Lake Superior

Enjoy Lake Superior

Dive Into a Great Time

Duluth sits in one superior spot. Lake Superior, one of North America’s Great Lakes and the largest freshwater lake in the world, is known for its clear, cold water and agate beaches. In Duluth, it feels more like an inland sea than a lake, giving the city its relaxed, lakeside vibe.

Whether you want to get on the water or just admire it, Lake Superior is a sight you’ve got to see and do in Duluth.

THINGS TO DO

  • Try water sports like swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing and even surfing
  • Stake out a sandy spot at nearby campgrounds, beaches and swimming areas
  • Take a scenic drive and tour historic lighthouses or waterfalls
  • Fish year-round for over 80 species including trout, salmon and walleye
  • Check out Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge and take a boat tour around the lake
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Did You Know?

Lake Superior is the final resting place for over 350 shipwrecks, including the famous Edmund Fitzgerald.

Did You Know?

Seasonal storms can lead to waves over 20 feet high.

Did You Know?

Lake Superiors 2,726 miles of shoreline are the 4th most in the United Sates.

Did You Know?

The deepest point is 1,333 feet. The average depth is 483 feet.

Did You Know?

Lake Superior could cover all of North America in water three feet deep – that’s three quadrillion gallons of water.

Did you know?

Lake Superior has a surface area of 31,700 square surface miles, roughly the same amount as Austria.

FAST FACTS

Impress your friends at the docks with these shipping stats.

  • The St. Lawrence Seaway opened in 1959, connecting the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean and making the Port of Duluth-Superior a true world port – and notably, North America’s furthest-inland seaport.
  • The Port of Duluth-Superior is the Great Lakes’ top tonnage port and one of the nation’s top 20.
  • It would take 300 rail cars or 900 trucks to transport the same amount of cargo contained on one ship.
  • The Port of Duluth-Superior typically welcomes nearly 800 vessels annually. The majority of these visits are by lakers.
  • The First Ship Contest began in 1984 as part of the Seaway’s 25th anniversary celebration. The contest drew 12,000 entries.

There’s a Lot to Do Here

Scenic drives, outdoor activity, sitting on a bench watching a giant ship pass under a famous bridge—there’s a little bit of everything for everyone here. Check out some ideas below or download our Visitor Guide for even more.

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