Being landlocked, Minnesota isn’t exactly known for its beach towns in the traditional sense. You’ll find no boardwalk amusement parks or saltwater taffy shops here. But that doesn’t mean the Land of 10,000 Lakes doesn’t have beach towns. They’re just a bit different than what you might typically consider a beach town. Instead of white sand and palm trees, you’ll find agates and pine. One of our favorites is on the North Shore of Lake Superior. There, a tiny beach town with a distinctly Minnesotan feel awaits your visit. Take a look:

Two Harbors, Minnesota, is a town of just 3,500 people. It lies about 30 miles north of Duluth on Highway 61.

Google Maps

Two Harbors offers many incredible Lake Superior views — and even a few beaches that are well worth visiting.

Geoff Alexander/Flickr

Two Harbors is known for its beautiful lighthouses. Split Rock can be found a little further up Highway 61. In town, a walk down the Agate Bay pier leads to a much smaller one. With the water surrounding you on all sides, the walk is well worth it.

Chaz Larson/Flickr

Also in town is Burlington Bay. This rocky little beach is often used for swimming.

MNJeanne/TripAdvisor

On a hot day, spread out a towel or chair and soak in the sun. An occasional dip in the chilly waters of Lake Superior will feel heavenly.

bdunnette/Flickr

Many of the town’s visitors come from those checking out the nearby Gooseberry Falls.

Joe Ennesser/Flickr

In fact, there is even a beach at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Agate Beach is a rocky beach bordered by an ancient lava formation on one side and Lake Superior on the other.

Anna/Flickr

Also on Highway 61 is the little-known Kelsey Beach. If you’ve ever stopped at Betty’s Pies, you’ve seen it — the beach is right across the street! This rocky beach is well worth visiting for the view — and the agate hunting.

Google Maps

The most interesting beach in Two Harbors is probably Iona’s Beach, just north on Highway 61. Its unique pink pebbles are unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

minnesota_snas/Flickr

The beach is famous for the gentle tinkling sound the rocks make as waves wash ashore. It’s truly a little-known treasure of the North Shore, and it’s well worth the trip.

minnesota_snas/Flickr

To fully enjoy your stay in this little Minnesota beach town, try camping. It’ll get you outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the North Shore.

ArubaOwner/TripAdvisor

The North Shore is the closest thing Minnesota has to the ocean. All of the towns along its shores are well worth visiting, but we especially love Two Harbors. Have you been there?

Google Maps

Geoff Alexander/Flickr

Chaz Larson/Flickr

MNJeanne/TripAdvisor

bdunnette/Flickr

Joe Ennesser/Flickr

Anna/Flickr

minnesota_snas/Flickr

ArubaOwner/TripAdvisor

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.