Life on Your Lakewalk Series – East of Canal Park
If you think Duluth’s Lakewalk ends at Canal Park, you are missing the best part. Beyond the crowds and cobblestones, this eight-mile path continues into something quieter, greener, and just as unforgettable, and this guide will help you explore it.
When we think of Duluth’s Lakewalk, the first thing that comes to mind for many is Canal Park. And for good reason: Canal Park is home to an incredible stretch of the Lakewalk, where you can catch glimpses of 1,000-foot freighters, peep Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum, shop, dine, and so much more.
However, this amazing paved path also extends for several miles further east. If you never leave Canal Park, you’d be missing out on a lot. And, considering how busy Canal Park is during the summer months, the eastern portion of the Lakewalk offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. All offer stunning views of various flora and fauna. Most offer Lake views. All are deeply memorable.
Solemnity – Vietnam Veterans Memorial
After leaving Canal Park and heading east, you’ll want to make a stop at the Northland Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The Memorial, dedicated in 1992, stands as a powerful tribute to the 136 men and women from northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin who lost their lives in the Vietnam War. Their names are etched into a black granite wall, evocative of the national memorial in Washington, D.C.
Eat, Drink, Shop – Fitger’s
If you’re thirsty, hungry, or want to do some shopping, the Fitger’s complex is another Duluth Lakewalk must-do. Built in the 1880s as the Fitger Brewing Company, it now includes a hotel, restaurants, shops, and a brewery.
The Lakewalk offers direct access to Fitger’s back door, and is a practical (and fun!) stop for dining and shopping. Bonus: the Fitger’s complex is dog-friendly!
Picnicking or Frisbee – Leif Erikson Park
Shortly after departing Fitger’s, you’ll encounter the amazing Leif Erikson Park. Originally called Cullum Park and then Lake Shore Park, this green space, located along Lake Superior near the mouth of Chester Creek, became Leif Erikson Park in 1927. This was after Bert Enger (namesake of Enger Tower) purchased the replica vessel Leif Erikson, which sailed from Norway to Duluth. He donated it to the city on the condition that it be placed in the park and the park be renamed in its honor.
The park has long been home to Duluth’s Rose Garden (more on the Rose Garden to follow!), and features a historic amphitheater stage. Behind the stage is a great rocky beach with great views of the Aerial Lift Bridge. Leif Erikson Park is a great place to stop and enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch or toss a Frisbee with friends.
Stop and Smell the Roses – Duluth Rose Garden
Duluth’s Rose Garden is a 4.5-acre portion of Leif Erikson Park, located at the foot of 13th Avenue East. Directly accessible from the Lakewalk, the Rose Garden features over 3,000 rose bushes and other plants, a statue of Leif Erikson, the Stone Memorial Fountain, and a gazebo that has provided the location for many weddings. It is truly a Duluth treasure.
A Great Section for a Family Hike and Picnic
From the Duluth Rose Garden to 26th Avenue East, the Lakewalk offers a tranquil yet dynamic stretch of shoreline. The wide, paved trail closely follows the lake, lined with benches, “mutt mitt” pet stations, fruit trees, and public restrooms. It’s a peaceful escape where visitors can watch cargo ships pass by, listen to waves lap the shore, and occasionally spot paddleboarders or kayakers.
This section beautifully blends horticultural elegance—like the formal landscaping of the Rose Garden—with natural features such as rugged rock ledges and pollinator zones teeming with monarch-friendly plantings. Benches and scenic overlooks invite rest and reflection, while the fully accessible path is ideal for walkers, cyclists, and families with strollers. Key access points include the Rose Garden lot at London Road and 13th Avenue East (with restrooms) and the Alexander Street lot near 26th Avenue East, adjacent to a thriving native pollinator garden.
Pivot Away from the Lake – 26th Avenue East to 32nd Avenue East
After crossing under I-35 via a cool, under-road tunnel, the scenery of the Lakewalk changes quickly in the area from 26th Avenue East to the bridge over Tischer Creek at 32nd Avenue East. Instead of running directly along the shore, the path moves inland and runs close to the train tracks.
This stretch of the Lakewalk is quite peaceful, offering great views of the surrounding wooded areas. It’s a great area to visit in the spring and early summer as the trees bloom and wildflowers emerge. And don’t be surprised if you encounter a bit of wildlife here, as well!
Lakeside Business District and Lester River
Next, the Lakewalk meanders through the Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood. Home to a Sammy’s Pizza, Amity Coffee, and cute shops like Duluth Studio Market (owned by DD photographer, Amber Nichols!), it’s a great place to grab a bite or pick up a gift, in addition to enjoying the Lakewalk.
The Lakewalk offers an impressive foot bridge over the Lester River that is truly a sight to behold.
Grand Finale – Brighton Beach
After severe storm damage in 2017–2018 eroded the shoreline and infrastructure at Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park), Duluth undertook a $6.4 million restoration project focused on climate resilience and ecological sustainability.
Completed in 2024, the redesigned Brighton Beach relocated the roadway inland, extended and separated the Lakewalk, stabilized the shoreline with stone revetments and native plantings, and added accessible amenities like picnic areas, vault toilets, and hammock stands.
Today’s Brighton Beach is a great place to walk, picnic, enjoy a sunrise, or simply sit on a bench and ponder life.
Beat the Crowds
Well, there you have it. There are many amazing sights to check out on Duluth’s Lakewalk, EAST of Canal Park. “Canal Park alternatives,” if you will.
If you’re looking to beat the busy crowds and enjoy some hidden gems – take it from a local, and consider checking out some of these fantastic locales.
Where Parking is Free
If you want to avoid the crowds and paid parking in Canal Park, consider the free lot at the Rose Garden, located on London Road near 13th Avenue East. From there, it’s about a scenic 1-mile walk along the Lakewalk to the Aerial Lift Bridge. Another free option is the lot at 26th Avenue East by the Holiday gas station, which connects to the quieter eastern end of the Lakewalk. It’s about a 3-mile walk to the Lift Bridge from there, making it perfect for those looking for a peaceful, longer stroll along the lake.
