Exploring Duluth’s Parks
When you visit Duluth for Grandma’s Marathon, you can’t miss the main attraction — Lake Superior, but just a few blocks from the lake are some not-so-hidden gems right in the heart of Duluth. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a family, it’s worth exploring some of Duluth’s parks. Following are just a few parks not far from the marathon course.
Lester Park
Runners will cross over the Lester River at about mile 19 in the marathon and mile 6 in the half. Further upstream is Lester Park (in the aptly named Lester Park neighborhood). The park features more than 9 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails between the Amity Creek and the Lester River. There are picnic areas, BBQ grills, a playground and hiking trails.
Congdon Park
If you’re up for a hike before or after the race, be sure to visit Congdon Park — along Tischer Creek — which has some of the most beautiful hiking trails, with stunning waterfalls and picturesque bridges.
Park Point
Just on the other side of the Aerial Lift Bridge is known as Park Point — you’ll find a sandy beach and if you follow Minnesota Avenue to the end, you’ll reach a public park with beach access and beach house. This is the perfect post-race place to cool off your legs in Lake Superior!
There are many more options beyond these few spots, but I highly recommend checking out some of Duluth’s many parks. Here’s a link to a full list.
Angie Andresen
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: One of my favorite things is when friends and family members run a Grandma’s race for the first time. My husband’s very-first race was the William Irvin 5k. After he finished, he exclaimed, “People were cheering for me! I’ve never had people cheer for me before!” (He’s since run 4 marathons and 15 half marathons.) It just goes to show the power of the amazing spectators during Grandma’s Marathon weekend!
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “After the flood, all the colors came out.” – U2
Favorite post-race beverage: Portland Malt Shoppe hot fudge banana shake
Running superstition: I won’t wear a finisher shirt until I’ve actually finished the race.
Three words to describe your training, racing or life: I run… Because I can
2025 running goal: Celebrate the small wins along the way