Great Lakes Outdoor Summit

Field Trips

Saturday, October 26

Bike, hike or ride during the 2024 Great Lakes Outdoor Summit!

We have five exciting and diverse adventure opportunities exclusive for summit attendees. All field trips are led by local outdoor recreation nonprofits and are a great chance to meet the faces behind Duluth’s bustling outdoor recreation scene.

Field trips will be held on Saturday, October 26th starting at 10:30 a.m. Below are detailed descriptions of each field trip. Once you register for the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit, a sign-up link will be provided. If you have any troubles, reach out to greatlakesoutdoorsummit@gmail.com.

All field trips except the Scenic River Train Ride ($10) are free. Events are weather dependent. Be prepared for Lake Superior weather; bring layers, rain gear, sturdy footwear, and warm weather gear.

Field Trip Opportunities

Secrets of Duluth Along the Superior Hiking Trail

Brought to you by the Duluth Foot Trails Alliance (DuFTA)
10:30 a.m. @ Bayfront Festival Park
350 Harbor Drive, Duluth - FREE
Capacity: 20

  • Join the Duluth Foot Trails Alliance (DuFTA) to learn about the "Secrets of Duluth" as we hike the Superior Hiking Trail from Bayfront Park to Enger Tower.

    This scenic adventure showcases stunning vistas and hidden gems along Duluth's picturesque waterfront. After soaking in the views, we'll descend via the historic Incline Steps - the same steps that rose up alongside the old Incline Station which opened in 1891 and was sadly lost in 1939 - exploring Duluth's newest linear park.

    Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious explorer, this event promises a memorable experience blending natural beauty with local history. Dress for the weather; if it rains, this hike will not commence. 

    For questions, reach out to Judy Gibbs at gibbsjudy@aol.com
    Learn more about Duluth Foot Trails Alliance at facebook.com/DUFTA/

Scenic St. Louis River Train Ride + Spirit Lake Walking Tour

Brought to you by the Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad + the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA)
10:30 a.m. @ Lake Superior Mississippi Railroad Ticket Office/Depot 6930 Fremont St Duluth - $10
Capacity: 140

  • Hop aboard the historic Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad (LSMRR) for a narrated Great Lakes Outdoor Summit train ride along the scenic St. Louis River estuary.

    During this ~2 hour ride we will explore the environmental and cultural heritage of the St. Louis River. On our way out to Mud Lake, we'll make a short stop and walk around the newly restored Spirit Lake Delta.

    During the walk, the St. Louis River Alliance will highlight the $81 million Spirit Lake/US Steel Area of Concern project and how these cleanup efforts have led to many recreational improvements including an additional segment of the Waabizheshikana Trail and accessible waterfront access to the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail.

    Come immerse yourself in the history, culture, and beauty of the St. Louis River, and be inspired for what the future holds for a cleaner river!

    For questions, reach out to Alyssa Johnson at outreach@stlouisriver.org

    Learn more about Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad at DuluthRiverTrain.com

    Learn more about the St. Louis River Alliance at www.stlouisriver.org

Quarry Park Hiking Tour

Brought to you by the Duluth Climbers Coalition
10:30 a.m. @ Quarry Park
1325 N 59th Ave W, Duluth - FREE
Capacity: 20

  • In 2015 the Duluth Climbers Coalition partnered with the city of Duluth to create Quarry Park, Duluth’s newest city park, and a unique showcase for diverse recreation in West Duluth.

    Long a location for negative outdoor behaviors (partying, dumping), this abandoned industrial site has been transformed into much frequented green space for hiking, disc golfing, and winter climbing.

    In the course of this one hour guided hiking tour, we will take in expansive views of the Duluth Harbor and St. Louis River estuary while exploring the park’s history, unique geology (including Minnesota moon rocks!), and tour the well concealed pump house and other ice farming infrastructure that have helped make Quarry Park a regional ice and mixed climbing destination.

    For questions, reach out to Dave Pagel at davecpagel@yahoo.com

    Learn more about Duluth Climbers Coalition at www.duluthclimbers.org

BIPOC Nature Walk & Talk: What’s Possible When We Partner

Brought to you by BIPOC Outdoors Twin Ports + the Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)
10:30 a.m. @ Hartley Nature Center
3001 Woodland Ave, Duluth - FREE
Capacity: 20 people 

  • Join the Superior Hiking Trail Association & BIPOC Outdoors Twin Ports for a BIPOC-affinity nature walk to explore the Superior Hiking Trail through Hartley Nature Center in Duluth, MN. **This event is specific to those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color.

    We will meet out front of the Hartley Nature Center for some warm drinks and snacks before heading out for a 2-mile walk through the nature area - passing through several of the park’s different ecosystems as we discuss the power and importance of organizational partnerships.

    SHTA & BOTP have been collaborating for the last year to design and host a series of events specifically for BIPOC community members to experience the Superior Hiking Trail. Join us for a reflection on what makes a partnership work and what we’ve learned in the process of exploring ours! Guided by Sam Armacost, BIPOC Outdoors Twin Ports organizer.

    For questions, reach out to Sam Armacost at bipocoutdoorstp@gmail.com

    Follow BIPOC Outdoors Twin Ports on Instagram @bipocoutdoorstwinports 

    Learn more about the Superior Hiking Trail Association at www.superiorhiking.org

Duluth Traverse Bike Ride

Brought to you by Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS)
10:30 a.m. @ Spirit Mountain
8551 Grand Ave. Duluth - FREE
Capacity: 15

  • Join Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) for a 2 hour mountain bike ride along the Duluth Traverse.

    Showcasing the glacial bedrock that creates the short but steep shoreline of Lake Superior, the Duluth Traverse mountain bike trail threads along the entire city of Duluth, MN with over 30 miles of trail.

    This ride will highlight the most recent additions and is open to all experience levels. Please bring your own bike; Ski Hut will have limited gear available for rent (attendees responsibility).

    Come learn about the incredible mountain bike trail system that has helped establish Duluth, MN as one of only seven IMBA Gold Level ride centers in the world!

    For questions, reach out to Ansel at executivedirector@coggs.com

    Learn more about the Duluth Traverse at: https://www.coggs.com/duluth-traverse