National Water Trail Routes
At the headwaters of Lake Superior lies the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail, nestled between Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin. With 11 loop trails for paddlers and boaters of all skill levels and abilities, this multi-use waterway invites you to experience the wild diversity of the St. Louis River while being minutes away from town.
Below you will find descriptions for each of the eleven National Water Trail routes. Click ‘Learn More’ on each post to watch a short video and learn about unique trail features and what you might expect while you explore.
Sort by skill level:
Radio Tower Relay
Length: 1-3 miles
Points of Access: Oliver Landing
This short loop highlights the historic Oliver Bridge, the Radio Tower Bay restoration area, and the causeway at Mud Lake.
Pokegama Loop
Length: 2-3 miles
Points of Access: Oliver Landing
This short seasonal trip offers excellent bird and wildlife observations with impressive scenery and views of the rugged landscape surrounding the river.
St. Louis River Excursion
Length: 2-8 miles
Points of Access: Oliver Landing, Boy Scout Landing, Perch Lake, Historical Park, Chambers Grove
This short to intermediate length trip provides impressive views of the St. Louis River landscape and historic sites along the way.
Gichigami-ziibi
The St. Louis River, known to local Anishinaabe as Gichigami-ziibi ‘the River that flows into the great waters’. For nearly 14,000 years, Native people have relied on the river for food, medicine, transportation, sport, and enjoyment.
As more people are drawn to experience the St. Louis River, it is more important than ever for us to share the stories of those who have forever called this land their home. Gichigami-ziibi: Homeland of the Anishinaabe highlights four local Indigenous community member's cultural perspective and admiration for the St. Louis River.
As you explore the Water Trail we encourage you to learn about and honor the life and lessons that this special place has held.
Learn more about Anishinaabe history along the St. Louis River on the Onigamiinsing Dibaajimowinan-Duluth's Stories Website.
The St. Louis River Alliance created this video series using federal funds under award NA22NOS4190054 from the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, administered by the Office for Coastal Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce provided to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program.