Duluth Incline Stairway Trail teaching hikers about local history
By: William Lien WDIO
Updated: October 2, 2025 – 10:48 PM
Published: October 2, 2025 – 9:10 PM
Duluth community members, the preservation alliance, and the city enshrined local history of the incline railway with a new trail. Over a century ago, residents in downtown Duluth would ride the Incline Railway up the hillside. The original street cars could carry up to 250 people traveling in the city. Fast forward to today, and Doug Stevens a member of the Duluth preservation alliance, wanted to commemorate this piece of local history with the Duluth Incline Stairway Trail.
“This really does need to be told because it’s been lost. I mean, it’s been gone since 1939. When it’s gone like that, then it’s missed.” Stevens said. “People didn’t even know it existed at all. Even some of the neighbors up here didn’t even know it.”
The Duluth Incline Stairway Trail begins near the intersection of First Avenue West and Mesaba Avenue. Then people travel up towards North Ninth Avenue West. There are four interpretive panels, hikers can read along the steps to learn more on the history of the Duluth Incline Railway.
“I’m just really thrilled about the whole project of other people joining it and seeing it. Experiencing where people walked 134 years ago,” Stevens said. “Can you imagine that? I mean, that alone is cool. Then to see the views along the way, it’s very impressive to me.”
Mayor Roger Reinert also attended that ribbon cutting for the new trail. He says this is an opportunity for residents to appreciate the urban trails in the city.
“It demonstrates what we can do when the city acts as a connector and a facilitator,” Mayor Reinert said. “It invites the work of our community from passionate individuals, like Doug, who are willing to just push and push.”
The Friends of the Inclined Steps donated close to $3,500 to help make the historic panels possible for people to read. Jessica Peterson, the Parks and Recreation Manager with Duluth says without the help from Doug Stevens, the Duluth preservation alliance, and other organizations this trail wouldn’t have been possible.
“But that doesn’t account for all of the volunteer efforts that were put into this. So clearing of the trail, brushing the trail, trash cleanup. It’s not super sexy work, but it needs to be done,” Peterson said. “It’s what makes people really enjoy trails like this. You can’t put a price on volunteerism, but we’re just really grateful for the work that they’ve put in.”
The Duluth Eco Rotary Club will have their members help with the upkeep and clearing the Duluth incline stairway trail year round.
Source: Duluth Incline Stairway Trail teaching hikers about local history – WDIO.com
