Construction Updates and Timelines

Originally built in 1986 as a half-mile path, Duluth’s Lakewalk was extended over the years with the help of Friends of the Lakewalk (FotL). Duluth’s Lakewalk now consists of over eight miles of paved pedestrian and bicycle trail stretching from Bayfront Park through Brighton Beach / Kitchi Gammi Park, much of it along the Lake Superior shore. Construction work continues to address major damage from past storms. There are four projects planned for 2024 – 2025 – 2026 that tie together:

- Kitchi Gammi Park (Brighton Beach) Project
- Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Area
- Endion Station “Corner of the Lake” to 26th Avenue East
- Harbor Plaza/Baywalk/Seawall Project

RAISE Grant Project Update: Endion Station “Corner of the Lake" to 26th Avenue East
This is a multimillion project from the Endion Station "Corner of the Lake" to 26th Avenue East. It includes repositioning and widening the Lakewalk to 12-15 feet, correcting ADA issues, continuing shoreline resiliency, reducing social trails, formalizing key trails, and adding natural play-space, vault toilets and a picnic pavilion, plus more!
Cliff Knettel informed the attendees that the awarded federal funding remains delayed under the policies of the current federal administration. The city has continued to advance the project by completing the required reviews (environmental, historical and cultural) and resolving any right-of-way issues.  Cliff explained that in addition to Improving the Lakewalk, the project has value in helping protect the overall infrastructure of the area including the railroad tracks, Interstate 35, sewer lines and other utilities.This project is still on track for 2026 but could possibly go into 2027. Ideally, completed in one construction season. City staff do not know phasing until the contractor is hired. It could start at one end or the other, or the middle. Prior to construction starting, city staff are looking forward to at least one more meeting with stakeholder groups.

 A description of the project can be found on these Duluth Parks websites. 

Cliff emphasized the main objectives are:
Resiliency (retreating the Lakewalk from the shoreline, adjust configuration of Lakewalk by getting closer to RR, shoreline restoration and reinforcement, re-wilding, combine and reduce social trails)
Safety (trail widening from 8 feet to 12 - 15 feet where possible, providing greater separation between wheeled and foot traffic wherever possible, harmonize user categories, consolidating social trails, along the mural section raise the blacktop even to the boardwalk, address congestion below Malt Shop)
ADA Compliance (resolving grade issues at Leif Erikson Park and between 23rd and 27th Avenues East, big component is to provide a bypass and new gateway into Leif Erikson Park)
Enhance.ments (reset & improving the trail surface, adding climate-resilient amenities at various pause-points along the trail, adding new and improving interpretive & wayfinding signage)
Transportation & infrastructure related (Lakewalk, railroad, federal highway corridor, and streets. These transportation routes, wastewater pumping stations, overflow basins & tanks, plus water & sewer lines would be jeopardized if the shoreline protection and buffer were not there.
Pause points & trailheads (identify them, address, & update including access, adding benches, picnic tables, restrooms, and picnic shelter. Expansive lawns will be replaced with more pollinator gardens)
Roundabout at 26 Ave E (More to come in future meetings with DOT engineers for connectivity and spur trail behind Perkins, plans to improve parking lot behind Circle K)

·Please go to the above link to view 39 pages of plans including in part the details below about the Leif Erikson Park Bypass:
Key Design Features:
− New bike/bypass trail at 12’ width will parallel railroad tracks and will no longer require entry into main park area − Approximately 400LF of retaining wall needed to support slope and new trail alignment − Pedestrian links into park align with bandshell
− New pedestrian path along existing Lakewalk trail alignment to include new stairs − Native planting restoration limited to areas only disturbed during construction
− Work with established community partnership to protect, incorporate, or relocate existing gardens.

Cliff Knettel also reported briefly on these other projects:

Harbor Plaza/Baywalk/Seawall/Harbor Waterfront Plaza Project Update
Upon completion in early 2026, this project will create and define a new harbor plaza area by reimagining the use and function of the waterfront and Harbor Drive between the Minnesota Slip Bridge and Bayfront Festival Park. It includes accommodations for the Great Lakes cruise ship industry, more intentional resting spaces, and improved walking and gathering areas.
Cliff explained that it is mostly complete including the seawall rebuild and other resiliency measures, portable gated wall wave-action mitigation structures to prevent flooding, increased high demand area, event-ready spaces to encourage use for performances and other events, enhanced seating and amenities.  Includes cruise/passenger ship docking & customs entry, Full completion will include interpretive and wayfinding signage.  Harbor Drive and Waterfront Plaza are temporarily closed when cruise ships are loading and unloading.

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center Area
A project to improve the lakeshore near the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center began in November 2024. Completion is projected into 2026. The project will construct a shoreline protection system comprised of a concrete T-wall armored by a stone revetment to decrease the adverse effects of weather and wave damage. The improvements will provide needed upgrades to the 200 feet of pedestrian walkway and ultimately connect the City of Duluth's Lake Walk structure to the Duluth Ship Canal North Pier

Jim Topie explained this Army Corp shoreline resilience & user project: Work continues, shoreline boulders as adjacent. Walkway continues from current, nautical theme propellers and anchors in place. Work will continue into 2026.

Partnerships
The FotL organization actively partners with the City of Duluth and its Parks and Recreation department (https://duluthmn.gov/parks/) on designated projects for the benefit of the Lakewalk. We have provided input to analyze existing conditions, identify problem areas, and contribute ideas of needed park elements. Design solutions address shoreline protection, accessibility improvements, the need for signage, and creation of spaces for reflection and gathering along the city’s Canal Park tourism district and other areas including Brighton Beach.

ADA standards and safety improvements
FotL has been strong advocates that the Lakewalk needs to be brought up to ADA standards and to have safety elements addressed. There are three primary areas that currently do not meet ADA: hills at Leif Erikson Park, intersection and “S” curve grade at 23rd Ave E, and juncture at 26th Ave E. We are happy to announce that these are planned to be corrected in 2026 to meet ADA standards and provide a safer environment for walkers, bikers, and motorists.

Signage
FotL Partnership and Project Committee members are teaming with Duluth Parks staff to plan for, fund, and install wayfinding and interpretive signage along the Lakewalk in 2026. Wayfinding/directional signs provide ties to adjacent neighborhoods. Interpretive signs address Duluth’s history, culture, and heritage.

Join & get involved
Help is always needed. By joining Friends of the Lakewalk, members receive emails, construction updates, and how to get involved with projects such as these.