St. Louis River Estuary Water Trail

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Explore Duluth's best kept secret. Photo by David Grandmaison

Down river from HWY 23 bridge. Photo by Fred Morgan.

View of estuary from Quarry Park

Superior National Forest

View from hilltop

Kite skiing

Billings Park access

Grassy Point access

Spirit Marina access

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The St. Louis River, the largest U.S. tributary to Lake Superior, becomes a 12,000-acre freshwater estuary as the river approaches Duluth and Superior. The upper section is characterized by wilderness-like areas, while the lower section is characterized by urban development and an industrial and international port. A freshwater estuary is ecologically unique. The current is slow and its wide expanse allows for small-water and big-water experiences as well as varied paddling experiences for all skill levels. It's easy to forget that the river is in an urban environment. There are many, well-placed put-in and take-out points along the river that provide access to food and water, and other recreation options. 

National significance

This diversity of experience of the river's varied landscapes, ranging from the working ports to complex, diverse ecosystems creates a powerful experience that makes the estuary significant both regionally and nationally. Paddlers feel as though they are in a pristine and remote place while in the middle of a population center. 

Trail's history and evolution including the concept

The St. Louis River was designated a state water trail in 1967. The state water trail connects to the Lake Superior State Water Trail which was designated in 1995. Water Trail is a unique opportunity to recognize a premier paddle destination that appeals to a wide range of skill levels and interests. Representatives from the two local municipalities and counties, state regulatory agencies, economic development & tourism groups, and user groups provided input for the concept. Designation as a National Water Trail will target and capture segments of the recreation and tourism markets.

Main features

The Water Trail is a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's largest wild and scenic freshwater estuaries. Routes include backwaters and bays, white water rapids, wide open water, and wetlands and sloughs all providing scenic views surrounded by accessible public lands. The trail extends 16.5 miles from Fond du Lac Dam to Lake Superior and sports 11 distinct routes that provide up to 73 miles of exploration, most of them in loops. Visitors can immerse themselves in landscapes ranging from the working port to complex, diverse, wild ecosystems. Users can do as long or as short a paddle experience as they want. Urban nature provides exceptional access to information, both hazards and opportunities. Visitors can access accommodations, outfitting, guides, food and beverages, shopping, museums, equipment rental, and even health care within a few miles. 

Benefits

The trail benefits visitors and locals. If one is looking for exercise, adventure, or solitude, appropriate activities are available year-round. The immediate area has everything one could want in an outdoor experience as well as every amenity. Warm-weather activities include kayaking, stand-up paddling, rowing, fishing, duck hunting, birding, swimming, camping, and picnicking. Winter activities include skiing, skijoring, snowshoeing, ice skating, ice fishing, and ice boating. Surrounding the estuary one can access hiking, biking/mountain biking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. It educates locals who may have negative feelings toward the river left over from the river's industrial past. It will be an outdoor classroom for those who are disenfranchised from natural experiences. Planning and management create communication across communities and user groups. 

Allowed Uses:

Other Activities

• Camping
• Fishing
• Heritage and history
• Hunting
• Ice skating
• Wildlife viewing / observation

• Certified as an NRT
  Oct 25, 2020