. Subsequent cleanup and restoration projects significantly improved the area.
But the tailings transformed this beach into a dramatic beach of fine, dark gravel. Today, this unnaturally beautiful beach and the surrounding waters are popular with local residents and visitors alike, and they are completely safe to visit.
Our Time on the Beach
The black sand contrasts with the yellow and orangeboulders that surround it. Just off in the distance is a small island with jutting cliffs.
On the beach, a wedding party took photos with the bright blue sky, the black sound, and the multi-colored boulders.
My pictures don’t quite show how gorgeous this area is.
Final Thoughts
It is worth the stop on the way north because it is the only black sand beach in the Midwest. We arrived early, and the parking lot was already full.
Address: Black Beach Trailhead, Silver Bay, MN 55614
Palisade Head
Not far up the highway is the narrow road leading to Palisade Head, with its 300-foot cliffs. We chose not to take this narrow road to the top but plan to view the cliffside from the Shovel Point Trail in Tettegouche State Park.
Address: 5358 Farver Ln, Silver Bay, MN 55614
TETTEGOUCHE STATE PARK
We started by visiting the Visitor’s Center. Parking at the center is free, and you can take short hikes. If you park at trailheads, a Minnesota Vehicle Pass is required.
In the center, you can learn about the various areas that comprise the north shore park.
Shovel Point Overlook Trail
A 20-minute walk from the visitor center will take you to a stunning overlook at Shovel Point. From there, you can see sea caves, a sea stack, the mouth of the Baptism River, and Palisade Head along the shoreline.
This is a close-to-mile walk with 194 feet of elevation gain. It consists of a paved section, boardwalks, wooden steps, and some natural surfaces. It is a workout, but it is worth it for the views.
Start of the Hike
The trail begins behind the visitor center on pavement as you follow signs for the trail.
As you walk along it, you can take in the views at the lookouts. At the first lookout, you can see nearby sea caves and Palisade Head.
Another lookout is above a rocky beach.
Middle Area
We paused for a moment by a gnarled tree that was growing over some boulders.
Then we went up more steps.
Next, we came to more lookouts of the coastal cliffs.
Lookout Point
We then reached the final lookout, which was surrounded by a railing.
You can hike further on a natural surface to the tip of Shovel Point for a fantastic view up the shoreline toward Sawtooth Mountain. Yet, this is more treacherous and less safe for kids along the edge.
Heading Back
Walking back, I noticed more of the nearby cliffs and rocky terrain.
Final Thoughts
This hike required a lot of effort, but it offered the most stunning views of our hikes along the North Shore.
Illgen Falls
Next, we took the short drive up Minnesota Highway 61, then made a left onto Minnesota Highway 1 to stop at Illgen Falls.
This short half-mile out-and-back hike leads to a waterfall.
We parked in the small lot off of Highway 1.
This trailhead is only fronted by a yellow state park so that the signage could be better.
Next, we headed down the trail. As we walked, I began to hear the flow of water. Then, we came to the top of the falls.
Then we came to a lookout. The fast-moving falls flow down into a dark pool of water.
Final Thoughts
The falls were worth a short drive from the visitor center to the trailhead. Additionally, as it is a brief hike, you don’t need to worry about a vehicle pass.
Address: Illgen Falls Trailhead, Little Marais, MN 55614
IONA’S BEACH
Our next stop was Iona’s Beach.
From the parking area, the pebble beach is located to the left down a short trail.
This beach is known as the singing beach because when the waves wash over the pebbles, they create a sound that resembles singing.
You can’t play on this beach since the pebbles are hard, and there is a drop-off at the water.
The kids enjoyed skipping rocks, though.
Next, we went to the right, which leads to a sandy and rocky beach. Here, the kids played in the sand and walked among the rocks.
Final Thoughts
The pebble beach was intriguing, but the sandy beach was more enjoyable for the kids.
Address: 3532 Twin Points Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616
TWO HARBORS LIGHTHOUSE
We briefly stopped at the lighthouse. You can walk outside the fence to take pictures. Unfortunately, you can’t go all the way up into the lighthouse since it is still in use. We chose to explore the grounds.
Below the lighthouse is a breakwater where you can walk to a small lighthouse.
In the distance are the long docks for the huge ore ships.
Address: Two Harbors Lighthouse Museum, Two Harbors, MN 55616
3M Birthplace Museum
The 3M Birthplace Museum, where this company began, is in town. However, it was closed on the day we were there.
Address: 203 Waterfront Dr, Two Harbors, MN 55616
CANAL PARK LODGE
We stayed the night at Canal Park Lodge, where we chose a room with a view of Lake Superior.
A paved lakeshore trail runs in the back of the lodge.
The hotel also has a large pool and a breakfast buffet in the morning.
Address: 250 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
CANAL PARK AREA
We checked out stores and the boardwalk in the area.
I Love Duluth
This store offers North Shore and Duluth-themed gifts.
Address: 345 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
Lake Superior Art Glass
We stopped and watched glass be blown here.
Address: 357 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
Fountain of the Wind
The children got a little wet while walking through the walkway next to the fountain.
Address: 401-499 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
Canal Park Brewing Company
That evening, dinner was at the brewery, right next to the hotel.
Address: 300 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
Boardwalk
Along the boardwalk, you can see Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum, the remains of a building out in the lake.
There is also a beach where you can enjoy the water.
The walkway ends at the Aerial Lift Bridge, which goes up and down throughout the day for boats to pass under. Two lighthouses front the bay.
You’ll find the free Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center near the bridge, which was unfortunately closed during our visit. However, it’s a great place to delve into the area’s maritime history.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Address: 600 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802
MORE MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN EXPLORING
Going Up to the North Shore of Lake Superior
As we headed to the North Shore of Lake Superior to spend the night, we saw spectacular waterfalls, rapids, and a cliffside lighthouse.
Exploring the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Seeing the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture highlights a visit to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.
The sculpture garden has over 40 works from the Walker Art Center’s collections.
One Day in the Apostle Islands
Our one-day adventure to the Apostle Islands included finding a waterfall, relaxing on a beach, and seeing the sea caves.
