Yes, we know “coastal” implies an ocean coast. But Duluth, Minnesota sits on the shores of Lake Superior, a veritable inland sea that’s considered, in several ways, the largest freshwater lake on Earth; and the city’s beaches, harbor, and maritime heritage all argue in favor of it being a coastal community. It’s definitely the best coastal town in Minnesota and, we think, one of the best in the United States. Here’s why.

Duluth, Minnesota sits on a natural harbor where the St. Louis River flows into Lake Superior.
Duluth and Lake Superior in Summer seen from Above by Drone
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Lake Superior is (we’ll say “arguably” because there’s sometimes disagreement) the largest freshwater lake by surface area on the planet. It’s a crucial port for commercial shipping in North America.
And Duluth is the busiest shipping center on the world’s biggest lake.
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It’s a port of call for lake boats, barges, ocean-going freighters, and even cruise ships.
Several lighthouses dot the shoreline, while kayakers, anglers, and pleasure vessels take to the waters off Duluth.
A breakwater lighthouse on Lake Superior with a sailboat.
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From Duluth, Park Point, the world’s longest freshwater sand bar, stretches southeast for seven miles toward Wisconsin.
Park Point beach. Duluth. Lake Superior. Minnesota. USA.
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This means that there’s almost seven miles of sandy, dune-backed beach for the residents of Duluth and visitors to enjoy.
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In 2022, Travel + Leisure named Park Point one of the “25 Best Beaches in the U.S.A.” - and we certainly understand why!
After a long day on the beach or water, you can stretch your legs with a stroll on the Lakewalk - a waterfront boardwalk along Lake Superior that connects with several more miles of paved trails on the bluffs above the water.
Sunrise at North Shore of Lake Superior, taken at the Lake walk Canal Park Duluth Minnesota
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Renowned for its rough waters when the wind kicks up (think Edmund Fitzgerald), not everybody avoids the Big Lake when it’s rough. Many people flock to it. In fact, there are several popular surf spots in the Duluth area, and the University of Minnesota Duluth offers a recreational sports program in surfing during the school year. Pretty “coastal” right?

We think a busy international shipping port where people enjoy boating, fishing, surfing, boardwalk strolls, and days spent on one of the country’s best beaches makes Duluth as “coastal” as any other place in the country – and one of the best of the bunch. If you’ve never been to this amazing coastal town in Minnesota, you should certainly take at least a day to explore Duluth.

So, what do you think – is Duluth a coastal town? If so, is it the best coastal town in Minnesota? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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