October 19, 2019Duluth - Minnesota’s 4th largest city with almost every attraction centered around nature’s most picturesque backdrops and a fair share of parks and trails inevitably catering to every nature lovers’ hankerings.
Duluth’s appeal extends far beyond its borders. A short drive on Lake Superior’s North Shores provide ample indulgence to behold especially with the graceful swing of red and golden appareled trees dancing with fall’s gentle breeze. Train rides offer limitless opportunities to marvel at untouched countrysides and procure that nostalgic titillation of traveling in the good old days.
With a healthy dose of history and some more palatable offerings, Duluth has been one of our road-trip worthy destinations in the Mid Western United States. From our travels to yours, here is our 2-day itinerary for Duluth Minnesota.
Tips for Duluth Adventurers:
a. Download the Park Duluth App to pay for parking on your phone
b. Fall colors peaks usually around late September to early October. Make sure to plan ahead if you are visiting for that reason. Just to be sure, you can check out fall foliage peaks online.
c. If you’re looking for a place to stay, booking a hotel near the Canal Park area is best. You have the extra advantage of walking to nearby restaurants and attractions in the area. Otherwise, if you don’t mind a short drive, there are hotels on Superior, Wisconsin located on the other side of the bridge that are a bit cheaper.
Day #1
Breakfast at Uncle Loui’s Cafe
Uncle Loui’s Cafe (Opens 6am -2:30pm) serves up breakfast all day long and some down home specials that will help kick start your day.
Enjoy the Sights at Canal Park
Canal Park is Duluth’s go-to spot for tourists and locals alike. Enjoy a great view of the Aerial Lift Bridge and even watch it in action as the entire bridge platform lifts up to accommodate ships passing underneath. Near the bridge is the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center (opens 10am – 5pm), a free museum showcasing the history and operations of upper Great Lakes commercial shipping and the Aerial Lift Bridge. Part of the exhibit are three historically accurate replica cabins and a pilothouse.
When you’re done, look around canal park and you’ll see three of Duluth’s lighthouses, The North Pier Lighthouse, The South Breakwater Light and the Duluth Rear Range Light. Plenty of photo opportunities while you’re there.
Take a Scenic Drive to Split Rock Lighthouse
Split Rock Lighthouse is located within the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park on the North Shores of Lake Superior. It’s roughly an hour drive (About 47 miles each way from Duluth) but the fall foliage is simply phenomenal!
Once you reach the park, you’ll see that the lighthouse sits on top a cliff and is considered by many as one of the most picturesque lighthouses in the United States.
Lunch at Betty’s Pies
On your drive back to Duluth, it’s time for a quick lunch and mouth watering pies baked fresh at Betty’s Pies (Opens 8am – 7pm) in Two Harbors MN. Situated right on MN-61, Betty’s Pies is known for all kinds of pies, baked goods, and diner-style fare. Check out their sinful and decadent 5-layer chocolate pie. Simply delicious!
Expect a bit of wait as locals and visitors flock to savor Betty’s homestyle creations throughout the day.
Visit the Great Lakes Aquarium
Duluth is home to one of the largest fresh water aquariums in the country featuring a vast portion of our animal friends living in the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Aquarium (opens daily from 10am – 6pm) has thousands of polychromatic species of fish, amphibians, stingrays, turtles and even jellyfishes. Touch tanks give visitors a chance to safely interact with sturgeons and jellyfish with their fingers. A fun and exciting learning environment for kids and the entire family.
Tour the Glensheen Estate
Renowned ore tycoon Chester Congdon’s 39-room mansion sits on a 12-acre waterfront property. It even comes with an intriguing backstory involving a murder mystery and a lot of publicity back in its day. Presently, the house has become one of Duluth’s finest attraction with its grounds housing beautiful gardens and a centerpiece fountain near the main entrance. Mansion tours are available showcasing the finest interiors and original furnitures over a century ago.
Be sure to check out their website for tour information and options. The estate is open to the public between 9am and 5pm.
Dinner at Grandma’s Saloon
Grandma’s has a impeccable mix of great food, good vibes and a rustic atmosphere accentuating old school advertising from a few years back. The restaurant’s legacy stemmed from Italian immigrant Rosa Brochi, who opened a boardinghouse back in 1869. Decades later, her grandson decided to honor her legacy by opening a restaurant where the old boardinghouse used to stand.
