From Trailside Hotel in Duluth, MN

As spring runoff clears the St. Louis, May paddleboarding offers calm water, blooming shorelines, and near-mirror reflections. It’s one of those rare Duluth experiences that feels both invigorating and grounding. At Trailside Hotel, we’re just steps from the river’s edge, and we see it happen every year: nature reawakens—and so do we.

Glide Through Gentle Currents

In early May, the river’s flow finds its groove. Not too fast, not too slow—just right for locking in your paddle rhythm and soaking up the scenery without having to fight for every stroke. Whether you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding or have logged hours on the board, this is your season to just cruise.

Blooming Riverbanks

By mid-May, the shores turn into brushstrokes of green, pink, and white. Look closely and you’ll spot trillium, marsh marigolds, and budding maple saplings lining your route. The paddle becomes less about the workout and more about the immersion—drifting through a living watercolor.

Mornings for Wildlife Spotting

If you’re out by sunrise, you might feel like you have the river to yourself. With few boats on the water this time of year, the silence invites nature to show off—blue herons wading in the shallows, loons calling from upriver, and if you’re lucky, a curious otter trailing your board.

Sunrise Mirror Magic

There’s something about May light. When it hits the river just right, reflections bloom across the water like brushstrokes—gold, peach, violet. Launch early, and you’ll paddle through a world of light.

Stay Where the Adventure Is

At Trailside Hotel, you’re just a short walk from launch points along the St. Louis. We’ve got the warm sauna, cold plunge, and river-side firepit waiting to round out your paddle-perfect morning.

👉 Reconnect with the river. Book your spring escape now.
Gear up and unwind steps from the St. Louis – Reserve Your Spring Stay Today!

Citations
[1] Minnesota DNR – Paddle Routes on the St. Louis River
[2] Duluth Paddlers Club – Seasonal Launch Tips
[3] Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve – Spring Flora Guide