Best attractions and places to see around Cloquet, Minnesota, include a mix of natural features, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. The area is situated along the St. Louis River, offering picturesque environments and vast green spaces. Visitors can explore the region's rich history, engage in outdoor activities, and learn about local culture. Cloquet provides diverse opportunities for exploration, from experimental forests to historic architecture.
Last updated: June 25, 2026
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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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Cloquet is rich in natural beauty, particularly along the St. Louis River. You can visit Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River and Saint Louis River Waterfall and Bridge View for dramatic river views and rocky gorges. Jay Cooke State Park offers extensive hiking trails, and the Cloquet Forestry Center provides opportunities to explore experimental forests.
Yes, Cloquet has several historical and cultural sites. The R.W. Lindholm Service Station is a notable landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. You can also explore the Cloquet Historic Sign and Outdoor Mural Projects, which depict the city's past. For local history, the Cloquet Museum features exhibits on the area's lumber industry.
The area around Cloquet offers diverse outdoor activities. Jay Cooke State Park is excellent for hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking on the St. Louis River. Pine Valley Recreation Area provides bike trails, cross-country ski trails, and hiking. You can find various routes for hiking and cycling, including easy hikes like the Silver Creek Trail, and moderate cycling loops on the Willard Munger State Trail. For more details on routes, check out the Hiking around Cloquet and Cycling around Cloquet guides.
Absolutely. Little Caboose Park offers a children's area and picnic tables, making it a great resting spot. Pinehurst Park features a lighted adult softball field, tennis courts, a basketball court, an outdoor hockey rink, a sliding hill, and a swimming area at the newly refurbished "Beach at Pinehurst Park." Gordy's Hi-Hat is also a family-friendly dining spot known for classic American meals.
For easy hiking, consider trails within Jay Cooke State Park, which offers numerous options. The Silver Creek Trail is another accessible choice. You can find more details and routes in the Easy hikes around Cloquet guide.
The warmer months, from spring through autumn, are ideal for most outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. Autumn offers particularly scenic views with changing foliage. Winter provides opportunities for cross-country skiing and other snow-based activities.
Yes, Cloquet is home to the R.W. Lindholm Service Station, which is the only gas station ever designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It's a unique blend of history and modernist architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pinehurst Park is a central hub for recreation, offering various sports facilities and a swimming area. Dunlap Island Park along the St. Louis River provides picturesque environments and green spaces for relaxation, with interpretive signs detailing the river's history.
Jay Cooke State Park is known for wildlife viewing, offering opportunities to spot various birds and mammals in its diverse habitats. The St. Louis River corridor and the Cloquet Forestry Center also provide natural environments where you might encounter local wildlife.
Yes, the Historic Truss Bridge on the Saint Louis River and the Saint Louis River Waterfall and Bridge View both offer stunning perspectives of the river, its rapids, and the rocky gorge it has carved.
The Willard Munger State Trail is a popular choice for cycling, offering routes of varying difficulties. Pine Valley Recreation Area also has dedicated bike trails. You can explore moderate cycling loops from Carlton or Thomson Township, or easier loops from Brownell. For detailed cycling routes, refer to the Cycling around Cloquet guide.
The Fond du Lac Cultural Center & Museum is an excellent place to learn about Ojibwe arts, crafts, and traditional home life, featuring handmade baskets, a cradleboard, and a moose-hide drum. Dunlap Island Park also has interpretive signs that highlight the natural and cultural history of the St. Louis River from Indigenous perspectives.
During winter, Pinehurst Park offers an outdoor hockey rink and a sliding hill. The Pine Valley Recreation Area provides cross-country ski trails, making it a great spot for winter sports enthusiasts.
Gordy's Hi-Hat is a local institution known for its nostalgic diner setting and classic American meals like burgers, fries, and milkshakes. For health-conscious options, Cloquet Natural Foods is a locally-owned store offering organic food and supplements.


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