5 Places to Go Swimming in Duluth, MN This Summer
Finding a swimming beach in Duluth isn’t as easy as you’d think it would be, being that Duluth is in Minnesota.
Because of it’s location to Lake Superior, there aren’t a ton of beaches, and often times the water in the Great Lake is too cold to swim in. However, there are a few great beaches along the lake that are great for a few months out of the year.
In this post I’ll be sharing a few beaches that you can check out in Duluth if you’re looking for a nice place to go swimming this summer.
Swimming Beaches Near Duluth, Minnesota
1. Park Point Beach
The best place to go swimming is at Park Point Beach, since it’s actually the closest spot with a sandy beach near Duluth.
This beach is found on Park Point, so you’ll need to cross the Aerial Lift Bridge to get to it. And then it’s just a few minutes drive down the point.
It’s a pretty long section of sandy beach along Lake Superior, and there are usually picnic tables, sand volleyball courts, and grills under pavillions during the summer.
The one thing I will say about this beach is that I’ve found it to get very busy on hot summer days. Since it’s the closest beach to Duluth, most people flock here. So just be prepared for crowds!
2. 12th Street Beach
12th Street Beach is also located on Park Point, but rather than going as far as you do to reach Park Point Beach, this one is found just about 1/2 mile over the Lift Bridge.
It’s in a small area called Franklin Square, where there’s also a children’s playground and a decent sized parking area.
This beach is basically the same as Park Point Beach – on the shores of Lake Superior in a sandy section – but usually sees fewer crowds.
Which is really nice, but keep in mind that there aren’t any other things to do (no volleyball, no picnic tables, etc.), so if you want those things, head to Park Point.
3. Brighton Beach
Just a bit further up the Lake Superior coast is Brighton Beach. It’s just a short drive from Glensheen Mansion and found in Kitchi Gammi Park.
This can be a nice place to swim and escape some of the crowds on Park Point, but pelase note that this beach is a bit rockier, and I would recommend having water shoes on.
It is also about a 30 minute drive up North Shore Scenic Drive from the center of Duluth to reach the beach.
I also love walking the Lakewalk while I’m here, as Kitchi Gammi Park is the end of the paved trail.
4. 42nd Avenue East Park
I’d recommend this beach if you want somewhere without a lot of people. It’s just tucked off of Highway 61 near Ecumen Lakeshore and Northland Country Club.
There isn’t a lot of parking here, it’s really just along the road, and to get down to the beach, you’ll need to take a short walk that can be kind of rocky and rough.
But, once you’ve made it there, you won’t find a ton of other people and you can get some nice swimming in on your own.
I love finding hidden gems in Duluth like this – so take advantage of it!
And please be respectful of the people that live near here. Because it’s so hidden, it almost feels like you’re crossing through their yards, so you need to be mindful.
5. Black Beach
If you don’t mind driving a bit further up the North Shore, I would definitely recommend checking out Black Beach.
This is a small beach with black pebbles instead of sand just outside of Silver Bay. Even though it’s become more popular (it used to be a really great hidden gem) in recent years, it’s still highly worth the visit.
Plus, there are a lot of people that go swimming here, and it has some picnic tables and trash cans, so it’s a great spot to spend the day.
Just like with Brighton Beach, I would recommend water shoes though because it isn’t sandy like Park Point is.
Tips for Swimming in Lake Superior
Lake Superior isn’t like other lakes in Minnesota. It can be dangerous, it’s very cold, and it’s not always as sandy as other beaches.
Please follow these tips, and any other tips from the City of Duluth or lifeguards to help you stay safe while swimming in the Great Lake.
- Never swim alone. Always have a friend or family member with you.
- Check the weather before swimming, as strong winds can cause large waves and strong currents.
- Be prepared for the cold, because Lake Superior is cold year-round.
- Have a towel and warm clothes nearby for after you finish swimming since it is so cold.
- Avoid swimming when the waves are large because they can pull you out into the lake.
- Do not jump off of cliffs or rocks into the water, because you don’t know what is at the bottom.
- Try swimming on Duluth beaches where there are lifeguards.
FAQs
Can You Swim in Lake Superior?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Superior, as long as you’re cautious and understand that it’s cold, rocky, and can be dangerous.
Does Duluth, MN Have Beaches?
Yes, Duluth does have beaches along Lake Superior.
Is Lake Superior Ever Warm Enough to Swim?
Honestly, Lake Superior is always very cold, and some people might not think it’s fit to swim. It rarely reaches above 60 degrees. However, this doesn’t stop people from swimming, and as long as you’re safe, you can definitley take a dip in the icy waters.
Wrap Up: Swimming in Duluth
While there aren’t a ton of options and you’ll need to be brave, you can find places to go swimming in Duluth.
Lake Superior offers a chilly spot to cool off in the summer, and I hope that this blog post helped you to find some great spots to take a dip!
