Biking the Cross City Trail Area of Concern Tour (photos)
Last night (June 17, 2025), the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) hosted another successful River Connection event helping connect the community to the St. Louis River Area of Concern - this time, by bike! The evening ride along the Cross City Trail brought participants up close with key restoration and remediation sites while offering a scenic, educational, and engaging experience.
Along the route, Area of Concern Coordinator Barb Huberty provided insight into multiple project sites including Ponds behind Erie Pier, 40th Avenue West, Grassy Point, and St. Louis River/Interlake/Duluth Tar State Superfund (SLRIDT) site. Ryan Ihrke from Resource Renew (previously WLSSD) joined us to help add a valuable historical perspective on how the facility’s opening marked a turning point in the river’s recovery—and how they continue to address challenges like sanitary sewer overflows today.
The group represented a wide range of ages, with most riders hailing from neighborhoods in West Duluth, where these community conversations are making the biggest local impact. Their curiosity and engagement throughout the event were clear signs that these efforts are building momentum toward a stronger culture of river stewardship.
Special thanks to everyone who came out for the ride. We’re proud of the growing community of advocates joining us in protecting and celebrating our river.
This event is one of 16 River Connection events we are hosting in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, thanks to generous funding through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In 2022 we began the project by hosting 6 neighborhood input events to hear from the community on what folks would like to experience along the river and any barriers that kept them from doing it. From that feedback we curated these events, prioritizing those who live in one of the 18 communities adjacent to the St. Louis River. To help reduce some of the barriers shared, we have provided gear and instruction for free.
Additional Resources:
We hope to see you at a future event! In the meantime, please feel free to share any Frequently Asked Question and/or River Reflection Stories with us to help guide future programming and projects.
