Lighthouse Point (Two Harbors, Minnesota) Lake Superior

Located in the beautiful little town of Two Harbors, Lighthouse Point is a magical place.

 Winding trails through cedar, spruces, grasses, and wild flowers will lead you along the rocky shore of Lake Superior.

The high light of the area is a red brick lighthouse on the top of a hill over looking the harbor.  The Two Harbors Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on Minnesota's North Shore. It is a private aid to navigation and is no longer maintained by the Coast Guard.

A head keeper's residence is attached to the lighthouse. The walls of the tower are three bricks thick and the walls where the tower and house meet are five bricks thick. The structure was built with the safety of the keeper's family in mind.

Tours of the lighthouse are available through the gift shop.

Lighthouse Tours: Information

Stay as a guest  in one of the four rooms at the Lighthouse Bed & Breakfast.

Lodging: Information

Address:

#1 Lighthouse Point

Two Harbors, MN 55616

Phone:

(218) 834-4898 

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Wonders of Gooseberry Falls State Park in Minnesota

Waterfalls, waterfalls, and more waterfalls is the main theme of this park! Hiking to, climbing through, or just relaxing by one of the many beautiful waterfalls is a great way to spend the day!

There are five waterfalls  located near the Highway 61 bridge and in the gorge. In this area, the Gooseberry River rushes over the 30-foot Upper Falls into a pool, then flows to the two-tiered Middle and Lower Falls, descends 60 feet to the last pool, and then runs through the valley to Lake Superior.

The lower and middle falls are a short walk from the parking area past the visitor center. A descent down several sets of steep steps is required to reach the falls area.

Once there, you can climb on the rocks and boulders and wade through the falls and pools.

 Continue hiking over the bridge to the other side of the river and under the highway bridge to get to the upper falls.

Amenities:

 Bathrooms, phones, water and picnic sites are located at the visitor center

The park has 18 miles of hiking trails. Park Map

Address:

3206 Highway 61
Two Harbors, MN 55616

Phone:

(218) 595-7100





Happy Travels! 

Discovering the Majestic Grand Portage State Park in Minnesota

Grand Portage State Park is a 291 acre state park at the northeastern tip of Minnesota, USA, on the Canada–United States border.

The hike to the waterfall is only a half of a mile and is on a part paved trail and boardwalk. Stairs at the waterfall will take you to three different viewing areas.

Visitors may see osprey, great-blue heron, eagles, otter, beavers, white-tail deer, black bear , or even moose while hiking in the park.

There are many different spices of plants and trees growing in the park. We found the red berries, know as Thimbleberries, to be very interesting. They can be eaten, but are very tart.

Sitting on the United States - Canada border,  roaring water plunges 120 feet over High Falls into the Pigeon River in the Grand Portage State Park.

Hours:

Hours vary by season. Check here for times.

Directions

From the town of Grand Marais, Minnesota, travel north on State Highway 61 for about 36 miles to the Canadian Border. The park entrance is on the west side of the highway, just before you come to the U.S. Customs Station on the US/Canada border.

Camping/Lodging

The park is for day use only. There are no campsites at this park. However, camping is available six miles south of the park at Grand Portage Marina and RV Park.

Parking

Permits  are required for most state parks in Minnesota.  We paid $7 for a day pass (good for all state parks) and it is well worth the money.  You can pick up a pass at any state park.

Happy Travels! 

Discovering Pedernales Falls State Park in Johnson City, Texas

The saying " Everything is bigger in Texas"comes to mind when looking at the falls!

Located within the Pedernales Falls State Park, Pedernales Falls is part of the Pedernales River in Blanco County.

The Falls drop about 50 feet in elevation over huge slabs of limestone and Rocks for about 3,000 feet.

The trail to the overlook is an easy walk from the parking area, but the trail from the overlook to the bottom of the falls is pretty steep in places.

Once at the bottom, you can walk out onto the boulders across the falls.

Hours:

Open Daily

*Park closures are possible on weekends and holidays when parking lots are full. Check here for updates or call the park. (830) 868-7304


Entrance Fees:

13 years and older : $6 Daily

Child 12 Years and Under: Free

Address:

2585 Park Road 6026
Johnson City, TX 78636


Happy Travels! 

