Spirit Mountain Campground

The Great Outdoors

Spirit Mountain offers year-round fun to adventurers. In summers, the ski slopes transform into a world-class downhill mountain biking challenges, and it’s consistently voted one of the top 5 bike parks in the midwest. The adventure park also has its share of thrills. The alpine coaster is a 3,200-foot elevated track with pulse-pounding twists and stunning views of St. Louis River and Duluth. Riders can achieve speeds of up to 26mph.The southern terminus trailhead to Superior Hiking Trail is found within walking distance of the Spirit Mountain Adventure Park. The trail stretches over 300 miles from Spirit Mountain to just south of the Canada-U.S. border. Hikers will enjoy trekking on this path. At times, it ascends low ridges upon which shimmering Lake Superior can be enjoyed. The trail snakes into deep woods where mature, hundreds-of-years-old trees tower, standing guard against time itself. It passes through open meadows and skirts around wetlands where thatches of blueberry bushes can be harvested for snacks.For even more outdoor fun, Jay Cooke State Park is especially well known for its meadows, which bloom in a vibrant blaze of colors in spring and swinging suspension bridges that cross the wild St. Louis River. Timberwolves (also known as gray wolves) have been spotted roaming these woods. Massive pawprints that belong to the shy black bears are frequently found in the soft mud by creeks. There are over 50 miles of hiking trails to explore, and an additional 13 miles are multi-use, shared with bicycles and horses. In wintertime, cross-country skiers and snowshoes hit these trails, exploring the snowy wonders. Snowshoes are available for rent at the park office.

Exploring the Area

There’s more to Minnesota than hiking and fishing. Nearby Duluth has a wide array of shops, restaurants, museums, and other attractions for visitors to explore. But don’t neglect the small rural towns that dot central Minnesota. They too, are, full of charm and history.Just across the Minnesota-Wisconsin state borders is Old Firehouse & Police Museum in Superior, WI. Housed in an original firehouse that was built in 1898, several vintage vehicles, tools, memorabilia, photographs, and other artifacts are on display. Fond du Lac Cultural Center in Cloquet features the history of Lake Superior Chippewa Native American tribe. The center also regularly hosts events like demonstrating birch bark weaving and moccasin-making classes. The facility is open to visitors on Monday and Friday.Hop into a rental motorhome and join the other adventurers on the Lake Superior Scenic Byway. Along the way, ogle historic lighthouses, many of which are restored to their original condition. Locals claim the most scenic lighthouse in the world is near Two Harbors, MN. The Split Rock Lighthouse is set atop a high, rugged cliff that overlooks the vast, blue lake. Guided tours of the lighthouse and the keeper’s house are available daily.Build a crackling campfire outside your travel trailer rental, and as the sky darkens, listen to the hum of crickets and croaking toads. Watch stars appear in the pollution-free night sky as you enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.