Trains stopped running through here decades ago, yet the tunnel never actually disappeared. It just found a new job instead. Hikers walk straight through old railroad stone here now, darkness swallowing the trail briefly before daylight reappears on the other side.
Nothing about the tunnel got modernized or cleaned up for tourists either, moss and rough stone left exactly as the railroad abandoned them years ago in this stretch of Minnesota.
Repurposing forgotten infrastructure into something hikers actually enjoy takes real vision most abandoned structures never receive, left instead to crumble quietly out of sight. This trail gave the tunnel a second life, letting history become part of the walk rather than fencing it off entirely.
A hike rarely comes with a built-in time capsule like this one. Minnesota keeps this tunnel standing, proving some forgotten things are worth stumbling onto again.
A Tunnel With a Railroad Past
My first thought when I saw the tunnel was simple. Somebody worked really hard to make this. Back in the early 1900s, crews blasted straight through solid rock to create a path for the Duluth, Winnipeg and Pacific Railway.
That line, known by its initials DWP, helped move goods between Duluth and points north during a busy time for the region. Railroads were a big deal back then. They brought jobs, timber, iron, and supplies, and they helped towns grow fast.
The tunnel stretches roughly 500 feet through the hillside. When trains stopped using this route, the tracks were eventually pulled up, and the old grade sat quietly for years. Then the area found a new purpose as a trail.
Today, the rough stone walls still show marks from the work that shaped them. Run a hand along the rock and it is easy to picture the noise, smoke, and steel that once filled this space. History here is not behind glass.
It is right under your feet, and that makes it feel personal.
Getting There Without Getting Lost
Finding the trailhead took me two tries, and I am not even a little embarrassed to admit it. Signs for the tunnel are pretty scarce, so a bit of planning helps a lot.
Most people park along Becks Road, which runs off Interstate 35 just southwest of Duluth. There is a small lot used by hikers heading toward Ely’s Peak, plus a larger Superior Hiking Trail lot a bit farther down the road.
Short Line Park is another handy starting point, and from there a spur trail climbs about a mile to the old railroad grade.
Here is a tip. Download a trail map before you go, because cell service can be spotty in the woods. The blue trail markers help keep hikers mostly on track, though a few side paths branch off in confusing ways.
If you see other hikers coming back down, it never hurts to ask. Folks around here tend to be friendly and happy to point the way. Once you reach the wide, flat grade, the rest of the route feels much easier to follow.
An Easy Stroll on Old Rail Grade
Railroads hate steep hills, and hikers can thank them for that. Trains needed gentle slopes, so the old DWP grade stays fairly level for long stretches.
That makes the trail a great pick for families, beginners, and anyone who wants scenery without a tough climb. Parts of the route are gravel, while some sections near town are paved. Strollers and bikes can handle a good chunk of it, depending on the season.
I loved how relaxed the pace felt. No huffing, no scrambling. Just steady walking under tall birch, aspen, and pine, with birds chattering somewhere above.
The short approach from the Becks Road side does include a gradual rise before you reach the grade. In spring, expect mud. In colder months, ice can make things slick, so sturdy shoes with good grip are a smart choice.
For a longer outing, riders and runners sometimes start near Grand Avenue in western Duluth and travel about four miles up the trail to reach the tunnel. That version turns a quick walk into a real workout with plenty of woods along the way.
Cool Air Inside the Rock
Bring a light jacket, even in July. Seriously, the temperature drop inside the tunnel surprised me so much that goosebumps popped up within seconds.
Thick rock walls keep the inside chilly all year. After a sunny hike, that cool air feels amazing, like stepping into a giant stone refrigerator. Kids especially love the change, and many end up running back and forth just to feel it again.
Light is another fun part. Halfway through, the middle gets dim enough that you start to wonder if a flashlight might be needed. Then the far opening appears, glowing like a window into the forest.
Water sometimes drips from the ceiling, and the ground can be damp or icy in colder seasons. Watch your step and take your time.
Voices echo too. A quiet hello bounces off the walls and comes back sounding a little spooky, which makes it a favorite moment for younger hikers. Just remember others may be enjoying the calm, so keep the shouting playful and short.
Colorful Walls and Climbing Anchors
Look up. That was the best advice I could have given myself on my first visit, because the walls and ceiling tell a story most people miss.
Rock climbers have turned this tunnel into a favorite spot. Bolts and anchors are fixed along the sides and even across parts of the ceiling. On busy days, you might see climbers roping up while hikers pause to watch, heads tilted back in amazement.
Around the area, other rock faces draw climbers too. Some summers, local climbing groups have hosted events where newcomers could try the sport after signing a waiver. If climbing sounds fun, look for an experienced guide or club rather than trying it alone.
