Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA
Contact Information
Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA
Minnesota Ave ( Park Point Nature Trail)Duluth, MN 55802
In Duluth, from I-35 4.8 miles SE on Lake Ave (becomes Minnesota Ave after aerial lift bridge). Park in public lot on W just before Sky Harbor Seaplane Base. Hike trail NE of hangars and runway 0.75 mile to site.
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This SNA hosts a magnificent old-growth pine forest near the eastern tip of Minnesota Point, the 7-mile long sandbar that shelters the Duluth Harbor and Superior Bay from the open waters of Lake Superior. Large red and white pines are anchored in the sandy soil of beach ridges. Many are between 120 and 200 years old, their crowns rising higher than 100 feet.
Together with the adjacent St. Louis River estuary, this is a hot spot for birds and birders. During spring and fall the Point serves as a critical stopover area for migratory birds funneling along the North Shore to rest and refuel. The SNA's old growth forest also offers summer breeding habitat for up to 16 species of northern forest birds.
As visitors enter the cool, shady forest of the SNA with its towering red and white pines, the benefits of its preservation are abundantly clear. There is nowhere else in Minnesota quite like it.
This site has a hiking trail. The city of Duluth's Park Point is adjacent to this site. This site is in an Audubon Important Bird Area and Watchable Wildlife Viewing Area.
Rates
Free