Duluth’s Brighton Beach Park has been under reconstruction for 3 years. Lake Superior storms had done severe damage, and Gitchi Gummi was close to making the park its own. As of today, the drive through the park after a 3 year hiatus is back! We locals who live nearby have been able to hike through the park during most of the rebuilding effort. The park is located on Duluth’s northeastern edge just before the start of the Two Harbors Expressway and Scenic 61 within walking distance of the mouth of the Lester River.

The park has always been a good birding walk particularly during the fall migration. Brighton Beach Drive was always a favorite detour for my wife and I when driving home, but 3 years this option has not been available. However, as of today, October 28, 2024, the drive is back. Please note the road is now only one way (smart decision) in a northeasterly direction.

Here is a short video of Brighton Beach Drive (link for email subscribers) which I took on my cell phone this morning (reopening day)! The pine groves seen to the left side of the road are where I was hiking/exploring for migrating owls a few days ago (daytime migration perches). A round trip walk from my house through Brighton Beach Park is 2.5 miles.

Screen Capture from my Video (video link for email subscribers)