Overview
Duluth is a city of about 86,000 people (2018) in northern Minnesota. It is one of the most scenic cities in the Midwest. Duluth has a thriving tourism industry, with antique shops, excellent restaurants, cozy inns, and scenic views of the lake. There is a ski resort inside city limits.
12 sights · 11 things to do · 14 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Duluth
Enger Tower and Park
An observation tower at the top of the hill in Enger Park that provides panoramic views of Duluth and the Twin Ports area. The park boasts lovely and distinct gardens: shade hostas, over 200 perennials, 4,000 daffodils, …
Jay Cooke State Park
Glensheen Mansion
Built in 1908 for the Congdon family. Standard one-hour guided tour includes the basement, first floor, and second floor. The 1.5-guided hour tour also includes the third floor. The carriage house and the landscaped grou…
Karpeles Manuscript Museum
Rotating exhibits.
Lake Superior Railroad Museum
One of the Midwest's largest and most diverse collections of railroad artifacts. The collection includes one of the world's largest steam locomotives, the Yellowstone, which was used for decades to haul massive iron ore …
S.S. William A. Irvin Boat Museum
Open daily May-October, guided tours only. During the month of October the ship is transformed into a large haunted ship.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 78°F; winter lows dip to about 2°F. Cold months (Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and Jul.
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- DLH Duluth International Airport, Duluth — 6 mi away. Directions
- HIB Range Regional Airport, Hibbing — 54 mi away. Directions
- MSP Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport / Wold–Chamberlain Field, Minneapolis — 142 mi away (major hub). Directions
Duluth is about a 2½-hour drive north of the Twin Cities on Interstate 35. A driver entering Duluth on I-35 from the Twin Cities will be rewarded by a spectacular view of Duluth laid bare in the valley and Lake Superior into the horizon. Travelers not familiar with Duluth may be surprised at how elevated the surrounding hills are. The international airport sits at an elevation of 1,427 feet. After long hours of relatively flat scenery, the view is a treat, especially during peak fall colors. The highway then descends at a steep grade just to the east of downtown; Exit 256B is the recommended exit for most downtown attractions.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $45–$45 a night (typical $58), from 2 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$90, mid-range ~$130, comfortable ~$210.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Enger Tower and Park, Lake Superior Railroad Museum, North Shore Scenic Railroad
- Lunch India Palace
- Afternoon Great Lakes Aquarium, Vista Fleet Sightseeing & Dining Cruise
- Dinner Hanabi
- Evening Carmody Irish Pub
Day 2
- Morning Jay Cooke State Park, Spirit Mountain
- Lunch Duluth Grill
- Afternoon Lake Superior Zoo, Vertical Endeavors
- Dinner The Maya Family Restaurant
- Evening Fitger's Brewhouse
Day 3
- Morning United States Hockey Hall of Fame, The Downtown Waterfront District
- Lunch Pickwick Restaurant and Pub
- Afternoon Top Hat Carriage Service
- Dinner Va Bene
- Evening Blackwoods Grill & Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are plenty of restaurants throughout Duluth. Canal Park is home to restaurants and cafes you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world, plus popular chains such as Famous Dave's, Old Chicago, and Red Lobster.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Duluth has always been a shipping town: first for furs, later for iron ore, timber, and grain. As a shipping and milling town, Duluth once had the most millionaires per capita in the United States. This is still reflected in the large number of mansions in the east end of town. Ocean-going vessels come up the St. Lawrence Seaway into the Great Lakes to Duluth Harbor. Since these "salties" go through the locks, they are smaller than the native "lakers" that stay within the Great Lakes. Ships under many flags, including Nigeria, Greece, and Denmark, frequently dock in Duluth to pick up grain and coal for overseas markets. Iron-ore and taconite still go to Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania for processing into steel.
The city was built largely on a 700-foot (215-m) hill overlooking Lake Superior. Canal Park and Superior Street have the highest concentrations of tourist destinations in the city. The famous Aerial Lift Bridge is on Lake Avenue, next to Canal Park. Particularly proud residents liken the city to San Francisco, which also has bridges, hills, a bay, and a thriving tourist business. The renowned Grandma's Marathon is held annually, named after Grandma's Saloon (restaurant) in Canal Park. The University of Minnesota-Duluth and St. Scholastica College are the two largest colleges in the city with over 12,000 students together.
