During your time in Duluth, depending on the length of your stay, you may want to set out to explore a few of the nearby Minnesota State Parks. A few of these natural gems have standout landmarks, from historic lighthouses and cascading waterfalls to striking bluffs on Lake Superior and swinging bridges. If you’re a true nature lover, then Zenith City needs to be on your list of upcoming adventures!
Additionally, some of the best hikes in Minnesota are near Duluth’s lively downtown center and along the shores of Lake Superior (for those that don’t feel like driving to the Minnesota State Parks). The hilly terrain and diverse landscape create interesting and even challenging urban hikes not often found in most major cities. Visitors can explore the sandy beaches, hike forest trails, and enjoy amazing views just minutes away from great restaurants and entertainment.
For those heading to Minnesota with hiking in mind, our waterfront bed and breakfast in Duluth is a fantastic place to make your home base. Our vicinity to Canal Park and many city parks is ideal for urban explorations—you’ll find more wilderness than expected for a big city! Our B&B offers the perfect blend of historic architecture that meets modern amenities, and you’ll have everything you need to relax and reset between hikes, dining out, and exploring our great city on the shores of Lake Superior. Reserve your lodging today!
Minnesota State Parks & Hiking in Duluth City Parks
There are many options for getting outdoors and enjoying the beautiful landscape of Duluth, from the Minnesota State Parks to the nearby city parks. For those who enjoy a scenic drive to their hiking destinations, here are four Minnesota State Parks to check out:
- Gooseberry Falls State Park: Take the scenic Highway 61 an hour north to find one of the most picturesque Minnesota State Parks. Waterfall lovers flock to this gem, as you’ll discover three impressive examples along the Gooseberry River, which cuts through a rocky gorge.
- Jay Cooke State Park: A must-see is the iconic swinging bridge crossing the wild St. Louis River. Located only 25 minutes from our waterfront Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, Jay Cooke is one of the most visited parks in our area. There are 50 miles of hiking trails through these wooded forests, as well as eight miles of paved bike routes and 13 miles of mountain biking options.
- Split Rock State Park: This is known as one of the most photographed Minnesota State Parks due to the historic lighthouse on the rocky bluffs. You can also connect to the Superior Hiking Trail—most parallels the lake—meandering through birch, spruce, fir, and ash trees. Be sure to pause and take in these stunning views of the North Shore.
- Tettagouche State Park: As one of the best Minnesota State Parks for waterfall lovers, this gem is located about an hour north of Duluth. It’s a popular rock climbing spot with fantastic views of the North Shore’s rocky cliffs and the Sawtooth Mountains. You’ll find plenty of great hiking trails, including inland lakes only accessible by foot.
More Great Hiking in Duluth:
For those who prefer to head out on foot or keep driving to a minimum instead of venturing out to these Minnesota State Parks, you’ll find plenty of options for hiking near our bed and breakfast in Duluth. Here are a few of our favorite Duluth city parks to check out:
- Park Point: Explore this 4-mile hike from our B&B through the pines and along a sandy beach with sparkling water views. You’ll encounter the ruins of a historic lighthouse along the way, then wrap up at the designated recreation area for a picnic lunch or even a refreshing swim in the warmer months. Also one of Travel + Leisure’s top 25 beaches in the US!
- Lakewalk in Canal Park: Follow along (on foot or by bike) the paved pedestrian path at this central hub to enjoy the lakefront and fresh air. The trail is nearly eight miles and stretches from Bayfront Park to Brighton Beach.
- Congdon Park: Located along Tischer Creek in a historic Duluth neighborhood, these beautiful hiking trails include bridges and stunning waterfalls. The path is under two miles and is the perfect stroll for hikers of all abilities and skill levels.
- Lester Park: As you wander the nine-plus miles of trails at this Duluth park, it’s hard to believe that you’re just at the city’s east end. The trails are wooded and quiet, and the Amity Creek and Lester Rivers offer beautiful cascading waters and wildlife viewing.
For more information about the nearby Minnesota State Parks or city parks, feel free to ask your innkeepers during your stay!
A Waterfront Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, MN
The first thing our guests comment on when they arrive at our waterfront Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, MN, is the beautiful view of the majestic Lake Superior framed by lush greenery and our award-winning gardens. It gets even better when you step outside, where you’ll find our lovely back deck and a 120-foot swath of beautiful sandy beach with some of the best views of the ships heading into port and the historic Aerial Lift Bridge.
No trip to Duluth is complete without visiting one of these fantastic Minnesota State Parks of city parks of Duluth. As a guest at our waterfront Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, MN, you’ll be in the ideal location to explore the great outdoors. Inside, sit back and relax in the peace of our comfortable Inn. Our five tastefully appointed guest suites have private baths with Aveda products and fluffy towels, comfortable beds with fine linens, and stunning lake views from ample picture windows.
You’ll start the day each morning of your stay with a wholesome and homemade breakfast. We love to use local and organic ingredients whenever possible, and it’s the perfect way to begin if you’re off to an adventure in nature. Join us at one of the most peaceful places on Lake Superior; reserve your lodging today!
