84,000 acres of water, 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and more than 500 islands define Voyageurs National Park. These dimensions are part of the wide range of recreational and tourism resources in Saint Louis County: They stretch from the city of Duluth and the North Shore of Lake Superior to Lake Kabetogama, Voyageurs National Park, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Alongside waterscapes and shorelines, visitors can also enjoy trails and learn about mining history.
Trails Through Landscapes and Mining History
Saint Louis County has numerous motorized and non-motorized trails. The Mesabi Trail runs across the Iron Range in northeastern Minnesota, from the Mississippi River near Grand Rapids to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely. Its terrain ranges from hilly to flat along the entire route; the paved surface is 8 to 10 feet wide. A few short gaps still need to be completed. At Redhead Mountain Bike Park, mountain biking is the main attraction: The park was built into the walls of an abandoned, water-filled open-pit mine. Its 27 miles of hand-built, purpose-built mountain bike trails range from beginner to expert level. The Soudan Underground Mine offers a clear point of reference: It is in the northeastern region of Minnesota, in Saint Louis County, just off State Highway 169/1 in Soudan.
Lake Superior and Duluth on Foot and by Bike
Kitchi Gammi Park offers public access to Lake Superior and marks the eastern endpoint of Duluth’s Lakewalk. This paved path is nearly eight miles long, designed for pedestrians and cyclists, and runs mostly along the shore of Lake Superior. This stretch of the Lakewalk thus combines a clearly designated lake access point with a long path that runs predominantly along the shore. Spirit Mountain also puts the focus on scenery and activity: Its gravity mountain bike trails range from beginner runs to expert jump lines. The slopes, trails, and adventure park offer views of Lake Superior, the St. Louis River, and the city of Duluth. Spirit Mountain offers outdoor activities year-round, including hiking, biking, skiing, and horseback riding; individual seasonal offerings may vary.
Museums and Self-Guided Tours
The Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm is Minnesota’s Iron Range museum. Its 660 acres include indoor and outdoor exhibits on the history, people, and mining of the Iron Range. Visitors can ride a historic streetcar to a mining ghost town and explore a historic mining-town residence, a historic boardinghouse, nature trails, and a trail depot. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is also self-guided; allow about an hour for a full visit. Depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit, your visit may take longer. The Full Mansion Tour at Glensheen is another self-guided tour. Check current availability before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Duluth, Mountain Iron, Eveleth, Virginia, Bassett, Orr, Hermantown, Biwabik, Cook, Hibbing, Babbitt, Brookston, Embarrass, University City.
For the broader travel overview: Minnesota.
