Read an Excerpt
Bayfront Festival Park
Bayfront Park / Duluth, MN
- Commanding views of the Aerial Lift Bridge and a great boat watching location.
- Home to several music festivals and events (see Foot Note).
- Playfront on the Bayfront designed with little ones in mind.
Trailhead Directions:
I-35 North to Lake Avenue South exit, turn right. Take another right at the first intersection (traffic light) onto Railroad Street and follow for 0.5 mile. After passing under Harbor Drive, look left for the entrance to the parking lot. Trailhead begins near playground area. Parking fees may apply during events, but parking is free for up to 2 hours for Playfront Park use only. For helpful parking info, visit bayfrontfestivalpark.com/parking/
Contact:
Duluth Parks and Recreation: 218-730-4300 or www.duluthmn.gov/parks/
Total Trail Length, Surface, & Width:
0.5 mile; asphalt, brick, and concrete; average 8–15' wide.
Inclines & Alerts:
No inclines. This is a multiuse, non-motorized path. During special events, other regulations may apply. Trail is not plowed during snow season. In addition, no smoking is allowed at Bayfront Festival Park or in the parking areas.
Trailhead Facilities & Fees:
Seasonal flush toilets and water fountain. No parking fees, except during special events.
Mileage & Description:
0.0 - Trailhead begins on asphalt near the Playfront, then changes to a herringbone-pattern brick as you enter Bayfront Festival Park. Directly ahead is the welcoming artistic arch framing the Bayfront stage, a work of art in and of itself!
0.1 - Turn left and begin walking toward the harbor on asphalt path. In 400', you will arrive at an intersection with another part of the Lakewalk entering from the left. Turn right, choosing either the asphalt or the concrete walkway; both run parallel and lead to the same place.
0.2 - Stroll out to the deck overlooking the Duluth Harbor for a commanding view of the Aerial Lift Bridge. This is also a great place for boat watching. Take some time to read the informational display about the slip’s history. This area is also a popular kayaking and sailing location as well as the summer home to many species of waterfowl. Geese are especially prevalent here.
0.3 - Continue walking the asphalt pathway along the back of the Bayfront stage. The path does continue over to the Silos Restaurant and Pier B Resort, but to complete this hike, remain on the path until you come full-circle to the brick surface and Playfront again.
0.5 - Trailhead and parking area.
Foot Note:
Bayfront Festival Park hosts an array of activities, including concerts and festivals (bayfrontfestivalpark.com). In winter, the park houses an outdoor ice rink and a holiday favorite—the Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” (www.bentleyvilleusa.org).