Duluth, MN

We love spending a long weekend in / near Duluth. Duluth is less than 2 1/2 hours from the Twin Cities and there’s plenty to do outside any time of the year. We’ve been to Duluth multiple times; as a family, as a couple and as part of a group. My favorite time to go to Duluth is in the Fall when the leaves along the lake shore are in full color and the cool nights encourage snuggling up by a bonfire or fireplace. (Click on the blue words for links and more information.)

Where to Stay:

There are many hotel, resort and VRBO options around Duluth. Determine what you’d like to do during your stay and then select your accommodations. For example, if you want to be able to walk or bike to shops and restaurants, book a room in Duluth. If you’re more interested in nature and hiking, consider a resort or a VRBO North of Duluth. You can book a traditional hotel room in Duluth at places like Fitger’s Lakefront Hotel, The Inn on Lake Superior, Sheraton Duluth Hotel or South Pier Inn. You can book a condo type room at Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior, Larsmont Cottages, Superior Shores Resort or Cove Point Lodge. Or you can book a cabin at places like Breezy Point Cabins on Lake Superior, Dodges Log Lodges or Cascade Lodge. Look at TripAdvisor, VRBO and AirBNB to see what fits best with your plans and group size. As always, talk with friends who have a similar style to you for suggestions and reviews.

Two places we love and recommend are:

Larsmont Cottages – This is a quiet relaxing resort on the shoreline of Lake Superior about 20 miles Northeast of Duluth. There are several room options from a single bedroom all the way up to a three bedroom cottage with a full kitchen and multiple fireplaces. The one bedroom Lakeside Cottage with full kitchen is perfect for a couple’s get-a-way. There is a restaurant, convenience store, pool, sauna and fire pits on the grounds. The resort even delivers firewood and s’mores kits for bonfires. Take note: the Lake Shore rooms are much closer to the lake than the Lake View rooms but you will be able to see the lake from both.

The Pumphouse – This is an amazing VRBO on the East side of Duluth near Lester Park. There are 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The living room, den and dining room are all very spacious. There are 4 fireplaces and tons of windows overlooking Lake Superior which is literally right out the door. If you love a good Restoration Hardware vibe with a killer view and gorgeous outdoor spaces, book this property!

Things to Do:

Duluth Area:

• Lake Walk / Canal Park: There’s a great walking / biking path along the lake front and out onto the peninsula known as Canal Park; there are many hotels, shops and restaurants on Canal Park. Make sure to walk or drive over the lift bridge.
• Glensheen, The Historic Congdon Estate: The Full Mansion tour lasts 2 hours with full access to the grounds / gardens. Watch the information video in the gift shop before your tour. Also, check their website for seasonal activities.
• Enger Park and Tower: The park offers flower gardens, a Japanese peace garden and a tower with view of all of Duluth’s highlights including the harbor, bridges, parks and Lake Superior.
• Lake Superior Railroad Museum: In addition to a fun museum, you can also take a ride on the Zephyr train. Check website for routes, times and cost.
• Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center: This museum is run by the Army Corp of Engineers and has several exhibits, short movies and a gift shop.
• Vista Fleet: For a view of Duluth from the water, check out the different cruise options with Vista Fleet. They offer everything from a dinner cruise to a family friendly shoreline cruise. 
• Time Out Sailing: Spend a half or full day sailing on Lake Superior with up to six guests. Check out the different tour options on their website.
• Lake Superior Helicopter Tour: If you’d like to see the shoreline from the air, try one of the many helicopter tours. 
• Lester Park: If you stay at The Pumphouse, I highly recommend exploring and hiking at Lester Park.

Two Harbors: (27 miles Northeast of Duluth) a great little town with some fun waterfront areas, restaurants, liquor stores, etc.

• Sonju Lakewalk Trail – This is an easy, paved trail.
• Agate Bay Beach – Look for agates here after a storm or in the off-season. 
• The Breakwater and Lighthouse – This lighthouse is a B&B with four different accommodations.

Farther North:

• Gooseberry Falls State Park: A beautiful, easily accessible falls with additional hiking paths.
• Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Tour this MN landmark; but they’re not open every day, so check their website for days and hours.
• Silver Bay: Black Beach: Check out this public beach with black sand.
• Beaver Bay: Stroll through this small town with restaurants, shops and necessities.
• Tettegouche State Park: Do the 3 mile hike to the High Falls.
• North Shore Scenic Drive: If you go in the fall, check here for a fall color report and several scenic routes to see peak colors.
• Lutsen: Open year-round: golf and an alpine slide in the summer, skiing in the winter.

Restaurants / Bars

• Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (Duluth): A great little Italian place in Canal Park.
• Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar (Duluth): Our faves include the Mediterranean Panzanella, the burger and the Market Fish Tostada. We’ve heard great things about the mussels but they were sold out.
• Vikre Distillery (Duluth): They offer distillery tours, but there’s a cute bar if you just want a nice cocktail. Try the Frenchie. So good! 
• Canal Park Brewery (Duluth): They have a full restaurant and bar with a lake side patio.
• Fitger’s Brewhouse (Duluth): A historic building with a nice pub.
• Va Bene (Duluth): Italian with lake view seating; if the weather is nice, wait for a balcony table.
• Apostle Supper Club (Duluth): This is a 1960’s Palm Springs style supper club located on the rotating top floor of the Radisson Hotel. Apostle is owned by Brian and Sarah Ingram of Saint Paul. Make reservations in advance. (The Ingrams also own several restaurants in St. Paul including: Hope Breakfast Bar, The Gnome Craft Pub and Apostle Supper Club.)
• New Scenic Café (14 miles North of Duluth): This is my favorite restaurant near Duluth and this is always the first dinner reservation I make after scheduling a trip.
• Ledge Rock Grille (Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors): They have live music on the weekends, check the website for details.
• Castle Danger (Two Harbors): A fun brewery that sells snacks like chips and salsa. They have rotating food trucks outside and you can order pizza delivery from Do North Pizza. We love the taco pizza. (Pro Tip: Bring paper plates, napkins and silverware for your pizza.) There are also outdoor games. We love stopping in here on our way back to Duluth after a hike at Tettegouche or Gooseberry Falls.
• Rustic Café (Two Harbors): They offer down-home cooking, with a large pie selection.
• Betty’s Pies (North of Two Harbors): This is a popular stop with the tourists, so many pie options!

What to Pack:

• Hiking boots: If there’s any rain, many of the hiking paths get muddy. If you don’t have hiking boots bring an extra pair of shoes that can get muddy. Also bring a refillable water bottle, backpack for snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, hat and sunglasses. 
• Swimsuits: Many resorts have indoor pools, hot tubs and / or saunas.
• Raincoat or light jacket: Bring a jacket even in the summer, it can get cool by the water.
• Small cooler & backpack: It’s nice to pack drinks & snacks when you’re heading out on a day-long adventure along the shore.
• If you’re staying somewhere that has a kitchen you may want to bring your own coffee beans, creamer and an insulated coffee mug like a Yeti. 
• Things to read: Kindle, books, magazines
• Things to do: puzzles, games, cards
• I always bring my own blanket to cuddle up with while reading a book and drinking a cup of coffee in the morning. 

Leave a comment with your favorite things to do in or around Duluth?