Flood Bay State Wayside Pull-Off

Flood Bay State Wayside: A Scenic Stop on the North Shore

Just one mile north of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Flood Bay State Wayside is a well-maintained and scenic stop along Highway 61, offering a breathtaking view of Lake Superior. With plentiful parking, a long pebble beach, and rustic restroom facilities, this wayside is the perfect spot to stretch your legs, hunt for agates, and take in the stunning North Shore scenery.

A Well-Signed & Maintained Wayside

Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and State Parks, Flood Bay is a paved and ADA-accessible wayside offering easy access to its amenities.

Site Features:

✅ Plentiful striped parking, including ADA-designated spaces
✅ Highway signage making it easy to locate
✅ ADA-accessible restrooms (vault toilet)
✅ Paved paths leading to the restroom
✅ Crushed stone path to the beach (not ADA-accessible)
✅ Interpretive signage about agates and the bay’s history

🚫 No picnic tables
🚫 No benches

A Prime Spot for Beachcombing & Rock Hunting

Flood Bay’s long rocky and pebbly beach is an ideal location for agate hunting, skipping stones, or simply enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk. The shoreline consists mainly of basalt pebbles, but you can also find quartz, prehnite, laumontite, and other minerals commonly associated with the region’s geological history.

💎 What to Look for:

• Lake Superior agates – small but highly prized!
• Lake glass – smoothed by the lake’s powerful waves.
• Driftwood – often piled along the shore after storms.

For the best agate-hunting experience, take your time and get close to the rocks—many hope to find a big one!

A Rich Natural & Historical Landscape

Flood Bay offers panoramic views of Lake Superior and was once an important logging site, named after a settler who ran a small steam sawmill in 1856. It was historically used for log landings and rafting operations.

Beyond the shoreline, a beautiful wetland area provides habitat for local wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature observation.

🦫 Wildlife You May See:

• Beavers – active in the wetland areas.
• Ducks & geese – frequent visitors along the bay.
• Otters – especially in the spring!
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A Great Stop for Travelers & Outdoor Enthusiasts

Flood Bay State Wayside is a quick but rewarding stop along the North Shore. While there are no picnic tables, visitors can still relax, take in the views, and even go for a dip in Lake Superior on a warm summer day. The paved and crushed stone paths make access easy for most visitors, and the well-marked entrance ensures you won’t miss it.



📍 Getting There:
Flood Bay State Wayside is 1 mile north of Two Harbors along Highway 61. Look for the blue "Flood Bay Wayside" sign on the right.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, a prime agate-hunting location, or a scenic wildlife viewing spot, Flood Bay State Wayside is a must-visit stop on your Minnesota North Shore adventure.