Split Rock Lighthouse on the lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota

Things to do in  Duluth

Duluth will set you free

The outdoor world has been murmuring about Duluth for a while now. Some say it’s on its way to being the next Moab in Utah or Bend in Oregon. From national parks to national trails, this Lake Superior town has fabulous access to the outdoors, plus plenty of cultural attractions and—so far—not too many crowds. And though the winters may be harsh, for outdoorsy types, cold weather only means even more things to do in Duluth. When you’re ready to head north, do Duluth.

All about Duluth

When to visit

Duluth is the definition of a 4-season destination; when to visit depends on what kind of weather you’re looking for. For long days and warm temps, head up here from June to August and spend your days exploring Canal Park on Lake Superior and Spirit Mountain. From November until March, get ready for snow, ice skating, and skiing, plus time at indoor attractions such as the Great Lakes Aquarium.

Getting around

Duluth is a driving town and there are lots of attractions just beyond the city’s core. You’ll want a car to explore nearby parks, trails, and attractions such as Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. If you have a hotel downtown, you could get by using the climate-controlled skywalk and walking to the city’s best restaurants and shops, plus top attractions such as Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Traveler tips

While Duluth is worth your time, its natural environs are spectacular. Nearby Amnicon Falls State Park, Jay Cooke State Park, and Gooseberry Falls State Park are all about gorges and waterfalls, and Brighton Beach on Lake Superior’s North Shore is can’t-miss, too. If you can’t set out on foot, take the North Shore Scenic Railroad right out of downtown to drink in that Northwoods beauty.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
CDT (UTC -6)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
0
Tours
6
Reviews
77
EN
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People Also Ask

Is Duluth worth visiting?

Yes, Duluth is worth visiting. Set on the shores of Lake Superior—the world's largest freshwater lake by area—this port city has a fascinating history and ultra-scenic outdoors. Scope out freshwater beaches and the aerial bridge, ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad, visit the Great Lakes Aquarium, and hike the Superior Hiking Trail.

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What is Duluth, Minnesota, famous for?

Apart from its reliably snowy winters, Duluth is famous for the Aerial Lift Bridge, which marks the entrance to the Duluth-Superior Harbor. The town is also beloved for the North Shore Scenic Drive (Highway 61), which starts in Duluth. The drive takes you through spectacular scenery, from waterfalls and volcanic cliffs to endless evergreen forests.

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What is the nicest part of Duluth?

The nicest part of Duluth is subjective, but many people love the Canal Park neighborhood. Right on the shores of Lake Superior, Canal Park bubbles with shops, restaurants, and recreational spaces. It’s also home to the Aerial Lift Bridge, the Lakewalk, and the Great Lakes Aquarium.

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What food is Duluth known for?

While Duluth may not have a signature dish that defines the city, popular offerings include Lake Superior whitefish, herring, and trout; Scandinavian fare like smoked fish; and blueberries, which grow wild and prolifically in this region. Cideries (and their apple orchards) and breweries are a growing phenomenon, too.

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What are the must-see attractions in Duluth?

For most visitors, the must-see attractions in Duluth are the Aerial Lift Bridge on the Duluth-Superior Harbor; Canal Park, a tourist-friendly ‘hood right on the shores of Lake Superior; and the North Shore Scenic Drive, aka Highway 61, that runs from Duluth up to Canada, past waterfalls, cliffs, and boreal forest.

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What is the best time to visit Duluth?

The best time to visit Duluth depends on the experience you’re looking to have. If you want warm days, time spent wandering Canal Park, and moments on the city’s LakeWalk, that’s May to September. If you want to go skiing at Spirit Mountain, ice skating, and ice fishing, that’s December through March.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top activities in Duluth?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Duluth?
A:
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