Duluth is the western endpoint of the scenic North Shore Drive, which follows the rugged north coast of Lake Superior nearly 700 miles (1,120 km) to Sault Ste Marie (Ontario). Across the bay is Superior, Wisconsin.
Climate
Set on deep Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world by surface area, Duluth can be cool or cold anytime of year. The official temperatures are reported from the airport, over the hill, and can be ten or more degrees (Fahrenheit) above the downtown temperatures. Summer heat indices average around 79°F during the day and 61°F at night. While there are a few summer days where it only gets to 68°F, there can as easily be days where heat indices climb up to 92°F with high humidity and overnight lows around 69°F. Bitter windchills can occur in the winter, although air temperatures generally do not go below -20°F (-29°C). Despite this, some people bike to work year-round. The temperatures can also change very rapidly, especially near the lake: a wind switch can be accompanied by a temperature drop of 30 degrees (F) in a couple of minutes.
Visitor information
Visit Duluth operates two visitor information centers:
Get in
By car
Duluth is about a 2½-hour drive north of the Twin Cities on Interstate 35. A driver entering Duluth on I-35 from the Twin Cities will be rewarded by a spectacular view of Duluth laid bare in the valley and Lake Superior into the horizon. Travelers not familiar with Duluth may be surprised at how elevated the surrounding hills are. The international airport sits at an elevation of 1,427 feet. After long hours of relatively flat scenery, the view is a treat, especially during peak fall colors. The highway then descends at a steep grade just to the east of downtown; Exit 256B is the recommended exit for most downtown attractions.
By plane
Duluth International Airport (DLH). Offering daily non-stop service to Minneapolis/Saint Paul, Detroit and Chicago. In addition service is offered occasionally and sometimes seasonally to Las Vegas, Phoenix and Orlando.
Airlines serving Duluth International Airport:
- Sun Country Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
By bus
Duluth is served by Jefferson Lines. The main bus terminal is the Duluth Transportation Center at 228 W Michigan St in downtown Duluth; Jefferson Lines also stops at the College of St. Scholastica and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Skyline shuttle runs 10 times a day between the Minneapolis-St Paul airport and Duluth downtown Radisson hotel. Landline Bus Service runs several direct shuttles a day between Minneapolis and Duluth Miller Mall and the airport. Indian Trails offers service from Sault Sainte Marie, Detroit, and Kalamazoo in Michigan.
By boat
Duluth-Superior (WI) is an international seaport, by way of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, and while the taconite industry has dropped way off from the Iron Range, timber is still shipped by boat. Cruise ships that travel the Great Lakes have Duluth as a stop on their itineraries.
Get around
By car
Driving is probably the best option for getting around Duluth. The city generally does not have any traffic problems, although it can get congested in Canal Park.
The city is built on a rather steep hill, so if you travel around anywhere other than downtown or I-35, make sure your brakes are in good order. It can be slushy in the winter as the road crews typically put down salt first, then plow the roads when traffic is lighter. However, being on the west side of the lake, Duluth doesn't normally receive the large lake-effect snowfalls, 2-6 in is the normal snowstorm.
US Highway 53 crosses from Wisconsin to the south to the Iron Range in the north, and will take you to Miller Hill Mall, on top of the hill on the west side. US Highway 2 runs east-west. Keep in mind that the majority of the city is laid out in a grid based on the Lake Superior shoreline. This is about 45 degrees off of true north, however the residents refer to east/west streets running parallel to the lake, and north/south avenues that are perpendicular to the lake. Lake Avenue is considered to be the dividing line between east and west.
By bus/taxi
Public bus and trolley services are operated by the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA).
Uber and Lyft drivers are often available throughout the Twin Ports area.
Allied Taxi (+1 218-722-3311) and SK Taxi (+1 218-221-1604) offer transportation within the city limits and into Wisconsin as well.
By bike
The Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council has made a bike map for the Twin Ports area.
Scooter rental is available from multiple vendors, including Leaf.
See
See The Downtown Waterfront District
Parks and gardens
See Enger Tower and Park
An observation tower at the top of the hill in Enger Park that provides panoramic views of Duluth and the Twin Ports area. The park boasts lovely and distinct gardens: shade hostas, over 200 perennials, 4,000 daffodils, and a Japanese garden. It was named after former Mayor Bert Enger, who hailed from Pine City.
See Leif Erickson Park
Home to the Duluth Rose Garden and the Leif Erickson Viking Ship, all overlooking Lake Superior.
