Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway
State: Minnesota
Length: 24 mi / 38.6 km
Time to Allow: 45 minutes
Even a first-time visitor to Duluth, Minnesota will understand where Lake Superior got its name. This incredible inland Great Lake has been captivating visitors and visionaries alike since long before the first Europeans set foot on its shores, and continues to strike awe into the hearts of those who see it. While one of the best ways to see Lake Superior is to make your way out into its watery heart, for those more comfortable with vehicle travel, Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway is an incredible alternative to taking up sailing. This byway offers travelers a bird’s-eye view of the lake, as well as an unbeatable view of Duluth itself. The comparison of the port town’s urban sprawl to the natural splendor of Lake Superior is well worth the drive. Thankfully, as with any truly great byway, there are plenty of tourism opportunities along this highway that offer you more than just incredible memories and stunning pictures.
Duluth is home to the Duluth Traverse Trail, a fantastic mountain biking trail that makes its way through the entire city. However, this is not the only trail available to visitors, as there are countless hiking and walking trails along this byway that are sure to catch your eye. The more leisurely visitor can pick from any number of local parks and picnic locations along the way, and dedicated bird watchers will be hard-pressed to find a better watching spot than Hawk Ridge, a migratory hotspot for birds during the spring and fall months.
For those who are drawn to urban centers, Duluth is home to countless food and leisure opportunities, including shopping areas, entertainment options, and more. Those interested in the history of the area can take advantage of several monument locations in the area, as well as participate in the living history of the area by walking through the port town as it stands now. Those interested in architecture will find themselves in awe of Glensheen Mansion, an incredible historic house finished in 1908 that now serves as a house museum to the area. Those who are fans of water sports will find plenty of boating options throughout the region thanks to the proximity to Lake Superior, making this an incredibly versatile vacation destination for anyone looking to stay awhile.
While the byway itself takes under an hour to drive, visitors will find themselves spending more and more time here to take in the sights and enjoy the splendor of Lake Superior from a stunning vantage point. Local forests and parks offer plenty of recreation opportunities, and the dedicated biker can view all of Duluth from the comfort of their favorite mountain bike. Those interested in walking the city will find the port city layout of Duluth welcoming to pedestrians and may find themselves enticed by the local eateries and shopping options. No matter what brings you to the Skyline Parkway, you’re sure to find yourself seeing a different side of Minnesota than you’ve ever seen before, and may even be tempted to extend your stay to check out some of the other scenic byways that so encapsulate the spirit of this incredible state.
More Minnesota Byways
You can check out additional Byways in Minnesota by clicking on the list of byways below, or by going to the Minnesota Byways home section. To find even more of scenic byways in the United States, visit our scenic byways map.