Adventure takes on quiet drama when you angle your sights toward a wooded ridge crowned by a curved tunnel carved through solid granite. This isn’t a theme park or standard overlook—it’s a place where history and landscape intersect—and it’ll surprise you with how much unfolds along the way.
Ely’s Peak rises about 1,133 feet above sea level on Duluth’s western edge. Named after early missionary Edmund F. Ely, the rock-strewn hill saw something extraordinary beneath it in 1911–12, when the Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway tunneled straight through its heart on a gentle curve. Trains rolled through for decades—the DWP tunnel was part of a vital freight route until its abandonment in the mid-1990s.
Highlights Worth the Walk
The Superior Hiking Trail threads through Ely’s Peak, offering a compact yet rewarding journey. A short spur leads hikers to the summit—with sweeping views over Duluth and the St. Louis River estuary—then loops back through tranquil forest.
The old railway tunnel is a surprise reward: roughly 520 feet long, curved, and unrefined, it threads through the mountain and stands as a silent monument to early 20th-century engineering. Its raw rock walls, occasional dripping water, and shadowy interior call for a flashlight—and maybe even a pause to let the dark sink in for a moment.
Atmosphere & Décor
This hike balances simplicity and surprise. The trail stands wide and welcoming, gently graded over the former rail corridor. Wildflowers—trilliums in spring, yellow lady-slippers in early summer—add pockets of beauty along rocky views and mossy forest floors.
From the tunnel’s western portal, rock climbers can find anchor points for a challenge, while the faint echo of steps hints at the tunnel’s railway past. Above, the peak’s ridge rewards slower explorers with peaceful panoramas—ideal for a picnic, a quiet meditation, or capturing light across the trees.
Other Considerations
So how’s the trail difficulty?
Moderate. The hike isn’t long, and the loop is manageable, but the approach to the tunnel can be muddy or steep. A few short scrambles may appear, so keep your footing steady.
Do I need special gear?
A flashlight—or better yet, a headlamp—is smart, especially to navigate the darker midsection of the tunnel. In winter or icy conditions, yak-traks or microspikes help across shaded steps.
How’s navigation?
GPS or map helps. Multiple trail junctions can cause confusion. Visitors often mention short-term fuzziness around path finding, especially near the peak or tunnel transition.
Will I want to come back?
You might. Wildflowers change with the seasons, the tunnel’s darkness never looks quite the same, and each view from the peak shifts with light—giving new nuance each visit.
Any local tips?
Park at the Ely’s Peak parking lot. Many visitors who started elsewhere ended up wandering. This spot offers the most direct access to both the summit and the tunnel.
Ely’s Peak & DWP Railroad Tunnel
📍 Duluth, MN
Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/elys-peak-tunnel-and-trail