Museums
See Glensheen Mansion (Historic Congdon Estate)
Built in 1908 for the Congdon family. Standard one-hour guided tour includes the basement, first floor, and second floor. The 1.5-guided hour tour also includes the third floor. The carriage house and the landscaped grounds can be explored unguided.
See Lake Superior Railroad Museum
One of the Midwest's largest and most diverse collections of railroad artifacts. The collection includes one of the world's largest steam locomotives, the Yellowstone, which was used for decades to haul massive iron ore trains to the ports in Duluth and Two Harbors, the first locomotive in Minnesota (the William Crooks), one of the nation's largest displays of dining car china, cabooses, freight cars, a railway post office and a model railroad highlighting historical and modern iron ore operations. The museum is located on the bottom floor of The Depot, which is Duluth's elegant former main train station and has exhibits on the upper floors including significant local art, and local Native American and immigrant history.
- (The William A. Irvin is dry-docked for repair as of October 2018.)
Other
See Great Lakes Aquarium
Hands-on discovery center encourages guests to explore animals and ecosystems found in the Great Lakes and beyond. Visitors experience the geologic forces that shaped Lake Superior, watch as divers feed fish in a massive two-story tank, raise and lower locks on a scale model of the Great Lakes, pilot a virtual ore boat under the Aerial Lift Bridge and pet young sturgeon and freshwater stingrays. Exhibits showcase over 70 species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals providing a unique window into watery worlds.
Do
Duluth is filled with plenty of activities for people of all ages. Canal Park is a tourist district on the lakefront filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. Some of Canal Park's attractions include a 4.2-mile long lakewalk, a lighthouse pier, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the William A. Irvin floating ship museum. Those interested in boats will also enjoy watching vessels from around the world enter Duluth's port. Travel the bricked streets in Downtown Duluth and enjoy the historic architecture that defines the city. Walk down Bob Dylan Way (Michigan St, Superior St and London Rd) and celebrate the continuing commitment to supporting local art and local artists.
Attractions
Do Fond-du-Luth Casino
Over 750 video slot machines ranging from penny, two-cent, nickel, quarter and dollar with all slot machines ticket in/ticket out. Blackjack tables with betting limits from $3-1,000. Concessions with a full-service lounge and beverages. All customers must be at least 21 years of age to gamble.
Sports & recreation
*
Do Positive Energy Outdoors
Draft Horses Sleigh and wagon rides, learn to harness and drive or just enjoy the ride. Rock Climbing In Duluth and up the shore, climbing for all ages and abilities. Kayaking Private inland lake just north of Duluth or Lake Superior at Two Harbors, Split Rock Lighthouse or the fantastic sea cliffs off Shovel Point or Palisade Head.
- Bike! Duluth has 45 miles of single track trails for the mountain bike enthusiast and many paved trails and bike routes for bikers and hikers.
Tours
Do Top Hat Carriage Service
Horse-drawn rides give you a tour of Canal Park’s many sights and take you along the shore of Lake Superior. Rides begin in the Marine Museum parking lot next to the canal where the huge oceangoing ships enter the harbor. No reservations needed. Operating from early afternoon until after dark.
Buy
Canal Park is an excellent place to kick off a shopping trip. Plenty of stores line the streets and are close together and easy to walk between. Other great shops can be found throughout downtown Duluth and scattered throughout local shopping centers.
Canal Park
Shop Blue Heron Trading Co.
Known for its unique selection of housewares and gourmet kitchen tools. Carries top brands like Le Creuset, Zyliss, and Chantal, as well as carefully chosen local and imported specialty foods, Colorful home decor accessories, and a full assortment of kitchen gadgets to outfit any kitchen.
Shop Hepzibah's
This old-fashioned candy shoppe is named for Hepzibah J. Merritt. Fulfill your sweetest dreams with chocolates, fudge, licorice and many imported items.
Shop J Skylark Company
Toys, games puzzles, kites, stuffed animals, rubber stamps, gifts & keepsakes.
Shop Two & Co.
Jewelry and hair accessories, body care, clothing for women, children and some for pets. You'll find books, magnets, and household cleaners.
Shop I Love Duluth
Gift, novelty and souvenir store. Filled with fun Duluth and Minnesota novelties.
