Two Harbors Proposing More Signs for Travelers

TWO HARBORS - Talks are being had at the Minnesota State Capitol to change the way travelers explore Two Harbors. The towns is looking to put up new signs to push more traffic to their community and business destinations that are located off of Hwy 61.

Driving into Two Harbors travelers are greeted by a plethora of eateries and niche shops.

"I think a lot of times they just follow the stop lights and they just keep straight on through,” The Pub owner Matt Davitt said. “They kind of look around, they think that's downtown and it's not."

Two Harbors downtown is located on 1st street, full of character and rich in history.

"There's so much going on down there that I don't think people realize there's so much more to Two Harbors than juts Highway 61," Two Harbors City Councilor at large Robin Glaser said.

To show motorists just how much Two Harbors has to offer the town wants to put up at least 3 new signs on Hwy 61 directing tourists not only to public destinations but private businesses located in their downtown district as well.

“I think its fantastic idea," said Davitt.

Businesses estimate storefronts along Hwy 61 get about 30% more foot traffic than businesses downtown.

Davitt believes the new signage would fill more seats in his downtown restaurant.

"Directing more and more traffic down this way it will certainly help us out a lot," said Davitt.

But if it were only that easy.

Current MnDOT signage regulations only allow rural areas to promote private businesses.

So cities like Two Harbors can only hang signs advertising public destinations like parks and marinas.

Two Harbors representatives are now currently in talks with legislators at the Capitol to try and change that, hoping to level the playing field.

"We're not looking for something special just for Two Harbors,” said Glaser. “This could be used just about anywhere in the state of Minnesota."

With the ultimate goal of not only helping out businesses but visitors too.

"When a legislator comes through Two Harbors and says that they can't find the Lighthouse then I think it's kind of important that somebody gets a sign up," said Glaser.

Officials say MnDOT is a little concerned with the proposed sign change because they feel it would be too much information for drivers to read while they're traveling at high speeds.

Two Harbors leaders tell FOX 21 so far their proposition has been well received at the capitol.

Now it has to go through the House and the Senate.