Location: Duluth
Top Things to do in Duluth
What to do and see in Duluth, Minnesota (MN): The Best Free Things to do
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. Oberg Mountain Loop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 77 reviews
Under three miles long, this hiking trail offers fantastic views of mountains and Lake Superior.
Reviewed By MartiPrice - Austin, United States
Incredible fall leaves the 3rd week of September 2020. South of Lutsen off of Onion River Road (15 minute gravel road-ugh), very pretty overlooks (4). If you can only do part, choose the leftside (clockwise) once you get to the loop.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Park Point Nature Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By 886kendrah - San Diego, United States
I love driving down the point and hiking around the beach here. It gives you a different perspective of the lake, and has great areas for families to hang out and have a beach day.
5. Thompson Hill Information Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
Reviewed By bobf303 - Beaverton, United States
Of course Covid-19, and the reasonable precautions needed to slow its spread, have obviated some of the services, the facility is still open, still doing its job, and still providing some fantastic birds-eye-views of the Duluth, MN and Superior, WI area. They also still have packets full of local travel information for visitors. Great facility.
6. Congdon Park
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Willard Munger State Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By NJS27 - Las Vegas, United States
Being born and raised I have biked this trail to/from Esko & Carlton to/from Duluth quite a few times. Very pretty, awesome nature and great way to get exercise.
