Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program

Celebrate Lake Superior in July

July 20 is Lake Superior Day! Lake Superior’s health depends on both small and large actions—everyday efforts and bold commitments that sustain life and protect water, habitat and shoreline resilience. Beach clean-ups, data sharing, stream restoration, community planning and countless other efforts contribute to the Lake’s long-term vitality. Together, they build a legacy of care—gaining momentum like waves across the basin. Ready to make waves? Join Connected by the Blue: Invitation to Celebrate Lake Superior. Take action today, share your story with #MinnesotaCoast and help keep our shores vibrant.

Here are a handful of easy, solo-or-small-group missions to help you celebrate Lake Superior this July - or anytime!:

Outdoor and on-the-water

• Dip your toes or swim at one of the 81 designated beaches within Minnesota’s coastal area.
• Walk a shoreline trail—choose between any of the 150 trails, 2,777 miles of boardwalks and footpaths along the coast.
• Photograph a coastal sunrise, sunset or fog bank and share on social media using #MinnesotaCoast.
• Pack a picnic, enjoy the coast, and pack out your picnic waste and encourage others to do the same! Find solitude and a unique experience at any one of the 10 Scientific and Natural Areas in the coastal area.
• Paddle the Lake Superior State Water Trail and share photos or video of your adventures with #MinnesotaCoast! The Minnesota portion of the trail extends from the St. Louis Bay in Duluth to the Pigeon River on the Canadian border. Find more information, maps and more at Lake Superior State Water Trail.

Learn and share

• Read about Ojibwe relationships with Gichigami and share that knowledge with others. Find information in the Lake Superior Ojibwe Learning Guide.
• Learn about ecological classifications, native plant communities, nongame wildlife and more.
• Start a new tradition! Host a Lake-focused event or story night.
• Share a favorite Lake memory online at #MinnesotaCoast or in a local publication.

Create and celebrate

• Paint, sketch, or write a poem inspired by Lake Superior’s waters, people and communities.
• Post Lake-themed art or writing at #MinnesotaCoast to amplify its cultural importance.
• Design a “Love Your Lake” graphic—even a simple heart over the Lake’s shape, and share on social media and with #MinnesotaCoast.

Stewardship and observation

• Log wildlife sightings on platforms like iNaturalist or eBird.
• Report invasive plants using Eddmaps.org.
• Monitor water clarity or temperature as a citizen scientist. Find out how at Volunteer water monitoring.
• Advocate for coastal resilience planning and action with your community and beyond.