Straddling the banks of the St. Louis River, Jay Cooke State Park is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Offering activities ranging from whitewater rafting, trout fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking horseback riding and skiing, Jay Cooke State Park is never a dull escape. The park boasts 50 miles of hiking trails within it's 8,800 acre borders that connect to hundreds of miles outside the park. Hike the famous swinging bridge that spans a rocky river gorge upstream of the park. Or hop in a kayak and paddle through Minnesota's only Class III and IV rapids on your way to Duluth and Lake Superior. There are 82 semi-modern campsites available. Fees range from $12 to $24 per night, as of 2010.
Jay Cooke State Park
780 Highway 210
Carlton, MN 55718
(218) 384-4610
dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.html
This popular "urban wilderness" campground sits on the banks of the raging St. Louis River, just before it enters Lake Superior on the fringe of Duluth. The park serves as a trailhead for the Willard Munger Trail, a 70-mile long paved bike trail and hiking path that follows the river before turning south to Hinkley, Minnesota. There are 79 campsites available, 52 with electric, in a pleasant setting with full facilities. The park rents canoes, kayaks, aluminum fishing boats and bikes.
Indian Point Campground
75th Ave. W. and Grand
Duluth, MN 55807
(218) 628-4977
www.indianpointcampground.com
High above Lake Superior, overlooking St. Louis Bay, the campground at Spirit Mountain is painted with expansive vistas. A popular ski resort in the winter, Spirit Mountain offers 73 wooded campsites in the summer months on a 175-acre mountain. Mountain biking the mountain is done sans official trails. Hiking is also free-form on the slopes; however you do have easy access to the Superior Hiking Trail from the campgrounds. Rates range from $20 to $32 per night, as of 2010.
Spirit Mountain
9500 Spirit Mountain Place
Duluth, MN 55810
(218) 628-2891
www.spiritmt.com
Looking for the ultimate Duluth area campsites? Try any one of the 81 back-country sites along the Superior Hiking Trail. This 205-mile footpath mirrors the North Shore of Lake Superior as it winds its way through the Sawtooth Mountains to the Canadian border. Expect rugged terrain, frequent wildlife encounters and breathtaking views. Campsites along the route are free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trail heads are scattered roughly every 5 to 10 miles along the length of the route.
Superior Hiking Trail Associates
731 7th Ave.
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-2700
www.shta.org
