Best attractions and places to see around Scanlon, Minnesota, center around its natural features and proximity to larger communities. The city is situated along the Saint Louis River, offering scenic views and outdoor opportunities. Scanlon serves as a gateway to an extensive network of multi-use trails, including parts of the Willard Munger State Trail system. Its location also provides easy access to attractions in nearby Cloquet and Duluth.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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Popular around Scanlon
The Saint Louis River is a sight, especially from the historic truss bridge that crosses it on the William Munger Trail. You can feel the force of the water as it carves a deep gorge through the rocks, creating a dramatic contrast with the forested hills. The bridge is part of Jay Cooke State Park, where you can find plenty of hiking, biking, and camping. The park also features the Thomson Dam, a hint of Duluth’s industrial past.
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This is a good park to rest at. If you pack a lunch with you or need a quick nap, do it here. There is a water fountain here to refill your bottles.
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A beautiful view of the tiny falls.
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Some amazing views of the St. Louis River Gorge. There's a nearly parking lot, so when I was biking through here, this section had a lot of pedestrians; that could change depending on the date and time you visit. There's also some trails down to the waters edge.
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The City of Carlton calls this area DNR Park, with a children's area called Little Caboose Park. It has a single sheltered area with picnic tables. I ran into several bikers who started from Duluth and used this as the turning around location. One of those people happily told those heading north that it was all downhill from this point on. There is a water fountain here, but it was disabled; I couldn't say if permanent or because of COVID-19.
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Scanlon is rich in natural beauty, primarily centered around the Saint Louis River. You can experience the river's power and scenic views from the Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River, which offers views of the river carving a deep gorge through rocks. Another excellent spot is the Saint Louis River Waterfall and Bridge View, providing scenic vistas of rushing rapids and the rocky gorge.
Yes, Scanlon offers family-friendly options. The Little Caboose Park is a great spot with a sheltered area and picnic tables, often used as a resting point for cyclists. The Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River is also considered family-friendly, offering accessible views and connecting to trails suitable for various ages.
The Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River is a notable historical site. It's part of the William Munger Trail and provides access to Jay Cooke State Park, offering a glimpse into the region's past while enjoying the natural landscape. Additionally, the nearby city of Duluth features the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, showcasing Minnesota's railroading history.
Scanlon is a gateway to extensive outdoor activities, especially cycling and hiking. The area is known for its multi-use trails, including parts of the Willard Munger State Trail system. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Willard Munger State Trail – Trail cut through the rock loop' or the 'Swinging bridges loop'. For hikers, options range from easy paths like the 'Silver Creek Trail' to more challenging routes like the 'Willard Munger and Superior Hiking Trail Loop'. Explore more options on the Cycling around Scanlon and Hiking around Scanlon guide pages.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. The 'Silver Creek Trail' is a popular easy option, as is the 'Hiking loop from Jay Cooke State Park'. These trails offer accessible ways to enjoy the natural surroundings. You can find more easy routes on the Easy hikes around Scanlon guide page.
For stunning views, visit the Saint Louis River Waterfall and Bridge View, which offers picturesque scenes of the river's rapids and gorge. The Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River also provides excellent vantage points over the river and its dramatic landscape.
Visitors particularly appreciate the dramatic views of the Saint Louis River and its gorge, especially from the historic truss bridge. The area's trails are also highly valued for cycling and hiking, with many enjoying the scenic routes and the opportunity to rest at spots like Little Caboose Park. The natural beauty and outdoor opportunities are consistently highlighted.
Yes, the region offers interesting geological formations. The Saint Louis River itself has carved a deep, rocky gorge, which is a significant natural feature. Additionally, nearby Knife Island Campground in Esko is known for its unique slate rock formations sculpted by glaciers, offering a fascinating 'geological classroom'.
At Little Caboose Park, you'll find a sheltered area with picnic tables, making it a convenient resting spot. While a water fountain is present, its operational status can vary. Many trails in the area, particularly those part of the Willard Munger State Trail system, offer various amenities along their routes, though specific facilities can differ by location.
Scanlon's location provides easy access to attractions in nearby Cloquet and Duluth. In Cloquet, you can find options for golfing, snowmobiling, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Duluth, a short drive away, offers a wider array of experiences including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, and the Waterfront Sculpture Walk along the lake.
Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous experience, the 'Willard Munger and Superior Hiking Trail Loop' is a difficult-grade route that offers a significant challenge. This trail combines sections of two extensive trail systems, providing a longer and more demanding hike. You can find more details on the Hiking around Scanlon guide page.
The Willard Munger State Trail is a prominent multi-use trail system that runs through the Scanlon area. The Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River is part of this trail, offering access to Jay Cooke State Park. Several cycling and hiking routes around Scanlon utilize sections of the Willard Munger State Trail, including loops from Carlton and Thomson Township. You can explore specific routes on the Cycling around Scanlon and Hiking around Scanlon guide pages.


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