Hi, I'm bringing my parents from out of state to Duluth. We'll be driving from the Twin Cities area. I know that there's a place to walk by the lake right by canal park area, but is there a good lake shore area that you can really feel the nature? I have a 19 mo. old who loves to walk, so maybe not too rocky/dangerous. Just to get off our car and relax for a few minutes to take in the view (or if there's more that's great but the focus will be on the nature and relaxing, not too touristy)? If you know a good place, please let me know. Thank you!
Just keep driving north past Duluth. Two Harbors is not far, is very cute, and lots of easy places to get near the lake. Keep going a little further north to see Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, WI
Jay Cooke State Park is about 16 miles SW of Duluth. I haven't been there yet, but I've heard good things about it and hope to make it sometime this summer. My Scout son is going on a campout there in June. I doubt it has views of the Lake, but it is on the St. Louis River and offers a lot of hiking and other beautiful, natural scenery. Might want to look it up online. I think one of the Visitor Centers is closed for remodeling. It's maybe a little more out of the way and more of an extended visit than what you are looking for, but I thought I would at least throw it out there.
gooseberry falls is amazing, past duluth a bit but on the way to split rock lighthouse
Check out Brighton Beach along the North Shore/Hwy 61, on the NE edge of Duluth as you head toward Two Harbors. A long beach with a small play area, fairly flat with a rocky shore--if it is a clear day, you can look back and see the lift bridge in Canal Park. A local favorite.
Leif Erickson Park & Rose Garden in Duluth is also an excellent place to visit along the shore. It is connected to the Lakewalk, and you can walk between Canal Park & Leif Erickson (and beyond).
If you want to head farther up Hwy 61, Gooseberry Falls State Park is excellent!
