*LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!*
Park Point is the world’s longest freshwater sandbar (more than seven miles long) that stretches out into the largest freshwater lake in the world. Park Point, especially the beaches, are extremely popular in the summer – this is where the people are at! Some tourists enjoy taking the leisurely drive down Park Point to view some of the truly diverse architecture in the city. Though it can get a little congested, and you may get “bridged,” staying here means you’re never more than a few feet from the lake – or the Lakewalk, or bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment.
Lafayette Park & Beach – Across the Street!
Take advantage of the 7 mile beach/playground/tennis & basketball courts across the street! Grab the beach chairs, umbrella, towels, beach bag, and picnic basket from the cottage and make it a day!
Park Point Beach & Beach House – 2 miles
A couple miles down the point from the cottage you’ll find a large recreation area and beach with a lifeguard on duty during the summer season, Park Point Beach House, playground, sand volleyball courts, a pavilion with grills, and a small airport.
Minnesota Point Walking Trail – 2.4 miles
At the airport, the secluded Minnesota Point Walking Trail begins and runs parallel to the lone runway. The trail then meanders all the way to the tip of the peninsula, passing 200 year-old red and white pines along the way. You can take the same trail back or do what we like to do and take the beach route. The question is….do you choose the bay or the lake side?!
Ship Watching- back door!
Bayview Cottage is a shipwatchers dream! You can watch these mammoth ships coming and going from all over the world right from the privacy of your dock or the kitchen. Alongside the ships you may see sailboats, pleasure & fishing boats, rowboats, jet skis, or paddle boarders. In fact there is a good chance that Steve and I are one of them! The ultimate is watching the ships come through the canal from our lighthouse, there is nothing like it in the world!
https://visitduluth.com/explore/things-to-do/watch-the-ships/
Bridge Schedule & Information
Please allow yourself extra time to get around if venturing off Park Point and into Canal Park as you may get “bridged”. The Aerial Lift Bridge goes up every half hour on the hour from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it also goes up when ships enter or exit the port. You can download the free MarineTraffic app or go to HarborLookout to find ship location & schedule.
Brink your Bike
Take off out your front door and explore the island, bike into Canal Park & on the Lakewalk. I like to take my bike into town with a backpack; shop, grab a bite to eat, go up into the lighthouse, ride the piers, or watch a ship pass by!
Airplane Tours – 2.4 miles
Check out a narrated tour of the Twin Ports in a Beaver seaplane! Soar over Duluth Harbor, Lake Superior, historic landmarks, iconic bridges, St. Louis River and more! Tours are available from June until mid October. Most trips are about 25-30 minutes. Sky Harbor Airport is at the end of Park Point.
Getting Around
Park Point is great for walking, biking, boating, and many other recreational means of transportation. Hop in your car for a drive up the North Shore. Call an Uber or Lyft while enjoying the nightlife of Canal Park and Downtown Duluth.
Beach – steps away!
Canal Park/Aerial Lift Bridge – 2 miles
Bayfront – 3.3 miles
Enger Tower & Park – 5 miles
Spirit Mountain – 11.4 miles
Gooseberry Falls – 42 Miles
Split Rock Lighthouse – 46 miles