Duluth

Duluth is a city of about 86,000 people in northern Minnesota, built on a 700-foot hill overlooking Lake Superior. It is one of the most scenic cities in the Midwest, with a thriving tourism industry featuring antique shops, excellent restaurants, cozy inns, and stunning views of the lake. The city has always been a shipping town — first for furs, later for iron ore, timber, and grain — and ocean-going vessels still dock at Duluth Harbor via the St. Lawrence Seaway.

The famous Aerial Lift Bridge on Lake Avenue, next to Canal Park, is the city's most iconic landmark. Canal Park and Superior Street have the highest concentrations of tourist destinations. The city is home to the University of Minnesota–Duluth and the College of St. Scholastica, with over 12,000 students combined. Particularly proud residents liken Duluth to San Francisco, with its bridges, hills, bay, and thriving tourist economy.

Duluth is the western endpoint of the scenic North Shore Drive, which follows the rugged north coast of Lake Superior nearly 700 miles to Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The climate features warm summers (highs in the 70s) and cold, snowy winters with significant lake-effect snow. The annual Grandma's Marathon, named after Grandma's Saloon in Canal Park, is a major summer event.

By Plane

Duluth International Airport (DLH) is located approximately 5 miles northwest of downtown. Delta Air Lines offers flights from Minneapolis–Saint Paul. The airport is compact with car rental facilities. Taxi fare to downtown is approximately $15–20.

By Car / Road

Duluth is located at the western tip of Lake Superior. From Minneapolis, take I-35 north — approximately 150 miles, 2.5 hours. From the Twin Cities, Highway 61 provides a scenic route along the North Shore. The city is also accessible from Wisconsin via Highway 2.

Duluth has a public bus system (Duluth Transit Authority) serving the city and neighboring Superior, Wisconsin. The downtown area and Canal Park are walkable and connected by the skywalk system. Cars are the most practical way to explore the North Shore and surrounding areas. The scenic North Shore Drive (Highway 61) begins in Duluth and follows Lake Superior's coast northeastward.

• Aerial Lift Bridge — Lake Avenue, Canal Park. A vertical-lift bridge that raises to allow ships to enter the harbor. A Duluth icon visible from many points in the city. Free to watch; accessible by walking across the bridge to Minnesota Point.

• Canal Park — The city's premier tourist district along the waterfront, with restaurants, shops, hotels, and the Lake Avenue bridge to Minnesota Point.

• Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center — Canal Park. Exhibits on Great Lakes shipping and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Free.

• Enger Park and Enger Tower — 16th Ave W. Panoramic views of the city, harbor, and Lake Superior from the top of this 80-foot tower. Free.

• Duluth Art Institute — 506 W Michigan St. Rotating exhibits featuring regional and national artists. Free.

• Minnesota Point (Park Point) — A 7-mile sand spit extending into Lake Superior, accessible via the Aerial Lift Bridge. Beaches, walking trails, and bird-watching.

• Scenic North Shore Drive — Drive Highway 61 northeast along Lake Superior's rugged coastline, passing waterfalls, state parks, and charming small towns.

• Canoeing and kayaking — Paddle on Lake Superior or explore inland lakes and rivers.

• Grandma's Marathon — Annual June marathon along the North Shore, one of the largest in the Midwest.

• Superior Hiking Trail — A 300-mile trail along the North Shore from Duluth to the Canadian border, with sections accessible from the city.

• Skiing — Spirit Mountain, within city limits, offers downhill skiing and snowboarding in winter.

• Fishing — Lake Superior offers excellent fishing for lake trout, salmon, and walleye.

• Bayfront Festival Park — Waterfront park hosting concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year.

• Grandma's Saloon & Grill — Canal Park. Famous for their burgers and the namesake of Grandma's Marathon.
• Va Bene — 11 E Superior St. Italian restaurant with homemade pasta and a wine list.
• Northern Waters Smokehaus — 394 S Lake Ave. Outstanding smoked fish, sandwiches, and charcuterie. A Duluth institution.
• At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe — 1902 E 8th St. Farm-to-table dining with seasonal menus.
• Minnesota Wong's — Downtown Duluth. Chinese-American cuisine.

• Canal Park Brewing Company — 1131 E Superior St. Craft brews and pub food in a waterfront setting.
• Fitger's Brewhouse — 600 E Superior St. Brewpub in the historic Fitger's complex with a wide selection of house beers.
• Thirsty Pagan Brewing — Downtown Superior, Wisconsin (across the bridge). Craft brewery with a laid-back atmosphere.

• Mid-range: Pier B Resort — 600 Railroad St, Canal Park. Waterfront resort with harbor views. Rates from approximately $150–200/night.
• Upscale / heritage: The Inn on Lake Superior — 328 Canal Park Dr. Canal Park hotel with Lake Superior views. Rates from approximately $170–250/night. Fitger's also houses the Fitger's Inn, a boutique hotel in the historic brewery.

• Canal Park shops — Numerous boutiques, galleries, and souvenir shops line the Canal Park district.
• Downtown Duluth — Superior Street features antique shops, bookstores, and specialty retailers.
• Fitger's — 600 E Superior St. A historic brewery complex converted into a shopping and entertainment complex with restaurants, shops, and a brewery.

• Two Harbors (25 miles northeast) — Historic iron ore port with a lighthouse, state park, and the start of the North Shore Drive.
• Gooseberry Falls State Park (40 miles northeast) — Beautiful waterfalls and Lake Superior shoreline.
• Lutsen (85 miles northeast) — Gateway to the Superior National Forest and home to Lutsen Mountains ski resort.
• Superior, Wisconsin (across the bay) — Connected to Duluth by the Blatnik Bridge, with its own waterfront attractions.
• Bemidji (180 miles west) — Hub for outdoor recreation and home of the Paul Bunyan statue.