Inn at a Glance: Northern Rail Traincar Inn

Once upon a time, the boxcars at Northern Rail Traincar Inn hauled cargo across America. Now in their retirement, their cozy interiors have been transformed into cozy “bed and bath” rooms just a half mile from the shore of Lake Superior. Boasting views of the surrounding woods, porter rooms each occupy half of a boxcar and come equipped with TVs that have built-in DVD players, private bathrooms, and themed furnishings ranging from Victorian to safari.

• Start the day right with a complimentary continental breakfast.
• Borrow some fun from the inn’s lending library, which houses books, games, toys, and DVDs.
• Keep your eyes peeled for wild animals; the woods around the inn are home to bears, deer, eagles, and even a wolf.

Two Harbors, Minnesota: Quiet Town Along Lake Superior

Two Harbors sits on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in the world: Lake Superior. It’s the top draw for most visitors, many of whom are lured by the Split Rock Lighthouse that juts over the water on a scenic crag. Gooseberry Falls State Park also occupies a prime spot along the lake, featuring three gorgeous waterfalls created by Gooseberry River’s lakeward trajectory through a rocky gorge. The park also features 20 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of paved bike paths, many of which feature views of the falls.

Just 25 miles to the south sits Duluth, named the “Best Outdoors Town in America” by Outside magazine in 2014. Along the edge of the water, Duluth’s Lakewalk attracts joggers, bicyclists, and skaters, as well as provides access to the city’s waterfront pubs, ice cream parlors, and shops. For a night on the town, head to Canal Park, a warehouse district where the buildings have been converted into restaurants, cafes, and shops. Canal Park also sits near the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, whose interactive maritime exhibits greet over 400,000 out-of-towners annually.