Parks & Recreation

“Duluth’s history and its future are profoundly tied to the health, sustainability and stewardship of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior. We are excited to work with the community to unveil the potential of the River Corridor and its historic and culturally rich gifts. The River draws us together on this journey which will prove to enrich and enthrall everyone who ventures near it as projects reach completion.”       

- Mayor Emily Larson 

The St. Louis River Corridor Initiative invests in public park and trail improvements from Lincoln Park to the Fond du Lac neighborhood. The overall goals of the Initiative are to support the natural environment, enrich neighborhood quality of life, attract new home buyers, establish new visitor destinations and stimulate appropriate development. Initiative projects are funded in part by $18 million in bonds, collected through the ½ and ½ tourism tax approved by the Minnesota Legislature in 2014. These funds will leverage additional dollars through community partnerships and grants.

In June 2016, Duluth City Council approved the St. Louis River Corridor Parks Mini-Master Plans. The parks included in this set of plans include: Historical, Fond du Lac, Blackmer, Smithville, Riverside, Norton, Grassy Point, Keene Creek, Merritt, Harrison, and Piedmont. 

For a comprehensive review of the Initiative, including project updates, please see our St. Louis River Corridor Initiative 2021 Progress Report.