Leif Erikson Park and Rose Garden
A scenic park on Duluth's Lakewalk, featuring a vibrant rose garden, Lake Superior views, and the Angel of Hope Memorial.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bloom for roses
Leif Erikson Park and Rose Garden
Best Time
Peak bloom for roses
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic park on Duluth's Lakewalk, featuring a vibrant rose garden, Lake Superior views, and the Angel of Hope Memorial.
"Great park with lake access, a train track overlook, and a beautiful rose garden."
🚶♀️ Stroll the Lakewalk
Connects to Canal Park for extended walks with great lake views. :athletic_shoe:
🌸 Check Rose Bloom Status
Roses are best in summer; other seasons offer different garden beauty. :seedling:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rose Garden
North end of the park
A vibrant display of roses and peonies, offering a fragrant and colorful escape with beautiful landscaping.
Lake Superior Overlook
Along the Lakewalk
Panoramic views of the vast lake and the iconic Lift Bridge, perfect for a moment of reflection.
Angel of Hope Memorial
Within the Rose Garden
A poignant memorial honoring children, set amidst serene gardens and overlooking the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lake Views
Garden Blooms & Event Vibes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll the Lakewalk
Connects to Canal Park for extended walks with great lake views.
🌸 Check Rose Bloom Status
Roses are best in summer; other seasons offer different garden beauty. :seedling:
⚠️ Beach Safety
Be mindful of litter and potential hazards on the beach areas. :warning:
📸 Capture the Views
Ideal spot for photos of Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll the Lakewalk
Connects to Canal Park for extended walks with great lake views.
🌸 Check Rose Bloom Status
Roses are best in summer; other seasons offer different garden beauty. :seedling:
⚠️ Beach Safety
Be mindful of litter and potential hazards on the beach areas. :warning:
📸 Capture the Views
Ideal spot for photos of Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Leif Erikson Park for its beautiful Rose Garden, stunning Lake Superior views, and convenient Lakewalk access. It's a great spot for a peaceful stroll or picnic. However, some reviewers note that the beach area can unfortunately be marred by litter and debris, detracting from the overall experience. +1
"This is a really awesome stop. There is lake access, a train track overlook, and a beautiful rose park/ garden. I would give all 5 stars, but sadly the amount of old booze bottles, trash, and a few needles on the beach pulled it down.
I would still absolutely recommend stopping here, just be careful where you step and what you touch."
Maggie Milam
"What a great park near the lake, built mostly above the highway. A nice trail that leads you to more trails down by the train tracks and along the lake. Sadly the rose bushes weren’t in bloom as I can only imagine how much more beautiful the park would be. Stop by here to stretch your legs or have a picnic!"
Denai C
"Leaf Erikson Park is right on Lake Superior just up the boardwalk from canal park. There is a beach that can be accessed through the park as well as a nice flower garden on the north end of the park. It has good views of Lake Superior and the Lift Bridge"
Corey Chapman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Leif Erikson Park is conveniently located along the Duluth Lakewalk, easily accessible by car with free parking available. It's also a pleasant walk or bike ride from Canal Park.
Yes, there is free parking available near the restroom facilities, making it easy to access the park and its amenities.
Absolutely! The park is directly on the Lakewalk, which is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. It connects to other trails and areas like Canal Park.
Walking is ideal to fully appreciate the rose garden, lake views, and memorial. Biking is also great for covering more ground on the Lakewalk.
The Lakewalk and main park areas are generally paved and accessible, though some beach access points might be uneven.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Leif Erikson Park is a public park and entry is completely free. You can enjoy the gardens and lake views without any admission fee.
As a public park, Leif Erikson Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. There are no specific closing times posted for the park itself.
The Rose Garden is part of Leif Erikson Park and is free to enter. Enjoy the beautiful blooms without any cost.
The park has a small stage that may be available for events. It's best to contact the Duluth Parks and Recreation department for booking information and availability.
Standard park rules apply, such as no littering and respecting the memorial sites. Be mindful of the natural environment and other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The Rose Garden offers colorful backdrops, the Lakewalk provides stunning lake and Lift Bridge views, and the Angel of Hope Memorial is a unique subject.
While the park faces Lake Superior, the sunset views might be partially obstructed by the landscape depending on the season. Sunrise can be spectacular over the lake.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to check with the Duluth Parks and Recreation department for any permit requirements.
Early morning or late afternoon 'golden hours' offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks to ensure safety and respect for other visitors. Check local regulations before flying.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the park is adjacent to the Lakewalk, which leads to Canal Park, a hub with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering various cuisines.
Absolutely! Leif Erikson Park is a perfect spot for a picnic. There are open grassy areas and benches, and you can enjoy your meal with a view of the lake.
Typically, there are no permanent food vendors within Leif Erikson Park itself. However, during special events, temporary vendors might be present.
The nearby Canal Park area offers a wide range of dining options, from casual cafes and pubs to more upscale restaurants, including options for seafood and American cuisine.
Yes, many restaurants in the Canal Park area offer takeout, which you can then enjoy at Leif Erikson Park. It's a popular choice for a scenic meal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers & Runners
📸 Photographers
+1 The Angel of Hope Memorial also presents unique photographic opportunities with its poignant atmosphere. Remember to be mindful of other visitors and the park's natural beauty. :camerawithflash:Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Rose Garden
+1The Angel of Hope Memorial is a significant feature nestled within the gardens. This memorial honors children who have been lost, providing a space for remembrance and reflection. Surrounded by engraved bricks and blooming flowers, it adds a layer of emotional depth to the park's natural beauty. The combination of vibrant flora and this touching tribute creates a unique and moving experience for visitors.
While the roses are the star, the garden's appeal extends beyond just the blooms. The careful landscaping, the variety of plants, and the serene ambiance make it a highlight for many who visit. It's a place where nature's beauty meets thoughtful design, offering a delightful sensory experience.
Lakewalk and Lake Superior Views
A key vantage point from the park is the view of the Duluth Lift Bridge, an iconic landmark that spans the canal connecting Lake Superior to the St. Louis River. Watching the bridge lift to allow ships to pass is a classic Duluth experience. The park's elevated position above the highway provides an unobstructed perspective of this impressive structure and the bustling harbor activity.
While the park itself is a destination, its connection to the Lakewalk means you can easily extend your exploration. The trail leads towards Canal Park, a popular area with shops, restaurants, and more attractions. This seamless integration makes Leif Erikson Park a perfect starting or ending point for a longer exploration of Duluth's waterfront.
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