Discovering Jacob's Well: An Artesian Spring in Wimberley, Texas

I knew from the first photo that I saw of Jacobs well, that I had to go see it for myself. I was intrigued by people jumping from atop a rock outcropping into the deep hole of water.

I am always choosing a destination based on photos alone. I usually don't do a lot of research on the place until get back home. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I wan't to explore the place and find things on my own without any preconceived thought about it. I really don't know why. 

Anyway, Jacob's Well was not what I was expecting at all! It was really interesting, but much smaller than I thought. The main area of the hole is about 30 feet deep, but is only about 12 foot in diameter at most. The hole is surrounded by solid rock covered in very shallow water. The hole has many chambers below the main area that descend to approximately 120 foot.

Jumping into the well is prohibited, but there are hundred of videos and photos online of people doing just that. The height of the outcropping from where they jump and the tiny opening surrounded by solid rock was enough to discourage me! 😲

The area is a great place for hiking, climbing, and swimming. It usually is crowded, but it was raining on and off the day we were there, so we pretty much had it to ourselves.

Address:

1699 Mt. Sharp Rd

Wimberley, TX 78676

Entrance Fees:

$9 for adults 

$5 for Hays County residents with a photo ID showing residency 

$5 for children ages 5-12

 Free for children 4 and under

Military service members and veterans, as well as seniors age 60 and better will pay $5

May 1st through Memorial Day:  those wishing to swim must reserve a 2-hour time block on the County’s website. Only 300 people per day total will be allowed swim time.

Check here for other rules and regulations.

Happy Travels! 

Exploring the Natural Beauty of Hamilton Pool Preserve in Texas

Hamilton Pool is one of those places that deserves a spot at the top of your Bucket List! It's hard to believe you are in Texas when you are standing in front off the massive Grotto and pool!

The hike to the pool is 1/4 mile. Areas of the trail are steep and rocky. We did not find it to be a difficult hike though.

 The natural pool is the result of a collapsed cave due to erosion thousands of years ago.

A natural stream of water flowing over a limestone outcropping creates a 50 foot waterfall, which continually adds fresh water to the pool. During dry times, water flow decreases and the waterfall is at a trickle.

The pool water is constantly monitored and will be closed for swimming if the bacteria count is too high. There is currently no swimming at Hamilton Pool due to some swimming related accidents.

Admission Fee:

$15 per vehicle
add $11 if you reserve online


Hours : 9am - 6pm daily

Address:

24300 Hamilton Pool Rd.

Dripping Springs, TX  78620

I have been to Hamilton Pool three times now and continue to be impressed each time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Happy Travels! 

Honeymoon Island State Park: A Hidden Gem in Florida

Formally known as Hog Island, Honeymoon Island acquired its current name when a New Yorker purchased the island in 1939 and built bungalows for honeymooners.

The island is a barrier island on the gulf coast of Florida and is home to Honeymoon Island State Park. The beautiful undeveloped beaches make it a favorite place for both visitors and locals.

My favorite shells to collect are the turban shells. I have never seen them on any other beach in Florida, or any beach anywhere. I'm sure they other places, I just haven't seen them.

The main beach area is great for swimming and beach activities. The sand is soft with very few rocks in that area. That is also where the restrooms are located.

The pet beach is on the south end of the island. It is a good distance from the parking area to the beach and we had to walk around several puddles of water to get there. The beach is nothing spectacular to look at, but the fur babies will love it. Unfortunately, I do not have the photos that I took of the pet beach. They were on my brand new phone that I dropped in a pool right after we left the park....😭

A fun thing to do is to catch the ferry to Caladesi Island. You can read about our trip here.

Address:

#1 Causeway Blvd.

Dunedin, FL 34698

Hours:

The park is open from 8:00 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year.

Admission Fee:

$8.00 per vehicle. Limit 2-8 people per vehicle.

$4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle.

$2.00 Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

$4.00 per vehicle: sunset fee, starting one hour prior to sunset.


Happy Travels!