Although there are dozens of ways to do this trip and I encourage you to explore, I suggest one hike that I think does a good job of introducing this areas to new visitors. If you are planning on snowshoeing like I suggest, try to get a day with a good amount of fresh snow (6+ inches). Packed snow works fine and is easier to handle, but it's just not as fun.

Almost all of the Minnesota State Parks rent snowshoes for $6/day, so there is no excuse for just hiking these trails (unless of course you just prefer hiking, which is of course cool too).

Begin this hike at the historic Split Rock Lighthouse. Built in 1905 after six ships were dashed against the 130-ft cliffs and sank in a single storm (shipwreck scuba diving is another popular North Shore activity), the lighthouse offers great views of the surrounding shoreline. For the hike, take the trail directly west of the parking lot down to the lake. It winds through a beautiful birch/pine forest before spilling out on the shore. The trail continues not far from the shore past the beautiful Ellison Island to Corundum Point. The path up to the point is short, but can be steep and treacherous and icy in the winter. Return by the same route.

And make sure to stop at Betty's Pies in Two Harbors on your way home for some North Shore Crunch.