Location: Duluth
Top Things to do in Duluth
Top 10 Things to do in Duluth, Minnesota (MN)
Perfectly positioned at the westernmost tip of sparkling blue Lake Superior, Duluth offers visitors a true escape from the stresses of everyday life and an opportunity to enjoy nature. You can opt for a more leisurely pace: spending time at one of the city's 23 beautiful parks, taking an unhurried drive along the scenic North Shore, bird watching at Hawk Ridge, skipping stones on the Lake with the kids. Or go for a more structured itinerary: the aquarium in the morning, lunch at a sumptuous restaurant on the waterfront plus a tour of the famous Sculpture Walk, then a visit to the historic Railroad Depot in the afternoon. Either way, you are sure to leave Duluth feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Restaurants in Duluth
1. Lakewalk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 906 reviews
Running along the edge of Lake Superior is a winding and hilly path, a favorite place for skating, biking, jogging and walking.
Reviewed By sonofthor1944 - Rice Lake, United States
The Lakewalk is a Duluth signature destination which allows pedestrians, bicyclists or Segway riders a several mile route along Lake Superior which includes numerous scenic and historical sights.
2. Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,952 reviews
Reviewed By Rwhite1129 - Kenosha, United States
First of all let me say that driving this road is a must when visiting Duluth. I spent the entire day driving this path and pulling off to see waterfalls and hike various trails. The lakefront views and small towns along the way have so much charm to offer. Plan your trip beforehand- GPS is great to navigate along the way. Some waterfalls along the way are off the beaten path and require more time and strenous hiking to get to. Today my husband and I hiked the following- Gooseberry Falls (Gooseberry Falls State Park), Illgen Falls, Caribou Falls, Cross River Falls (right off 61), Hidden Falls, and Cascade Falls (Cascade River State Park). The views are amazing and some of the trails were a little icy but it was so beautiful.
3. Aerial Lift Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,668 reviews
Originally constructed in 1905 as an aerial lift, this unusual elevator bridge is 386 feet long and spans the canal entrance to Duluth Harbor.
Reviewed By lindakimberley - Virginia, United States
We stayed by the iconic Duluth Aerial Bridge and enjoyed seeing it in operation, fun to watch as the big freighters head in and out of the Duluth area. If you are in Duluth, definitely make time to check this out especially if you enjoy seeing the big freighters.
4. Canal Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,429 reviews
Watch seagulls soaring while you stroll around this popular spot, part of the revived Duluth waterfront. Nearby are a sculpture garden, jazz clubs, coffee shops, motels and restaurants. If you like ships, stand on the pier and watch huge boats and ships, some from around the world, come and go daily.
Reviewed By Iowa_is_my_home
Canal Park is a "must" for anyone visiting the North Shore. The Maritime Visitor Center is well done and interesting for all ages, and the high-quality galleries and shops are more than just the typical tourist t-shirt shops (though there a a couple of those, too.) Though I'd suggest Duluth Grill over the Canal Park restaurants, their convenience, quality and variety makes them a good choice for anyone whose time is limited.
5. Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
This maritime museum details the Great Lakes' history and the part they played in the shipping industry.
Reviewed By P4909JAsues - Phoenix, United States
Lots of information, photos and examples of cargo carried by the "lakers". Stories of various ships and sailing disasters
6. Glensheen, The Historic Congdon Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,250 reviews
Finished in 1908, this Lake Superior 39-room mansion enjoys a rare, intact collection of original furnishings and art. Because of that, it closely resembles the days when the Congdon family first occupied it. Truly, it is Duluth's answer to Downton Abbey. Situated on a wooded lot, the home boasts spectacular views of Lake Superior, as well as, multiple gardens including formal, flower and vegetable. Guests are also encouraged to explore the carriage house, boat house, stone bridge and pier. Children enjoy the pebbled beach for hours of rock skipping while parents take in a sit on one of Adirondack chairs. Be sure to check out Glensheen as part of your must-do Duluth bucket list.
Reviewed By 908judiths - Minneapolis, United States
If you do not pre-plan and miss out on the guided tour, fear not! Our family did the self guided tour of the home and gardens on a beautiful sunny October day and we truly enjoyed every bit of the tour. The information provided throughout the home is very informative about the home and the family. The booklet describing the Gowns of Glensheen was fascinating as well. We did not feel rushed. We were able to see the majority of the home and all of the gardens. Oh, to be an invited guest at one of the Congdon's many parties must have been spectacular!
7. Leif Erickson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 395 reviews
Reviewed By PippaXYZ - Grand Rapids, United States
This is a gorgeous park right along the lake walk and is so beautifully done. We spent some time strolling and enjoying the roses and the interesting water fountain. I could see where many photos would be taken here such as weddings, engagements, class pictures, etc. Just a gorgeous area and very well done!
8. Park Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By Iowa_is_my_home
If you prefer sandy beaches to the cobblestone or ledge rock shores that epitomize Lake Superior, this is the place to stop. And although the view of Duluth in the background belies the otherwise remote feeling of Park Point, it's still easy to imagine yourself on an ocean. We were there on a day when wave after wave of breakers crashed on the beach and left us mesmerized.
9. Enger Park and Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
Reviewed By LoveMyFamily6 - Rhinelander, United States
Be sure to take the lovely skyline drive to Enger Park and climb up into the tower for a magnificent view of Duluth and Lake Superior. Truly awesome!
10. North Shore Scenic Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 922 reviews
History comes alive on the Lakefront line of the North Shore Scenic Railroad. During our summer season several trains a day depart the historic Duluth Union Depot for excursions through downtown Duluth, Canal Park, along the shore of Lake Superior and deep into the majestic north woods. Fully narrated tours tell the history of Duluth, the harbor, and the stories of the railroads that built northern Minnesota and Wisconsin.
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