Adrenaline hunters, look no further: Rip-roaring runs abound on the St. Louis River, just 15 minutes from Duluth. Established outfitters Minnesota Whitewater Rafting and Swiftwater Adventures provide everything daredevils need for a wet ānā wild day on the river ā including experienced guides.
The chiller section above the Thompson Dam is a 4.4-mile stretch with Class I, II and III rapids; it takes two to two-and-a-half hours to run. The rowdier section below the dam courses through Jay Cooke State Park and is packed with more technical Class II, III, IV and V rapids. Though typically reserved for expert kayakers early in the season, rafts can make it through when the water levels and flow conditions are just right. Expect thrilling three- and four-foot drops and the kind of knockout canyon views that blow up Instagram feeds.
For more ideas of fun things to do in Northeast Minnesota, check out Ashlea Halpern’s Enter Your Dream State guide at Explore Minnesota.