Too nice out to work

I’d like to go swimming today but want to avoid the hordes at Park Point. I have two little ones and would like some sand if possible. Any recommendations? I had heard there was a hidden beach somewhere in Knife River but don’t know where.

15 Comments

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

It seems you're looking for a beach, but here's a link to a post and comments about swimming holes from summer 2010, in case anyone finds it useful:

Favorite Duluth Area Swimming Holes

Hillel Slovak

about 13 years ago

I mean, Superior has the world's longest freshwater sandbar.  All you need to do is drive down to one of the intermediary points between PP and the airport and yer golden, if that doesn't work, head over to Wisconsin, there is never a need for anyone to want for unpopulated beach around here, there are miles and miles. In the immortal words of Buckwheat, don't go lookin' pa nub in all the wrong places.

The Big E

about 13 years ago

It's a bit of a hike, but the mouth of the Brule River was a revelation to me.

Swan

about 13 years ago

The mouth of the Knife River has a moderate beach.

Hollie

about 13 years ago

I was at Park Point twice this week (Wednesday and Friday).  Both days were gorgeous and the beach wasn't crowded at all.  I just walked down the beach a little bit to get away from the main swim area.  It was quiet and there were only a few other people within shouting distance.  Maybe I was just there at the right time?  I'm new to Duluth and this was my first time using the beach.  Perhaps it's usually much more crowded and I just got lucky.

JBDRUM

about 13 years ago

We go to Pike Lake out Martin Road near the boat launch.  It is never crowded and the water is usually calm and shallow.

maria

about 13 years ago

I've never been anywhere on the Park Point beach where you couldn't get away from a crowd simply by walking for 5 minutes.

Amy

about 13 years ago

Knife River Marina beach (I think different from the "moderate" one at the mouth of the river.

Turn right at Knife River Campground off Scenic 61, cross railroad tracks. Veer left off the paved road onto gravel, follow straight to the beach.  It is marked once you get there.

This has been a recent favorite for me and my little ones because: a.) no crowds b.) short walk c.) agates d.) Great Lakes Candy Kitchen in Knife River. (Across the river on 61)

There isn't sand, necessarily, but tiny rocks, which are still apparently entertaining for a 3 year old.  Also some big rock shelves for climbing on.

doubledutch

about 13 years ago

I always find quiet beach spots, even on the weekend.  On Park Point, Lafayette has been empty when I go there (park at Lafayette Community Center, 30th St), or sometimes we drive down near the airport and swim on the "wrong" side, if for some reason we want to park and only walk a few feet to the beach.  (When I'm being lazy, I guess.)

Last weekend (July 3rd), I went to Wisconsin Point.  There were some other groups, but all spread out, not crowded, on what I would guess is one of the busiest weekends of the year.  

So, WonderWoman, where did you go?

Paul Lundgren

about 13 years ago

There are also beaches (not necessarily secluded) at Pattison State Park and on Island Lake, but like others have commented, it is much easier (depending on your location) to just go to the end of Park Point and find an open area.

Bryn

about 13 years ago

Beach at the mouth of the Knife River is private property.  Go to Park Point, drive past the beach house and park at the Airport, all the way at the end.  Beach will be quiet, and GORGEOUS!!

WonderWoman

about 13 years ago

Thanks for all of the tips, homies...we did end up braving the crowds on Park Point, where I actually grew up. I was just looking for something new, and now I have some good idears (though I will be steering clear of WI Point after reading today's DNT).

-Berv

about 13 years ago

Good.  The less people on Wisconsin Point, the better.

wildknits

about 13 years ago

Two reasons not to swim on the 'wrong side' near Sky Harbor Airport:

1. It is the St. Louis River Bay = polluted. Though water may be cleaner than a decade or two ago I am very suspect of what lies within the soils at the bottom of the bay and what gets stirred up when they perform the needed dredging to clear the shipping channel.

2. That little bay within a bay is actually a seaplane (aka floatplane) landing area. The faded signs scattered about attest to this and state no "watersports". Obviously much ignored by local swimmers and boaters. Depending on the wind conditions airplanes may actually use that area for landings and take-offs.

adam

about 13 years ago

When there's poop-in-the-lake advisories (birds, or otherwise), they are generally for the harbor side.

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