Top Things to Do in Duluth (2024)

By Lisa Meyers McClintick

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With anarchitecturally stunning downtown, trendylakeside neighborhoodsand outdoor adventures around every turn, it's no secret why Duluth is one of Minnesota's most popular tourist destinations. Use our visitors guide to find out where to go and what to do when you're in Duluth.

What to Do

Watching a tall ship pull into the Duluth port is an essential part of any Duluth vacation: a spectacle that’s both larger than life and a routine part of the daily rhythm in the world’s most inland port—but it’s hardly the only thing to do in Duluth.

The popularCanal Parkneighborhood adjacent to the lake is abuzz with restaurants, breweries and boutique storefronts, but reminders of the city’s origins as a major shipping hub are never far from sight: The iconic Aerial Lift Bridge rises high above the neighborhood forming a literal and figurative bridge between the city's shipping and tourism economies.

The refurbished industrial district hums with hotels, restaurants and shops such as locally made Duluth Pack, Siivii’s-Sivertson Gallery and Waters of Superior. The freeLake Superior Maritime Visitor Centerposts which ships will be heading through the canal and when, and its exhibits give visitors a feel for a wheelhouse, insight into the traveling by ship a century ago and the power of the Great Lakes.

While there is much to see inCanal Park and downtown, Duluth’sLincoln Park Craft Districtdraws visitors as a hub of locally made products, artisans and eateries in this up-and-coming former industrial area not far from the St. Louis River. Anchor businesses include Frost River outdoor accessories,Bent Paddle Brewingwith a lively taproom,Duluth Folk Schoolwith ongoing classes and intimate concerts, and theDuluth Children’s Museum.

Sweeping views of the St. Louis River fly by while ridingSpirit Mountain’sTimber Twister alpine coaster or coasting down rugged trails. Find morestellar views driving, biking or walkingthe scenicSkyline Drive, which winds along the wooded ridge high above the city and overlooksthe big blue expanse of Lake Superior. AtHawk Ridge Bird Observatory, on the eastern end of the byway, birders gather to watch hundreds of migrating raptors and other birds soar past this natural gathering place.

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Tours

Visitors can get up close to Great Lakes ships witha tour of theWilliam A. Irvin, which is docked between Canal Park and theDuluth Entertainment and Convention Center, a hub for national concerts and tours, arts performances and University of Minnesota Duluth hockey. The Vista Fleet also offersseasonal boat tours of the harbor and lake, with stellar views of the hillside city. Head toGlensheenMansionforcreative tours of its extravagant, turn-of-the-century architecture and grounds, orto attend a community eventlike their dockside summer concert series.

For railroad enthusiasts seeking a unique tour,visit theLake Superior Railroad Museumin downtown Duluth—voted "best transportation museum in America" by USA Today readers. Inside themuseum you'll find interactive exhibits and collections of model trains, but the main attraction is the unforgettable Lakefront Ride on theNorth Shore Scenic Railroad.

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Events

Next to the convention center, the harbor-front park rocks with events such theAll Pints Northcraft beer festival in July, back-to-backBayfront Blues FestandFestival of Sail(formerly Tall Ships Festival) in August, andBentleyville Tour of Lightsfor the holidays.

And of course, then there’s Grandma’s. Every June, thousands of competitors and their families visit Duluth to runGrandma’s Marathon, a Boston-qualifying course along the scenic shore of Lake Superior. In addition to the race, Grandma’s weekend is jam-packed with family-friendly activities and other big events.

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Where to Eat

Tasty eateries can be found throughout Duluth, from cozy coffeehouses and taprooms to family friendly, such as 16th-floor views at Harbor 360 at the Radisson. Favorite spots for visitors often include a lake view, such asThe Boat ClubatHistoric Fitger’sBrewery Complex (a mall of sorts featuring dining, retail and lodging plus the namesakebrewery),Va Bene Caffe(which taps the area’s Italian heritage) and the rooftop atGrandma’s Saloon and Grillin Canal Park.

Other destinations stand out for local products, such asDuluth Grillwith its onsite gardens,Vikre Distillerywith its Nordic-influenced handcrafted gins (and gin-and-tonic flights) near the aerial bridge, andNorthern Waters Smokehausfor its smoked fish.

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Where to Sleep

Hotel rooms can be found throughout the city, but the favorite locations for travelers tend to be along the shore with views of the lake from Canal Park or Park Point. Other cherished choices include the unique and elegant historic bed-and-breakfasts that have transformed the city’s grand mansions into romantic getaways with multicourse breakfasts.

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