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:
Tallas Adventure
Length: 1-7 miles
Points of Access: Munger Landing, Indian Point Campground, Spirit Lake Marina (private)
This short to intermediate distance trip explores many of Duluth’s bays with long beautiful views across the open water.
Spirit Lake Loop
Length: 5-7 miles
Points of Access: Munger Landing, Spirit Lake Marina (private)
This intermediate distance trip provides scenic views of Spirit Mountain and the Duluth landscape.
Clough Island Circuit
Length: 5-6 miles
Points of Access: Munger Landing, Spirit Lake Marina
This trip offers scenic long views across open water and provides access to remote and interesting features.
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.