Discover Duluth Redux: Jay Cooke State Park, Vol. I & II

Originally published Aug. 21, 2008, on DuluthBudgeteer.com.

Jay Cooke is something special.

Although it’s not technically the closest state park to Duluth’s city center — that’d be Pattison on the outskirts of Superior — it’s pretty darn close.

That’s not the reason it is so popular amongst Northlanders seeking to escape civilization, however; I personally believe it holds it own against the almighty Gooseberry Falls because getting there is half the fun.

But since we already covered the road to Jay Cooke, let’s move on to what will always be considered the heart of the park: the Civilian Conservation Corps-era River Inn Visitor Center and the famous Swinging Bridge found just out its doors.

Granted, you’ll have to deal with more crowds here than at some of the more-secluded areas of the park, but you may as well check out the spectacular views from the bridge while you’re down at the visitor center squaring away your vehicle permit and/or grabbing a drink.

And the well-worn walk up the banks of the St. Louis? Not to be missed.

“Discover Duluth” is an ongoing photo essay series by Matthew R. Perrine that highlights points of interest in and around the region. For more photos from this set, click on the accompanying links at left. For more information on this park, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/jay_cooke/index.html.