Guests can have anything from hamburgers, various appetizers, grilled steak kabobs to vegan options like their wild rice burger which was surprisingly good for a plant-based patty. Service was a tad slow but our server was super nice and friendly.
Day #2
Breakfast at the Duluth Grill
Locally sourced organic food at its best. Duluth Grill (opens from 7am – 9pm) offers a farm to table experience focusing only on the freshest ingredients from local farmers and producers known to the area.
Enjoy American breakfast classics like Eggs Benedict, omelets, pancakes, bacon, toast, all elevated with better ingredients and culinary finesse. Vegetables and produce are locally-sourced as well, including some that are grown in their own backyard.
Feeling more adventurous? Try some of their fusion dishes including noodle dishes, rice bowls, and even some Moroccan lamb served with pickled onion and chimichurri. They have a big menu to match your appetite whether you go for a breakfast pick-me-upper, light lunch or a big hearty dinner.
Go Back In Time and Visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum
What once was a pinnacle of travel luxury still thrives in the hearts of many. Trains and locomotives have always been a personal source of fascination and awe. These steam-powered wonders of engineering and technology have become a vital part of our nation’s economy and history even to this day.
Check out their collection of vintage trains, railcars and luxurious cabins, all restored to their former glory.
Located within the Historic Duluth Depot, the Railroad Museum is just one of the eight organizations in this one historic building. One ticket allows admission to all the museums and displays within. The Depot opens at 9am daily and closes at 6pm. From Labor Day to Memorial Day, closing time is a bit earlier at 5pm (winter hours).
Take a Train Excursion on the North Shore Scenic Railroad
Take a scenic train excursion down Duluth’s most coveted backdrops of magnificent lake views and naturesque sites. The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers the perfect amalgamation of phenomenal sightseeing opportunities with the timeless allure of locomotive transport.
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.
Lunch at Va Bene Caffe
Two reasons to come and dine at Va Bene: Enticing Italian food and a great view of Lake Superior. What more could you ask for? It’s a restaurant that flaunts a modern casual atmosphere and a perfect venue to relax and have a great time with family and friends. Located directly above Downtown Lakewalk, this intimate dining setting offers spectacular lake views with both indoor and outdoor seating options that makes it a perfect lunch spot for any weather condition.
Enjoy a 360 Degree View of Duluth at Enger Park and Tower
An absolutely stunning breathtaking view of Duluth awaits those who climb to the top of Enger Tower. Bring your most comfortable pair of shoes as there are quite a few steps up (approx. 8 flights), but it’s well worth your vertical journey. Once there, you’ll get to enjoy a panoramic view of the city as it embraces the majestic charm of Lake Superior and St. Louis River. Fall colors, simply gorgeous!
Park grounds feature a lovely Japanese peace garden, a peace bell, and footpaths conducive to a short hike. For some of the best views of Duluth, this park is our most recommended stop. Park opens at 8am and closes at 9pm.
Savor a Sweet Delight at The PortLand Malt Shoppe
This quaint brick building brings a nostalgic dose of sweetness right on Superior Street where you can have your ice cream and malt while gazing into the waterway traffic of Lake Superior. Their malt is as traditional as it gets with 20 ice cream flavors and several kinds of toppings to choose from.
What used to be an old gas station has become a haven to get a quick fix for your sweet tooth cravings.
The PortLand Malt Shoppe is open from April 6th through October 21st. Click here for more details on their hours of operation.
Smell the Roses at the Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden
Take a stroll down one of Duluth’s noteworthy parks marked with a statue of renowned Viking Leif Erikson who was known as the first known European to have set foot on continental North America, before Christopher Columbus.
Further down lies a magnificent sight and a spectacular 4.5 acre extension of the park where thousands of vibrant rose bushes set the canvass for a floral masterpiece. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon stroll as you can literally smell the roses along the way while enjoying a great view of Lake Superior.
The park opens at 5am and closes at 11pm.
Dine at the Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar
Savor palatable dishes in this casual dining venue located on the stunning shores of Lake Superior. The restaurant elevates traditional American and International dishes serving up classic favorites from hearty breakfast combos to scrumptious dinners, but with a delectable twist. Food quality and service mirrors that of fine dining establishments, and with a hefty collection of drinks and refreshments, this joint should be a part of your culinary adventure when exploring Duluth.