Graffiti also adds splashes of color to the gray stone. Some of it is bold and artistic, some is just names and dates. Love it or not, it shows how many people have passed through over the years.
Please do not add your own mark, though. Snap a photo instead. The rock has been tagged enough, and leaving it as you found it helps everyone.
The Climb Up to Ely’s Peak
Ready for a little more effort? Ely’s Peak rises above the tunnel area, and the path to the top trades easy gravel for roots, rocks, and some steeper steps.
It is not a mountain expedition. Most reasonably fit hikers can handle it with a few breathers. Still, sections get rugged, so sneakers with good tread work better than sandals.
I found the climb oddly satisfying. Each rocky ledge gave a slightly bigger view, like the forest was slowly pulling back a curtain. Wildflowers pop up between the stones in summer, and the air smells like pine.
Trail markings can be tricky near the top. A few paths split off, and signs are limited. Paying attention to blue blazes and checking a map now and then saves a lot of wandering.
The Superior Hiking Trail passes near the peak too, which is pretty special. That long-distance route stretches along the North Shore, so even a short climb here connects you to a much bigger adventure. Take water, take your time, and enjoy the scramble.
Views That Stretch to Lake Superior
One hiker once said they were so caught up in the view that they forgot to take a picture. After reaching the top myself, that made total sense.
From Ely’s Peak, the land opens wide. The St. Louis River winds through the valley below, and on clear days you can spot Lake Superior shimmering in the distance. Forests roll out in every direction, broken only by rocky cliffs and patches of sky.
Fall is wildly pretty here. Maples turn red, birches glow yellow, and the whole valley looks painted. Summer brings deep greens and long golden evenings.
A little advice. Find a flat rock, sit down, and just stay a while. Pack a snack and some water, then let your legs rest while your eyes do the work.
Wind can be stronger up top, so a light layer helps. Also stay back from steep edges, especially with kids or pets. The view is breathtaking enough without getting too close to the drop. And yes, remember to take that photo.
A Kid-Approved Adventure
Kids are tough critics, but this spot wins them over fast. A short walk, a patch of pretty forest, and a spooky old tunnel at the end? That is basically a storybook adventure.
Little legs can handle the easy route from the parking area without much complaining. The flat grade gives them room to explore, collect pinecones, and spot chipmunks darting through the brush.
The tunnel itself becomes the main event. Echoes, cool air, and that slowly growing light at the far end spark plenty of giggles and wide eyes. I watched one group of kids march through like explorers on a secret mission.
Turn it into a learning moment too. Talk about the trains that once passed through and how workers cut through solid rock. History sticks better when you are standing inside it.
Bring snacks, water, and maybe a small flashlight for fun, even if you will not truly need it. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers sharing the trail. With a bit of planning, the whole outing feels easy and memorable.
Seasons Change Everything Here
Timing matters more than you might expect on this trail. Each season paints the tunnel and woods in a completely different way.
Spring wakes things up with fresh green leaves and rushing water, but mud can get deep on the approach. Waterproof boots make life easier. Summer is the most popular time, with warm days, wildflowers, and that wonderful chill inside the tunnel.
Autumn is my favorite, hands down. Bright leaves crunch underfoot, the air turns crisp, and the view from Ely’s Peak looks almost unreal.
Winter brings a quieter magic. Icicles sometimes form around the tunnel openings, glittering in the cold light. The trail can be icy, though, so traction cleats or spikes are a really good idea.
Occasionally, sections of the trail or tunnel close for maintenance or safety work. Checking with the City of Duluth parks website before heading out can save a disappointing trip. Whatever the season, dress in layers.
Weather near Lake Superior changes fast, and being a little prepared keeps the fun going.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Plenty of travelers heading north on Interstate 35 zip right past this spot without knowing it exists. Do not be one of them. It makes a perfect break from the road.
For a quick visit, park off Becks Road or at Short Line Park and walk about a mile to the tunnel. Want more? Add the climb to Ely’s Peak for big views. Have a whole morning? Start in western Duluth and bike the longer stretch of the DWP Trail.
Pack water, snacks, good shoes, and a light jacket. A downloaded map really helps since signs are few. Early mornings tend to be quieter, with softer light for photos.
Respect the place too. Stay on marked paths, carry out trash, and leave the rock walls clean. Share the trail kindly with bikers and climbers.
I still think about that first rush of cool air from inside the stone. It is a small moment that stays with you. Find it at DWP Railroad Tunnel, Ely’s Peak, DWP Trail, Duluth, MN 55810, and plan to linger.
