Duluth beaches (Cloquet, Big Lake, Carlton: college, nightlife, traffic)

[Old Surrender]

When is a good time to hit the beach in the Duluth area? Any parts better than the others? We would prefer something less rocky. Thanks!

Oh, and how's the nightlife downtown? We're not exactly looking for the "college" bars ... something folks in their late 20s would prefer.

Thanks!

[brandy77]

Park Point is the longest natural freshwater beach in the WORLD (8 miles long) and is spectacular with excellent sand. It is Lake Superior so the water is cold but it is shallow so it does warm up a bit in the peak of summer. Park Point is just across the lift bridge from Canal Park which is where most of the nightlife is, but I like Fitger's Brewery on Superior Street where they have awesome beer.

[newcastle]

You could also try the Western Waterfront trail along the St. Louis River, your may find some sandy beaches there. Also, Wisconsin Point (Drive through Superior on Hwy 2) is more shallow, less crowded and warmer than Park Point. I would not go in the Big Lake until July.

If you go to Wisconsin Point try Thirsty Pagan Brewery since you will already be in Superior. It has great beer, music, and suprisingly good pizza. It is low key and casual. No wild college kids.

[bowlingballhead]

I totally second the Wisconsin Point recommendation. Warmer and you'll probably have the beach to yourself. I lived in Superior while going to school there and hit the beach often during the summer. I love Florida, and when it's hot and you're at Wisconsin Point laying in the sand you'll swear you're in Florida, but without the salt water drying you out.

[Old Surrender]

Thanks a lot!

[Eurogal]

I heard there is a nice beach on a small lake north of Duluth, could it be the lake Murphy or is it another name?

[demtion35]

Ida have recommended the Kozy, but I quit drinkin!

[tvdxer]

Well, some of them are:

* Park Point: This is a very long and also very popular beach right across from Canal Park. Although the beach stretches on for miles, most beachgoers stay in one general area which either is or used to be lifeguard-patrolled. The beach is packed (though farther down there will always be fairly seculded areas) on hot days and the traffic line down Park Point's one main road can be endless (you'll certainly want to cut the ignition) when the Aerial Lift Bridge is up. While this is a great beach, keep in mind that Lake Superior's water, at least at this point, is always cold, although many (such as myself) still choose to swim in the lake. It's warmest in August and September. If you visit Park Point and have bottled water handy, I suggest walking the length of the Park Point city trail, which runs through the often very forested middle of the sandbar from the Sky Harbor airport to the edge of the point facing Wisconsin - this is a beautiful trail you shouldn't miss while living in Duluth.

* Wisconsin Point on the Wisconsin side of the lake, just outside of Superior and across the "strait" from the far edge of Park Point. Quite a bit less popular than Park Point, but still a very nice beach. I haven't been there in years. Same Superior water coldness applies.

* Pike Lake: This is located north of Duluth in Canosia Township, accessible by the Midway Road. At least in mid-summer, the water in Pike Lake is comfortable for swimming. It's a private combo golf course / beach, so you'll have to pay to use it (but it's cheap).

* Chub Lake: This is down in the Cloquet / Carlton area and similar to Pike Lake, but I think it's free. There is ( or was) a pier farther in that's fun to jump off of.

As for time to hit the beach, the water in Lake Superior is cold year-round, but bearable for me (a native) in July, August, and September. Pike and Chub are inland lakes that warm up much faster. I've swam in them in May before, but it was very cold. Mid-June and later is probably fine.