Originally published Jan. 19, 2007, on DuluthBudgeteer.com.
No one expects to find restored wetlands in the armpit of the west end's industrial sector, so that's probably why Grassy Point Trail is such a great find.
Mindy Granley of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources suggested the nature area, as its restoration was a joint effort between her organization, the city, an office of the Environmental Protection Agency and the state's Lake Superior Coast Program.
It probably goes without saying, but a lot of love went into this project.
The care shows, too, as a milelong, city-constructed boardwalk takes visitors from the parking lot (at the end of Lesure Street in West Duluth) through a wooded area, around a bend and smack right into some of the St. Louis River's glorious wetlands.
ADVERTISEMENT
It hits you hard because nothing about the area screams of natural beauty. The "mountains" in these pictures (see accompanying photo gallery)? Actually limestone and coal. That bridge-looking structure beyond the cattails? That is the Bong Bridge.
So, while the protected area only stretches so far, the juxtaposition of industrialization and wetlands serves as a reminder of what a little TLC can do to land formerly occupied by turn-of-the-century sawmills.
To get there, take the Central Avenue exit and head toward the bay, take a left onto Raleigh Street, follow this over a bridge and take another left onto Lesure Street. Follow this until its terminus (the trail).
For more information on Grassy Point (and perhaps better directions to it), check out www.dnr.state.mn.us/rprp/grassypoint .
"Discover Duluth" is an ongoing photo essay series by Matthew R. Perrine that highlights points of interest around the region.
