Two Harbors, Minnesota

The Penmaraliter Campground is family-owned and the campground is well-manicured.  The best part is the surrounding trees which make one feel more with nature.  The host ran the campground as her father did before her- no computers, no credit cards.  It was most refreshing.

We ventured to Split Rock Lighthouse.  It was built by the federal government in 1910 in response to the treacherous 1905 storm that destroyed or damaged 29 ships.  The lighthouse mainly navigated freighters hauling iron ore in and out of the harbor.  Currently, the lighthouse is a state historic sight.  The most interesting tidbit was the lens.  It was built in Paris, France, and weighs 6.5 tons.  The guides at the lighthouse and keeper’s home were informative and friendly, and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.  Afterward, we walked on Iona Beach, known for its pink rocks shoreline, instead of the usual sandy beach.  It was said that when the water hits the shore, it creates a song.  We must be deaf since we never heard any songs, only the water cresting on the rocky shore.   We couldn’t finish the day without a stop to Betty’s Pies.  They even offered gluten-free options on some.  I chose the apple-cinnamon.

Gooseberry Falls has three tiers.  The first tier is the most crowded since it is only a short walk from the parking lot.  From there, it is a hike to the second and third tiers.  On our trek to the third tier, hikers started to thin out, and by the time we reached the top, we passed two couples.  It was a great day for a hike, and this waterfall did not disappoint.

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