Two Harbors: Museums, Light Station, and Gitchi-Gami State Trail

Several clearly distinct themes can help you plan a trip to Two Harbors: the early years of 3M, railroad history, the construction history of a light station, and paths along the shore and on a section of trail. You can tailor your stay to your cultural interests or planned outdoor activities. When choosing your travel dates, take into account the 3M Birthplace Museum’s closure during the 2026 season, as well as information about seasonal operations and construction status.

Museums and History

The 3M Birthplace Museum is located in the original Dwan Law Office Building. The Dwan Building was added to the National Register of Historic Places and opened as a museum depicting the early years of 3M. The site’s history therefore includes both the building’s former use and its inclusion on the register, while the museum focuses on the company’s history. The 3M Birthplace Museum will be closed for repairs during the 2026 season. If you plan to visit, take the closure into account when choosing your dates and check the latest notice before you travel.

Railroad history takes center stage at the Depot Museum. The building was constructed as the headquarters and passenger station of the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad; the museum has 4,000 square feet of exhibit space. Located across from the harbor, the Depot Museum stands at the site of Minnesota’s first iron ore shipment. The building’s former function and the historic significance of that first shipment come together here. In contrast to the Dwan Building, the focus shifts from 3M’s early years to railroads and iron ore.

Lighthouse and Outdoor Trails

The Two Harbors Light Station was built in 1892. Self-guided tours include the lighthouse tower, the assistant keeper’s house, the pilot house, and the fog signal building. If you’re interested in how a light station is laid out, the self-guided tour includes three other named buildings in addition to the tower. If you plan to take a tour, check the seasonal operating hours before you travel.

Two Harbors Protected Access has an accessible kayak launch, an accessible pier, and a footpath along the shore. This location brings together water-related facilities and a path along the shoreline, allowing you to distinguish between these different options as you plan. Operating or accessibility conditions may change; check before your visit. If accessibility is a key consideration in your plans, check specifically on the kayak launch and pier.

The 0.9-mile section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail in Two Harbors begins at the eastern end of the city. Its length and starting point provide specific guidance for planning your route; check the current construction status before you travel. Compared with the footpath at Protected Access, these offer two distinct outdoor options: that path runs along the shore, while the Gitchi-Gami State Trail has a specified starting point and section length. You can weigh whether the shoreline path or a trail section with a stated starting point is more relevant to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Silver Bay

For the overall travel overview: Lake County.