10 Nature & Parks in Duluth That You Shouldn't Miss

August 4, 2021 Deane Carmody

Perfectly positioned at the westernmost tip of sparkling blue Lake Superior, Duluth offers visitors a true escape from the stresses of everyday life and an opportunity to enjoy nature. You can opt for a more leisurely pace: spending time at one of the city's 23 beautiful parks, taking an unhurried drive along the scenic North Shore, bird watching at Hawk Ridge, skipping stones on the Lake with the kids. Or go for a more structured itinerary: the aquarium in the morning, lunch at a sumptuous restaurant on the waterfront plus a tour of the famous Sculpture Walk, then a visit to the historic Railroad Depot in the afternoon. Either way, you are sure to leave Duluth feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Restaurants in Duluth

1. Cascade Park

99 S Cascade St, Duluth, MN 55806
Excellent
75%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Cascade Park

2. Devil's Island

Duluth, MN http://www.nps.gov/apis/learn/historyculture/devils-light.htm
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

Devil's Island

The northernmost of the Apostle Islands is one of Lake Superior's most scenic.

3. Oberg Mountain Loop

Forestry Road 336, Duluth, MN
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 77 reviews

Oberg Mountain Loop

Under three miles long, this hiking trail offers fantastic views of mountains and Lake Superior.

Reviewed By MartiPrice - Austin, United States

Incredible fall leaves the 3rd week of September 2020. South of Lutsen off of Onion River Road (15 minute gravel road-ugh), very pretty overlooks (4). If you can only do part, choose the leftside (clockwise) once you get to the loop.

4. Park Point Nature Trail

Duluth, MN
Excellent
79%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 43 reviews

Park Point Nature Trail

Reviewed By 886kendrah - San Diego, United States

I love driving down the point and hiking around the beach here. It gives you a different perspective of the lake, and has great areas for families to hang out and have a beach day.

5. Congdon Park

32nd Ave. East and E Superior Street, Duluth, MN http://www.duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-listing/congdon-park
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 17 reviews

Congdon Park

6. DWP Railroad Tunnel, Ely's Peak

Duluth, MN 55810 https://substreet.org/elys-peak-tunnel/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 4 reviews

DWP Railroad Tunnel, Ely's Peak

Reviewed By debaj - Saint Louis Park, United States

From the parking lot at the end of 123rd street just off of Beck's Road I headed to the paved Willard-Munger trail, turned right and followed the paved trail approximately 1/2 mile across a bridge over a railroad and on until I saw where 2 trails converged to my left. This is the trail head to Ely's Peak and supposedly to the elusive DWP railroad tunnel. It is not designated as such. The trail on the right rose steeply up a rocky trail while the other descended a little on dirt. I took the trail on the right leading up a rugged rocky trail (see photo). In my opinion you must be pretty sure on your feet and in relatively good physical condition to hike this trail. I used hiking poles and took my time. It would be easy to trip and injure yourself. This trail is part of the Superior Hiking Trail so watch closely for the blue paint marks on rocks and trees. I kept my "all trails" app on the entire way to the peak because I read the spur trail to either the peak or the tunnel is tricky to locate. Yep, it's true, I almost missed the spur trail to the peak. The app indicated that I had gone a little past it. There I met other explorers searching for the trail to the peak. So, when you are close to the peak watch closely for an unmarked path (actually there are two just a few feet apart) to the left leading UP more rocks and to the peak. The views afforded along the trail and at Ely's Peak are rewarding especially during the fall color season. My phone battery died while on the peak so I decided to forfeit the search for the tunnel and returned the down the same way I came up. Along the way I met a number of people who either could not find the peak or could not find the tunnel. I read that Superior Hiking Association created a fabulous loop trail around the peak, check into it. So, good luck and may Ely's Peak beckon you safely to the top!

7. Canal Park

Canal Park Drive & Morse Street, Duluth, MN +1 218-730-4300 https://duluthmn.gov/parks/parks-listing/canal-park/
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,429 reviews

Canal Park

Watch seagulls soaring while you stroll around this popular spot, part of the revived Duluth waterfront. Nearby are a sculpture garden, jazz clubs, coffee shops, motels and restaurants. If you like ships, stand on the pier and watch huge boats and ships, some from around the world, come and go daily.

Reviewed By Iowa_is_my_home

Canal Park is a "must" for anyone visiting the North Shore. The Maritime Visitor Center is well done and interesting for all ages, and the high-quality galleries and shops are more than just the typical tourist t-shirt shops (though there a a couple of those, too.) Though I'd suggest Duluth Grill over the Canal Park restaurants, their convenience, quality and variety makes them a good choice for anyone whose time is limited.

8. Superior National Forest

8901 Grand Avenue Pl, Duluth, MN 55808-1122 +1 218-626-4300 [email protected] http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior/
Excellent
79%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 19 reviews

Superior National Forest

Established in 1909, these three million acres of land, rock, water and trees are located on the U.S. and Canadian border.

9. Mission Creek Bike Trails

Duluth, MN http://www.bikeduluth.com/?page_id=31
Excellent
57%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Mission Creek Bike Trails

10. Willard Munger State Trail

Duluth, MN http://www.munger-trail.com/
Excellent
62%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 68 reviews

Willard Munger State Trail

Reviewed By NJS27 - Las Vegas, United States

Being born and raised I have biked this trail to/from Esko & Carlton to/from Duluth quite a few times. Very pretty, awesome nature and great way to get exercise.

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