Originally published July 10, 2008, on DuluthBudgeteer.com.
I've always contended that one of the biggest highlights of Lake Superior Zoo is its natural surroundings, and a little taste of the Fairmont Park portion of Kingsbury Creek is all I need to prove this little theory.
And the best thing about this camera-ready creek, which runs through the zoo on its way to the St. Louis River, is that it's easily accessible to hikers of all skill levels.
The two entry points I recommend most are by visiting the nature trail found within Lake Superior Zoo -- zoo admission required, of course -- or via the Superior Hiking Trail spur trail at the northern end of Waseca Street in West Duluth (which is, as you may already know, within walking distance of the zoo's entrance).
The zoo route is primarily a controlled experience, so it's more or less just a way to get the most out of your trip to Lake Superior Zoo.
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If you have time, however, the second route offers you much more options. On your way up to the main section of the Superior Hiking Trail (along what is known as Kingsbury Creek Trail), you'll encounter the celebrated Willard Munger State Trail; so, should you grow bored with admiring the beautiful Kingsbury Creek, you always have the option of abandoning your original journey to see where Munger leads you.
And, as an added bonus, as your vehicle is parked in Fairmont Park, you can break out the picnic goods (tables provided) after a long day of hiking.
"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 of Kingsbury Creek or Lake Superior Zoo, click on the accompanying photo galleries.
