Bardon's Peak Overlook
Iconic overlook on Skyline Parkway offering stunning panoramic views of Duluth and Lake Superior.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Bardon's Peak Overlook
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic overlook on Skyline Parkway offering stunning panoramic views of Duluth and Lake Superior.
"Easily one of my favorite overlooks. Views are absolutely breathtaking."
🚗 Drive the Skyline Parkway
Enjoy a scenic drive to the overlook. The road is generally open year-round, except in winter.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are incredible, but expect crowds during this popular time.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Duluth Views
Bardon's Peak Overlook
Breathtaking vistas of Duluth, Lake Superior, and the St. Louis River. A must-see for any visitor.
Sunset Spectacle
Bardon's Peak Overlook
Witness fiery sunsets painting the sky over the lake. A truly magical experience, though popular.
Hiking Trails
Surrounding Bardon's Peak
Explore numerous trails offering diverse scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Access and Winter Closures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive the Skyline Parkway
Enjoy a scenic drive to the overlook. The road is generally open year-round, except in winter.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are incredible, but expect crowds during this popular time.
🥾 Explore the Trails
Plenty of hiking opportunities around the overlook for nature lovers.
❄️ Winter Road Closure
Skyline Parkway and access to the overlook are closed during winter months.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive the Skyline Parkway
Enjoy a scenic drive to the overlook. The road is generally open year-round, except in winter.
🌅 Catch the Sunset
The sunset views are incredible, but expect crowds during this popular time.
🥾 Explore the Trails
Plenty of hiking opportunities around the overlook for nature lovers.
❄️ Winter Road Closure
Skyline Parkway and access to the overlook are closed during winter months.
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning photos of Duluth and Lake Superior.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Bardon's Peak Overlook for its absolutely breathtaking views of Duluth and Lake Superior, making it a favorite spot. The scenic drive along Skyline Parkway and the surrounding hiking trails add to its appeal. While it can get busy, especially at sunset, the stunning scenery makes it highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.
"Easily one of my favorite overlooks. Views are absolutely breathtaking. Plus there are tons of trails to explore and hike. One of my favorite places to go!! Can get fairly busy at times, specifically at the overlook and especially around the time the sun is setting. However, I would still absolutely recommend this overlook to anyone!"
Forrest Michaels
"Gorgeous view with lots of room for a bunch of snowmobiles too."
Misty Bergman
"Beautiful 😍 great view"
Goldwolf Plays
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bardon's Peak Overlook is accessible via Skyline Parkway. You can drive to it from both the Spirit Mountain side and the Gary side. The road is generally open year-round, but is closed during winter months.
Yes, Skyline Parkway is open to Bardon's Peak Overlook. It was previously closed in some sections, but is now accessible.
No, the road to Bardon's Peak Overlook is closed during the winter months for safety reasons.
It takes about half an hour to slowly travel along Skyline Parkway to reach the overlook, allowing time to enjoy the scenery.
You can find Bardon's Peak Overlook by following Skyline Parkway. Google Maps typically allows it to be selected as a drivable point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Bardon's Peak Overlook. It is a public scenic viewpoint.
Bardon's Peak Overlook is generally accessible during daylight hours when Skyline Parkway is open. It is closed in winter.
No, tickets are not required for Bardon's Peak Overlook as it is a free public viewpoint.
Yes, the overlook has space, and reviews mention it can accommodate multiple snowmobiles, suggesting ample room for groups.
Absolutely! It's a perfect spot for a quick stop to enjoy the views, or you can spend more time exploring the surrounding trails.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset offers beautiful light for photography. Sunsets themselves are spectacular but can be crowded. Weekday mornings provide a more serene setting for capturing the views.
You can capture panoramic views of Duluth, Lake Superior, and the St. Louis River. Sunsets are a major draw for photographers.
The main overlook area provides the most expansive views. Exploring nearby trails might offer different perspectives and compositions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic vistas. A tripod can be helpful for sunset shots or if you're shooting in lower light conditions.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules and FAA guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
Besides the stunning overlook, there are numerous hiking trails to explore in the surrounding area, offering more opportunities to connect with nature.
Yes, there are many trails around Bardon's Peak Overlook, making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
Reviews mention that the overlook has room for multiple snowmobiles, indicating it's a location used by snowmobilers when accessible.
The area offers a mix of scenic overlooks and natural terrain suitable for hiking. Expect varied trail conditions depending on the season.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not widely available in reviews. It's advisable to come prepared or check local park information.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families who enjoy a bit more activity, the numerous trails around the overlook offer a chance for kids to explore nature. Pack some snacks and water, and make it a mini-adventure. Just be mindful of the winter road closures, as this is primarily a fair-weather destination for families.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Plan your route to include this overlook, especially if you're exploring the Duluth area. The accessibility via car makes it a convenient stop, and the payoff in terms of views is significant. Just remember to check the road status, particularly if your trip is during the colder months.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Skyline Parkway
Travelers often describe the drive as gorgeous, with the road providing access to various natural areas and viewpoints. It's important to note that while the parkway is generally open, sections can be closed during winter months due to snow and ice. Always check local road conditions before planning your drive, especially if you're visiting outside of the summer season.
Beyond Bardon's Peak, Skyline Parkway connects to other points of interest, including Spirit Mountain. This makes it easy to combine a visit to the overlook with other activities in the area, creating a full day of exploration. The parkway is a key component of the Duluth experience, offering a consistent backdrop of stunning scenery.
Capturing the Perfect Shot
While the main overlook offers the most iconic vistas, don't hesitate to explore the surrounding trails. These paths can lead to unique perspectives and compositions, allowing you to capture the essence of the North Shore's natural beauty. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the full sweep of the landscape, and a tripod can be invaluable for low-light conditions during dawn or dusk.
Remember that popular times, like sunset, can bring crowds, which might affect your ability to set up for the perfect shot. Visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day can offer a more tranquil experience for photographers. Regardless of when you visit, the visual rewards at Bardon's Peak Overlook are immense.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit