In this article, I’m going to show you the best 10 things to in the surrounding areas of Duluth, Minnesota.
A few of these are within Duluth, but they’re hidden gems along the way towards the good stuff.
Duluth is a city that has it all. A cute down town, water front views, and lots of outdoor activities. But, Duluth for most of us Minnesotans, is a “been there, done that” kind of location. But, what is there to do near Duluth? Get your pen and paper ready, because I’ve got some great recommendations for you. Ranging from state parks, scenic drives, secret swimming holes and hiking trails.
The outline of this article, is not ranked by best things to do. I am ranking the locations, by what you’d come across if you were coming into Duluth from the twin cities.
#1 Jay Cooke State Park
This is one of my personal favorite states parks in all of Minnesota. I think it gets neglect far more than the other parks because it isn’t along the North Shore, it’s before you enter Duluth even! It’s in the town of Carlton, MN. This may be a great one to hit if you want to avoid crowds, too!
Some of the highlights include a beautiful swing bridge with amazing deep green colors, that walk you over the rapid flowing St. Louis river. Take the trail that leads right from the bridge, and you will follow along the river shore over tree rooted trails, and find some more solitude within the forestry.
If you venture into the park deeper, past the campground and swing bridge, you will find a sign that points to a parking lot on the right. This is a view that many people over look, or don’t venture in far enough to find. If you park in the lot, and follow the trail on the right that is fully paved, it’ll lead you to the over look of the enormously wide river (pictured above). It’s probably one of my favorite hidden views near Duluth!
#2 Scenic Skyline Drive
From Jay Cooke, either head back onto 35 towards Duluth or take the backroads, and jump on the scenic skyline byway, starts at the exit before Duluth, the Spirit Mountain/Proctor exit. This takes you along the most amazing views of Duluth. This is something you can even do at night, as the lights just glow!
Many people make the stop at Enger Tower, which has 360 degree views of Duluth, but you can see a lot of it, right from the road. This is a great option, if you’re pinched for time or are not able to do a ton of walking! You can follow this scenic by way through the entire city of duluth, into the road that leads you up the North Shore. But, there are a few stops along this road you should make before advancing up the shore!
#3 Hiking the Superior Hiking Trail off Haines Rd.
This section of the Superior Hiking Trail, does have options for day hikers, thru hikers, and even mountain bikers. Because of the quick access to beautiful forestry from the road, I use this spot a lot for photos and photography. It’s beautiful and accessible in all four seasons!
Once you park in the parking lot, take the trail that leads to the right. This will bring you along the dirt hiking path, over large boulders and small rocky paths. You will see the hustle and bustle of Haines road, but once you reach that corner point… You’ll view Duluth in all it’s glory.
This view has an over look of the scenic byway, Haines road, and St. louis river, you can also see the Lift Bridge from up here too. This trail is also dog friendly. Majority of the trail is a dirt path with slight incline, but does have some hilly parts to it.
#4 Chester Bowl Park
When driving the scenic drive, you will drive over a bridge and not thing twice about this park. BUT, don’t do that! This park I truly believe is slept on. Nobody ever talks about how amazing this park is. It’s located hidden in the neighborhood near the University of Minnesota Duluth. They have various hiking trails, that are easy, but also challenging that travel along side the river. They have picnic tables right by the water, which make for a great lunch stop!
#5 Seven Bridge Road, located within Hawks Ridge
As I’ve mentioned various times before, that scenic drive brings you through some of the best hidden gems, which also includes Hawks Ridge. As you pass through this area, you will cross over seven bridges, hence the name of the road. There are so many trails located within this area as well as mountain biking. You have tremendous views of the blue lake superior here.
If you keep driving, you come across the top of Hawks Ridge. There isn’t much parking, you just park alongside the road. This is a great spot for bird watching. You will see large amounts of people with binoculars here. The last time I had visited, there was even some seating with a fire pit here.
A secret swimming hole, that isn’t really a secret is located within Hawks Ridge. All along this drive, there are pools of water, that accumulate from the Lester river. Pull over, and jump on it. Lots of people also cliff jump within this area, but be smart folks. I do not advise this.
#6 Scenic Highway 61
Alright, we’re finally going to be leaving the town of Duluth again. We’re going to exit the scenic drive, and jump on Highway 61. This is what will be your life line to the North Shore of Minnesota. There are numerous stops along here, but mainly just focus on the views of Lake Superior. The views are beautiful, no matter the season. There’s so many shops and restaurants to check out here.
#7 Gooseberry Falls State Park
This states park has so many waterfalls, it’s insane. These waterfalls look amazing in the summer, fall, winter and especially in the springs rushing water. There’s endless trails, and they even have a really great gift shop that I like to go to for presents! There’s so many trails, lake superior views and waterfalls here. This is a crowd favorite state park, for sure!
#8 Beaver River Bay, in Beaver Bay, Minnesota
This is a really nice spot to stop along the shore. I like this spot, because even those it’s rocky, it makes for a nice spot to stretch your legs. Throw and skip rocks into the lake, or even search for Agates. The water is super cold here, but I have gone for a dip here, too!
#9 Palisade Head
This place is one of a kind. Depending on the time of the year, you can drive up to this location or you have to park in the lot and walk up. But, worth it, no matter the season. You stand on top of large cliff rocks, and stare out for miles at Lake Superiors Beauty.
This place can get super busy, but I think it’s worth a visit. It’s one of the best places along the shore, to really get a good look at the shore itself. This is a slim road, going up and down, and can get somewhat windy. So, be cautious of other drivers coming down or up.
#10 Tettegouche State Park
This is an amazing park. It can get crowded, as it has become more popular, but it’s also up the shore significantly more than the others, so that does deter people. I personally always to the high falls hike. It can be harder, as there is inclined dirt trails, stairs and bridge crossings. I hike up the high falls, and then go across the bridge, and down to swim below the falls. This is one of my favorite things to do. It’s a rocky bottom, so shoes are still advised in this water. Cliff jumping is popular here too, but I wouldn’t recommend.
There you have it. These are my hidden gems, and personal favorite locations near Duluth, Minnesota. Which one was your favorite? Is their a recommendation here that you’ve never heard of?
Enjoy your time discovering the outskirts of Duluth!