Eat
There are plenty of restaurants throughout Duluth. Canal Park is home to restaurants and cafes you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world, plus popular chains such as Famous Dave's, Old Chicago, and Red Lobster.
Canal Park
Eat Bellisio's
An upscale but not overly expensive Italian restaurant with great pastas and gnocchi.
Eat Grandma's
Good Italian and American food. Probably Duluth's most famous local restaurant.
Eat Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar
International restaurant serving seafood, sandwiches, and soups. Great outdoor patio during the warm months.
Eat Little Angies Cantina & Grill
American Southwestern flair for food. Loaded with original Tex Mex artifacts and hand-carved ornate pillars. The menu features delicious sizzling fajitas, Southwest salads, cowboy burgers, and other original recipe favorites. The bar is highlighted by a Wall of Tequila and a whole menu full of margarita selections. Full wine, beer, and beverage selections also available.
Other restaurants
Eat India Palace
The lunch buffet (on weekdays around noon) is an excellent sampler of East Indian food.
Eat The Maya Family Restaurant
A good Mexican restaurant up the hill past the mall area.
Eat Pizza Lucé
Good pizza, live music, and a variety of vegan options.
Eat New Scenic Café
Creative menu based on fresh, local ingredients. Vegetarian friendly. On Lake Superior's North Shore (13 miles north of downtown) with a view of the lake.
Eat Fitger's Brewhouse
Not just for those looking for a drink; they also have an excellent menu featuring local favorites, including the veggie-friendly Wild Rice Burger. (Try the chocolate cake cold.)
Eat Va Bene
A hip, casual Italian restaurant with a wonderful selection of wines, cocktails, liqueurs, and Italian sodas. An outdoor patio (partially covered for rainy days) affords a great view of Lake Superior.
Eat Duluth Grill
Casual family dining with smart, healthy menu options including gluten-free and vegetarian dining. Breakfast at any time of the day.
Eat Hanabi
Sushi and other Japanese cuisine and a full bar in a beautiful new space that manages to be family friendly in the early hours and romantic late into the night. Vegan friendly.
Eat Pickwick Restaurant and Pub
Hundred-year-old local institution. Good steaks, local fish, salads, and pasta dishes.
Drink
Drink Fitger's Brewhouse
Unique microbrewery serving a wide selection of beers, ales, lagers, and other beverages; many brewed on site.
Drink Carmody Irish Pub
Drink Blackwoods Grill & Bar
Local favorite with excellent two happy hours, 3-6 and 9-12. 22 beers on tap including Midwest brews such as South Shore and Goose Island and eco-friendly (keeping with the city's culture) brews like Fat Tire.
Sleep
Stay Hostel du Nord
Duluth's only hostel. The hostel offers single bunks (twin-size) for individuals and double bunks (queen-size) that can be used by individuals or couples. All bunks have a privacy curtain, reading lights, electrical outlets, and security lockers (double bunks come with two lockers). Each floor has multiple single-person bathrooms. Other amenities include a lounge area, kitchenette, free wireless internet, and a Finnish-style sauna.
Stay Residence Inn, Duluth
Mid-tier all suite corporate hotel in the Duluth Heights neighborhood. Amenities include an indoor pool & hot tub, fitness center, laundry room, half court basketball court, and complimentary breakfast. Surface parking, with easy access to Duluth Transit's Go Line-Green.
Stay safe
Dial 911 for emergencies.
Go next
- Pine City is just a little over an hour's drive south on I-35. Great small town!
- Set off for a camping/canoe trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
- Drive up the North Shore of Lake Superior along 'Scenic 61'
- Bike the Willard Munger trail (over 100 km / 70 miles between Duluth and Hinckley)
- Across the bay is Superior, Wisconsin.
- Travel south on I-35 to the Twin Cities metropolitan area
- Split Rock Lighthouse (40 miles north). Wonderful lighthouse built around 1910. There were no roads at the time so they hauled all material by boat and lifted it to the top of the cliff.
Nearby
Superior
City / town · 3 listings · 5 mi away
Hermantown
City / town · 12 listings · 7 mi away
Cloquet
City / town · 5 listings · 18 mi away
Two Harbors
City / town · 6 listings · 26 mi away
Meadowlands
City / town · 3 listings · 36 mi away
Moose Lake
City / town · 1 listings · 39 mi away
Cornucopia
City / town · 2 listings · 47 mi away
Washburn
City / town · 12 listings · 58 mi away
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