Duluth Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, must-try dishes, best places to stay, and more in Duluth, Minnesota with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Duluth

Duluth is a beautiful city known for its picturesque landscape of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake by surface area, and rolling hillsides. It is the fourth-largest city in Minnesota and is situated in the northeastern part of the state. Founded in 1856, Duluth boasts a rich history, diverse culture, intriguing museums, and several outdoor recreational activities, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

List of Places to Visit in Duluth

Whether you’re interested in the city’s rich history, the outdoors, or the food scene, there’s something for everyone in Duluth.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Duluth houses several museums and historical places that are worth exploring. Here are some of the top cultural attractions in the city:

  • Glensheen Mansion: This beautiful historic mansion is located on Lake Superior and offers tours of the 39-room mansion and its stunning gardens.

  • Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center: Learn about the history of shipping on Lake Superior and tour a retired tugboat at this spacious visitor center.

  • The Duluth Depot: A former train station, The Duluth Depot now houses four museums, including the Duluth Art Institute, the Duluth Children’s Museum, the St. Louis County Historical Museum, and the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

Natural Attractions of Duluth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Duluth is surrounded by an abundance of natural attractions that offer breathtaking views and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the best natural attractions to explore:

  • Gooseberry Falls State Park: A popular destination for hiking and enjoying the views of its five waterfalls.

  • Enger Park and Tower: Climb to the top of this 80-foot tower and enjoy sweeping views of Lake Superior and the city.

  • Jay Cooke State Park: This park offers an array of outdoor activities for nature lovers, including hiking, fishing, camping, and much more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Duluth

Duluth is a great place for hikers and bikers, with several trails that offer scenic views. Here are some of the best hiking/biking trails to explore:

  • Superior Hiking Trail: This 310-mile trail follows the north shore of Lake Superior and offers a variety of challenging hikes.

  • Munger Trail: This 70-mile paved trail takes you through the Duluth area as well as rural Minnesota countryside.

Best Things to Do in Duluth: Activities and Tours

Duluth has an abundance of activities and tours that are sure to entertain and educate visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Duluth:

  • North Shore Scenic Railroad: Take a ride on a classic train and enjoy the views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape.

  • Spirit Mountain Adventure Park: Enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking at this popular park.

  • Great Lakes Aquarium: This aquarium is home to a wide variety of freshwater and saltwater fish and other aquatic animals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Duluth

Duluth has so much to offer that it can be overwhelming to plan a visit. Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Duluth:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Glensheen Mansion and Canal Park
Day 2 Hike or bike the Superior Hiking Trail or Munger Trail
Day 3 Explore the Duluth Depot and its attached museums
Day 4 Take a scenic drive along Highway 61 to Gooseberry Falls State Park
Day 5 Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium and Canal Park Maritime Museum
Day 6 Take a trip to Spirit Mountain Adventure Park
Day 7 Enjoy Enger Park and Tower and visit the Lake Superior Zoo

Food and Drink Scene of Duluth

Duluth has a rich culinary scene that celebrates its local food culture. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages to explore:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pasties: A staple dish of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, pasties are a meat and vegetable pie that have become a local favorite in Duluth.

  • Walleye: A freshwater fish from the Great Lakes region, walleye is a popular dish in many Duluth restaurants.

Local Beverages

  • Vikre Distillery: Known for its unique spirits, Vikre Distillery offers gin, whiskey, and other spirits that celebrate the flavors of Duluth.

  • Bent Paddle Brewery: This local brewery offers several popular beer varieties, including the Bent Paddle Black Ale and the Cold Press Black Ale.

Where to Stay in Duluth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Duluth offers a variety of accommodations to fit different preferences and budgets. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Fitger’s Inn: Located in the heart of downtown Duluth, Fitger’s Inn offers comfortable rooms with a unique ambiance and great views of Lake Superior.

  • The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek: This beautiful bed & breakfast is located in a historic mansion and offers luxurious amenities and personalized service.

  • Hostel du Nord: This budget-friendly hostel is located in downtown Duluth and offers shared and private rooms.

What to Buy in Duluth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Duluth has an abundance of locally made products that make for great souvenirs or gifts. Here are some of the best products to bring home from Duluth:

  • Wild Rice: A staple food of the indigenous communities of the Great Lakes region, wild rice can be purchased in many shops in Duluth.

  • Lake Superior Agate: This semi-precious gemstone, found along the beaches of Lake Superior, is a popular souvenir to take home from Duluth.

Local Culture and Customs of Duluth

Duluth’s rich culture and customs embrace its local history and the surrounding natural environment. A few customs to keep in mind while visiting Duluth include:

  • Respect the indigenous culture and its history in the Great Lakes region.

  • Follow the Leave No Trace principles when exploring the outdoor areas surrounding Duluth.

Best Time to Visit Duluth

Duluth experiences four distinct seasons, and each one offers unique opportunities for visitors. The best time to visit Duluth is during the summer months (June to August) when temperatures are pleasant, and outdoor activities are abundant.

Do’s and Don’ts of Duluth

Do:

  • Wear layers of clothing, as the weather is often unpredictable.

  • Explore the hiking and biking trails surrounding the city.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disrespect the natural environment.

  • Ignore the indigenous cultures and their history in the Great Lakes region.

Safety and Health

Safety in Duluth

Duluth is a relatively safe city to visit, but visitors should exercise caution while exploring the city and its surroundings. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep your valuables secured.

Health in Duluth

Duluth has excellent healthcare options, including several medical facilities and hospitals. Visitors should have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Duluth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Duluth is accessible from several major cities in the Midwest. Here are some of the transportation options to get to Duluth:

Airports Near Duluth

  • Duluth International Airport

Bus Stations Near Duluth

  • Greyhound Bus Lines

Other Options

  • Driving: Duluth is accessible by several major highways.

How to Get Around in Duluth

Duluth provides a variety of transportation options to get around the city, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

Where to Go Next from Duluth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Duluth’s location near the Canadian border and the Lake Superior region makes it a great starting point for several excursions and nearby destinations. A few options include:

  • Voyageurs National Park

  • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

  • Grand Marais, MN

Conclusion

Duluth, Minnesota, has something for everyone, from its scenic natural attractions to its rich history and diverse culture. Whether you’re interested in outdoor activities, cultural events, or just enjoying the great food and drink scene, Duluth has it all. Plan your next trip to this beautiful city and explore the best of the Midwest.

Downtown Duluth Downtown Duluth Duluth's iconic Enger Tower provides excellent views of the city. Duluth's iconic Enger Tower provides excellent views of the city. Canal Park Canal Park