Duluth Minnesota is a must see at anytime of the year. While Duluth is a fairly large city, the town is known for its surroundings. The town is an outdoors adventure lover’s paradise. The town is still a major shipping port due to it being accessible for oceangoing vessels from the Atlantic Ocean. Watching the giant ships come into the Harbor is really a sight to see. Especially since the Aerial Lift Bridge is apart of the National Register of Historic Places.
While in Duluth, I usually try and stay in the Canal Park area. There is a lot of fun shops and restaurants in the area. You also can watch the boats coming and going, right from your hotel room. We booked our room through hotels.com. Normally, I try and always book through Air BNB. But if I’m getting a hotel, they have one of the best rewards programs. For more ways to save, check out the article “How to Get Huge Discounts While Traveling.”
Duluth is the starting point of Minnesota’s North Shore. Even if you can’t make it all the way up to the boundary waters, I highly suggest driving along Lake Superior for some period of time. Just North of Duluth is Gooseberry Falls State Park, located in the town of Castle Danger. Depending on how much rain the area has been getting, essentially determines how much of a current there will be. I was honestly extremely surprised at how massive the falls were. There is plenty of paved paths and areas that are accessible for anyone. I would just be aware, that there really isn’t any separation from yourself and the falls. So, if you have smaller children, I would be aware of some of the more dangerous areas. We opted to hike to the falls the night before. The first night we hiked roughly 5-6 miles, before setting out our tent right next to the river. It really was beautiful, and a fun experience being off the beaten path. There are specific campgrounds that you can set camp up at as well. In the morning we packed up, before hiking another few miles to get to the falls. If you have the time, I highly suggest doing some hiking. You can really find some amazing views of the area.
Just a little farther up the North Shore, you will find the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. If you plan on seeing Gooseberry Falls and the Split Rock Lighthouse in one day, save your parking ticket. You will be able to use that parking pass at both State Parks since they are day passes. I believe that we paid roughly $7.00 for them. If you can choose what time of the year you are able to come to either Gooseberry Falls or the Split Rock Lighthouse, I would try and get up there in the Summer. During the winter a lot of the things in the area are closed. The falls will also probably be frozen if you go in the Winter, and you won’t be able to really hike.
While I haven’t been, Spirit Mountain is a local favorite. It doesn’t matter what season you go, there will be something for you to do. In the Summer there is many different biking trails. And as early as November you can hit the slopes Skiing and Snowboarding.
If you happen to be up in the area during the Holiday season. I highly suggest making a stop to Duluth’s Bentleyville. People come from all around the state, to watch this amazing display of lights settled next to Lake Superior in Canal Park. It is actually Americas’s largest free walk through light display. They have wonderful activities for people of all ages. For the kids they will have a Santa and Mrs. Claus available to meet. They have bands, and people handing out hot chocolate. The park usually starts up around Thanksgiving time, and goes up until Christmas. With over 5 million lights spread out over 20 acres, this is a must during the Holiday season.
Where to eat
Canal Park Brewery– I was honestly extremely surprised at the extent of the food choices on the menu. I find at most breweries the focus is more on the beer, so the food is often fairly basic. I highly suggest coming to this locally owned family brewery. If you took my suggestion and stayed in the Canal Park area, you may be able to just walk from your hotel room (Yay, extra beers). I also loved the fact that they are constantly making environmentally friendly business decisions. From cleaning up the land to their solar panels, and biodegradable straws.
Burrito Union– A North Shore Mexican Cantina that prides itself on both traditional and originally inspired dishes. Original is an understatement once you see that they serve a Thanksgiving Burrito (I have not tried but heard is actually very good). You can tell as soon as you walk in that it’s a local favorite of the nearby colleges. The restaurant features beer from the local Fitger’s Brewhouse. I suggest trying the Apricot Wheat Beer. It has a subtle sweetness that you won’t get sick of, and not too dark either.
Grandma’s Saloon & Grill– A local must, if you are in the area. The local Grandma’s Marathon got it’s name from the restaurant after it was the only local place to sponsor the first race in 1977. The menu consists of a lot of “homecooked” based meals that are reasonably priced. From what I’ve heard from a few friends that went to college at UMD, Grandmas has a fun nightlife seen.
For more information, and a list of local events, please visit https://www.visitduluth.com/