- Attraction: Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area
- Location: Gitchi Gami Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616
- Industry: Natural Area
- Website: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/snas/detail.html?id=sna01000
Picture standing on a beach where each wave creates a symphony of tiny bells.
Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area offers exactly this magical experience along Lake Superior’s North Shore, where smooth pink rhyolite stones create music when disturbed by incoming waves.
This 11-acre hidden gem near Two Harbors transforms an ordinary beach visit into something extraordinary—a place where geology meets melody in one of Minnesota’s most unique natural phenomena.
Named after Iona Lind, who owned Twin Points Resort that formerly occupied the parking area, this remarkable stretch of shoreline has captivated visitors for decades.
The beach curves in a salmon-colored crescent for over 300 yards along Superior’s North Shore, bounded by a roughly 30-foot high cliff of pink rhyolite and felsite bedrock—the very source of the stones that make this beach sing.
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Keep Exploring →The Singing Stones Experience
The Musical Magic: When waves gently roll into shore and unsettle the stones, they tinkle like windchimes or bells. The sound is soft, so you have to stand fairly still and be quiet to hear it, described as a tinkling sound while others claim Lake Superior itself is singing.
The phenomenon occurs as waves pick up these pink rhyolite stones, rearrange them and gently set them down in a sound sort of like a million marbles settling together. You’ll want to time your visit during gentle wave action for the best auditory experience.
The Pink Stone Spectacle: This is the only place along Lake Superior’s shore where pink and salmon-colored stones are the dominant stone type.
The smooth, rounded stones range from mere pebbles to others as large as a grapefruit, all wonderfully smooth to the touch after years of erosion. You’ll find the whole beach completely covered with lovely pink rocks, with a few blue ones here and there that catch your eye.
Ancient Origins: These stones formed around a billion years ago during the Midcontinent Rift, when huge amounts of lava flowed through fissures as North America began to split apart.
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Discover MoreOver time, the cliff has been battered by angry seas and cracked by frost action, causing it to slowly crumble into Lake Superior, where waves grind and polish the stones into smooth, palm-sized rocks before throwing them up onto the shore.
Geological Wonder: The stones are rhyolite, formed from feldspar and quartz, creating the unique acoustic properties that make them “sing.” A headland of grey basalt to the south walls in the rhyolite stones and keeps them from washing farther south, creating this concentrated collection of musical stones.
Natural Setting & Wildlife
Forest Pathway: You’ll walk along a path that cuts through a thick stand of trees and emerge onto one of the most unique beaches in Minnesota—and maybe the world. The path is approximately 200 feet from the parking lot, making it an easy walk for visitors of all ages.
Wildlife Viewing: Watch for one of thirteen species of warblers sighted here, gleaning insects from the fringe of woodland with its alder, paper birch, balsam poplar, mountain ash, currant and dogwood.
As late as November, you can see dragonflies tracing their patterns out over the water. Bird watchers will find this 11-acre Scientific & Natural Area particularly rewarding during migration seasons.
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Keep Exploring →Diverse Ecosystems: Beyond the famous beach, the area features rock outcrop, aspen-birch forest, and alder swamp. You can observe how bright orange crustose lichen survives on bare rock, exposed to the elements, showcasing nature’s remarkable adaptability.
Trail Connections: The Gitchi-Gami State Trail runs along the boundary, making it easily accessible for hikers and bikers. This connection allows you to extend your visit into a longer North Shore adventure.
Visiting Considerations
Easy Access & Parking: There’s a paved parking lot and boat launch at Twin Points Protected Access, located 16 miles north of Two Harbors. You’ll find paved parking right off Highway 61, though you should drive slowly when you get a few miles north of Two Harbors so you don’t miss it.
Free Natural Experience: This is a completely free attraction, offering incredible value for such a unique natural phenomenon. The beach attracts all kinds of visitors, from locals and solo travelers looking to unwind and reflect, to couples enjoying a romantic moment together and families in search of a unique day out.
Best Timing: While you can visit any time, sunrise and sunset really bring out the colors on the beach. The beach is worth visiting year-round for its beauty, though warmer months between May and September offer the best experience when you can take advantage of swimming opportunities.
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Discover MoreFootwear & Safety: The rocks definitely shift under your feet, so be careful as you’re walking, especially down to the water. Sturdy shoes are recommended to improve your footing on the rocks. The largest cobbles are of a size that makes walking on them a bit of a challenge.
Peaceful Solitude: This is a great beach to find some peaceful solitude in an incredible environment. This beach is not crowded and fun to explore, being slightly difficult to get to but worth the effort. The beach is often quiet, providing a serene escape from busier North Shore attractions.
Conservation Note: This beach is a Scientific & Natural Area, which means it is not allowed to collect rocks, plants, animals, or fossils. Don’t take any of the stones! Leave them on the beach for others to enjoy.
Iona’s Beach Scientific & Natural Area
📍 Gitchi Gami Trail, Two Harbors, MN 55616
