Top Things To Do When Visiting Duluth Minnesota

The city is situated along the shores of Lake Superior and boasts of miles of scenic outdoors perfect for an afternoon bike ride, or when you feel like putting on your most comfortable shoes and go for an immersive hike. Parks and trails add to its already impressive al fresco allure. Who knows what eye-catching wonders await just around the bend? 

On the lake’s westernmost tip lies Duluth’s most noticeable landmark, the Aerial Lift Bridge near the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. Experience this feat of engineering marvel as you witness the bridge rise to accommodate passage of ships underneath.

Fill your other senses as you chow your way down the city’s multitude of culinary picks, or check out Duluth’s museums and other local attractions to stimulate even the youngest of minds. 

Are you ready to forge your own adventure? Here are some of our favorite things to do when we visited Duluth Minnesota.

#1 Take the North Shores Scenic Drive

Head northeast and follow MN-61 along the shores of Lake Superior. During the fall season around early October, this scenic drive features one of the most beautiful array of fall colors with a handful of breathtaking views overlooking Lake Superior.

Split Rock Lighthouse is definitely one of our favorite stops on the North Shore. It takes about 50 minutes to get there from Duluth by car. This lighthouse sits atop a cliff and is considered by many as one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the United States.

Another noteworthy stop is Betty’s Pies, with their world renowned pies and delicious diner-type food. 

#2 Take a Train Excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

In its own right, enjoying nature’s most scenic spots by train takes sightseeing to a whole new level. Train routes offers amazing panoramic views that are otherwise not accessible by car. Not to mention the luxurious feel and timeless allure of old-fashion travel.

In Duluth, trains depart daily at the Historic Union Depot located at 506 W Michigan St in Downtown Duluth from Mid-April through Late October.

Here are some popular options North Shore Scenic Railroad offers:

a. The Duluth Zephyr

• Available 7 days a week and departs at 11am, 1pm and 3pm daily.
• Short trip to the edge of Duluth and back

b. The Music & Pizza Train

• Available on weekends only and departs at 6pm
• 2.5 hour ride that runs 32 miles up the North Shore and back
• Train fare includes pizza, soda and dessert, and live music on the way back.

c. The Two Harbors Turn

• Available on weekends only and departs at 10am.
• Train runs all the way up to Twin Harbors MN and back.

Click here to check out special train excursions available only on certain dates.

#3 Visit the Train Museum

Duluth’s Lake Superior Railroad Museum is also located at the Historic Union Depot of Downtown Duluth, where you can explore the fascinating world of trains and railroading as an integral part of the foundation Minnesotan history was built upon. 

Let the amazing display of flawlessly restored locomotives take you back to the time when railroading was at its peak. Explore different sized cabins and various collection of railroad equipments as decades of our vibrant history come back to life. 

On the sidelines are replicas of shops, banks, and other establishments, creating a nostalgic glimpse of the days of old. 

Click here for more information on Duluth’s Lake Superior Train Museum.

#4 Visit the Iconic Aerial Lift Bridge

Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge is the city’s most noticeable landmark especially along the Canal Park area. It stands tall on Lake Avenue and spans the Duluth Ship Canal, which connects the city of Duluth with Minnesota Point. 

For the best views of the bridge, visit the park near the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. The area is perfect for afternoon strolls and a panoramic view of the bridge.

#5 Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium

While admiring Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge, you might come across a peculiar building on the waterfront that is home to thousands of species of fish and other aquatic lifeforms known to inhabit the Great Lakes. It is after all the largest freshwater aquarium in the United States built to educate and inspire people of the vast biodiversity and endless wonders hidden within these Minnesotan waters.

You’ll be impressed by the sheer number of animals found within. Fish of all colors, shape and sizes. But that’s not all! Species of snakes, turtles, birds, frogs, salamanders, stingrays, lampreys and many others are all on display. You can even pet some of them, literally! Petting areas or touch tanks have fish that will let you touch the tops of their bodies lightly. In one area, you can even feel the surface of a jellyfish with your fingers.

For young explorers out there, there are plenty of interactive displays that will feed their curiosity and help them learn more about our waterborne friends. Plenty of highlights and things to do for everyone of all ages.

#6 Check out Duluth’s Lighthouses

It’s hard to explain, but there exists an inherent allure when it comes to lighthouses. Their brilliance serve as navigational landmarks breaking through pitch-black nights of Minnesota’s great lakes. Functional, yet an enticing draw for tourists visiting the area.

On Canal Park lies three of Duluth’s lighthouses. The North Pier Lighthouse, The South Breakwater Light and the Duluth Rear Range Light provide plenty of photo opportunities for everyone visiting the area. 

Remember, the Canal Park area has Duluth’s three lighthouses, Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center and a lovely view of the Aerial Lift Bridge. On a bright sunny day, take the time to visit these sites and savor Duluth’s most picturesque encounters.

#7 Sample Duluth’s Culinary Offerings

You will never go hungry when visiting Duluth as there are literally hundreds of restaurants, cafes and eateries to choose from. There’s also a good stretch of restaurants on Canal Park and downtown’s busy Superior Street that is definitely worth a stop.

If you’re looking to have your fill of Duluth’s culinary offerings, here are some of the places we’ve tried when we visited the city.

Grandma’s Saloon
522 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 727 – 4192

Va Bene Caffe
734 E Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722 – 1518

Duluth Grill
118 S 27th Ave W, Duluth, MN 55806
(218) 726 – 1150

#8 Visit the Historic Glensheen Estate

What once was an esteemed dwelling of lawyer and ore-tycoon Chester Congdon is now a historic house museum operated by University of Minnesota Duluth. This 20,000 square-foot mansion with 39 rooms sits on a 12-acre waterfront property on Lake Superior. Beautiful gardens are scattered all over the property with an eye-catching centerpiece fountain sitting at its main entrance. Inside flaunts an intricately restored Late Victorian style with most original furnitures from over a century ago.

To know more about the Glensheen Estate and available tours, click here for more information.

#9 Visit Parks and Hiking Trails

Duluth is Minnesota’s crown jewel endowed with seemingly endless trails and over 100 parks. The city brims with gorgeous backdrops and hidden gems all year round with miles and miles of biking trails and even more miles of both paved and unpaved terrains waiting for each hiking opportunity.

Here are some of our favorite parks during our Duluth visit.

Enger Park and Tower
16th Ave W & Skyline Drive, Duluth Minnesota 55811

Leif Erickson Park & Rose Garden
12th Ave E & London Road, Duluth Minnesota 55812

Canal Park
East Superior Street, Duluth Minnesota

#10 Experience Duluth’s Various Annual Events

Duluth holds various annual events year round that everyone can participate in. From food, music and art festivals, to car shows, boat shows, and the electrifying Christmas City of the North Parade, the city does amazing feats to keep their locals and visitors entertained.

You can click here to check out their list of annual events so you can plan your next trip to Duluth.