Introduction
Despite the fact that much of Duluth is on a hill, it actually serves as a great place for inline skating, In fact, it is home to the North Shore Inline Marathon, one of the nation’s largest inline skating events. Including Duluth’s iconic Lakewalk, there are a number of flat, smooth routes for skaters to enjoy. The Twin Ports also has a roller derby league if you are interested in a more high intensity skating sport. The Duluth Superior Roller Derby is open to boys and girls ages 6 and up.
North Shore Inline Marathon
- General info: The event includes a 13.1 mile half marathon and the popular 26.2 mile full marathon. The full marathon begins just South of Two Harbors and follows Scenic HYY 61 until emptying out into I-35′s tunnels in East Duluth. The race ends in Duluth at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.
- Fees: It’s a good idea to sign up early because you will save money. The fee breakdown is as follows:
- $49 Early bird registration
- $59 Fall all registrations through May 31
- $69 For all registrations June 1 – June 30
- $79 For all registrations July 1 – July 31
- $89 For all registrations August 1 – August 31
- $99 For all registrations Sept 1 – Sept 7
- $109 For all registrations Sept 8 – Sept 15 – Online Registration closes at 7pm CST on Thursday the 15th!
- $125 For all registrations Sept 16th at the DECC NSIM expo 12-8pm
- Course map
- More: For more information regarding the race, visit the North Shore Inline Marathon website.
Routes
Howard Gnesen Rd
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Length: It’s up to you, but from the intersection of Arrowhead Rd and Kenwood Ave to Normanna Rd, it’s roughly 12 miles, 24 miles round trip.
- Map:
View Howard Gnesen Rd in a larger map
- More: A DuluthOutdoors.com insider said he ran the majority of the route and it’s not flat, be prepared for hills (very manageable but hills nonetheless), and low shoulders. The road winds through suburban Duluth and is quite pretty. If you choose to travel further than Normanna Rd, you can hook up with Co Hwy 4 and skate to Island Lake!
Jean Duluth Rd
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Length: About 11 miles from Woodland Ave and Snively Rd to Normanna Rd.
- Map:
View Jean Duluth Rd in a larger map
- More: Slightly flatter than Howard Gnesen. Straight shot to Normanna Rd.
Lakewalk
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Length: 4.2 miles from 27th Ave E and Bayfront Festival Park.
- Map
- More: By far one of Duluth’s most heavily trafficked trails, as it follows Lake Superior and leads to Canal Park. The trail is paved and in very good condition. If you enjoy a laid back skate with great views of Lake Superior, this is a good option. If you like speed and space, consider another route. There are many restaurants along the way and shops in Canal Park if you are looking to make a few stops. You can also jump in the lake to cool off. The Lakewalk stretches all the way to 60th Ave E … from 27th Ave E to 60th Ave E the trail is less crowded and smoother for skating.
Millenium Trail
- Location: Superior, WI
- Length: 1.6 miles from Elmira Ave to Billings Drive
- Map
- More: This is a 10 foot wide, paved trail in the Superior Municipal Forest. You can park at the trailhead at 28th street and Wyoming Ave.
North Shore and Lester River Rd
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Length: The Northshore route from Brighton Beach to Two Harbors is about 20 miles. The Lester River Rd route from Superior Street to Co Hwy 12 is about 7 miles.
- Map:
View North Shore and Lester River Rd in a larger map
- More: For Lester River Rd, parking at Lester Park is your best option. The road leads up the hill from the lake so it’s a climb! For the North Shore route, you can park at Lester, take Superior street to HWY 61 and cross over to Old N Shore Rd, or you could park at Brighton Beach and avoid crossing the busy Hwy 61 altogether.
Osaugie Trail
- Location: Superior, Wisconsin
- Length: 5 miles along the Superior Bay
- Map
- More: this trail is very similar to Duluth’s Lakewalk. Good for a casual ride, expect crowds of all kinds.
