St. Louis River National Water Trail
At the headwaters of Lake Superior lies the Nation’s largest freshwater estuary, the St. Louis River Estuary.
Flowing between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the estuary has a rich history. Unfortunately, due to unregulated industrial dumping, the St. Louis River was one of the most polluted waterways in the United States. Though after decades of work the River is slowly returning to health. The St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail project is a direct result of a cleaner river.
About the Trail
The St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail is a multi-use waterway enabling the public to experience the St. Louis River Estuary amidst the urban landscape of the Twin Ports.
The Water Trail map includes 11 loop trails for paddlers of all skill levels and abilities and is intended for various watercraft use. By providing access to wild space in an urban area, the Water trail enables more people an opportunity to build their own memories and relationships to the St. Louis River.
History
As proud managers of the Water Trail, the St. Louis River Alliance is leading a working group of representatives from MN and WI to implement the necessary steps to carry out the Master Plan and ensure it’s success.
In March of 2017, the City of Duluth and many Minnesota and Wisconsin partners completed and approved this plan. The Master Plan was then submitted to the National Parks Service and in October 2020, the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail was officially designated by the United States Secretary of the Interior. This is a major accomplishment and celebrates the cleaner river!
National Water Trail Maps
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Pick up your map today!
Pick-up your free SLRE National Water Trail map at the St. Louis River Alliance office (394 S. Lake Avenue Suite 604, Duluth, MN ) or click the ‘Map Pick-up Locations’ button below to find other local distribution locations.
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Online PDF Versions
We have created a PDF version of the map, split into sections, for your convenience. Maps are free and we encourage you to share them on your social platforms!
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Sponsors
We would like to sincerely thank our local sponsors for advocating for the St. Louis River Estuary National (SLRE) Water Trail. Their generous financial support assisted in the second printing of the SLRE National Water Trail Map!
Know Before You Go
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Safety
Whether you are new to paddling or have been at it for a while, you owe it to yourself to make sure you are aware of the appropriate level of safety for the activity and conditions you are participating in.
Click the link below to visit Paddle Safe Twin Ports for safety information and resources. For specific safety info about the St. Louis River, visit the Wisconsin Sea Grant website or review their ‘Enjoy the St. Louis River Safely’ fact sheet. For beach and swimming conditions click here.
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Weather Conditions
The St. Louis River estuary is big water and the wind can change at any minute. We've partnered up with Paddle Safe Twin Ports and defer to their website for paddle conditions and weather forcasts. So before heading out on the water check out their website.
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Area of Concern Construction Sites
There are many remediation and restoration projects going on in the St. Louis River Area of Concern. Due to active construction this year (2023) Munger Landing will be closed and should be avoided. Click the button below to view a map of upcoming construction projects for 2023-2026.
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Float Plan
When planning your paddle, let someone know where you expect to be and when you expect to return. Email or print a copy of a written float plan to give to a friend, colleague, or family member. Make sure you tell your contact person when you are off the water.
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Trail Etiquette and Guidelines
The St. Louis River Estuary is an outdoor enthusiasts playground, and though we all want to have fun on the water, it is important to stay safe and keep our environment clean.
Click the button below for 10 general guidelines to keep you prepared and secure while in the Estuary.
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Trespassing
The St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail is a great resource for the community. However, paddlers must be aware of trespass laws and should stay off anyone’s private property unless they are facing an emergency, are lost or require assistance.