Things to do

20 Cool Things To Do In Duluth, Minnesota

Duluth is a stunning city that has many natural beauty, outdoor activities, and captivating culture. It is on the coastline of Superior Lake and offers several attractions for all.

Through exploring Canal Park, hiking along the Superior Hiking Trail, or just checking the view at Glensheen Mansion everyone will find something to their interest. Therefore, we have gathered 20 cool things to do in Duluth, Minnesota for your next trip.

1. A Self-Guided Walking Tour Through Duluth’s Canal Park

Canal Park is a wonderful area situated in the city of Duluth in the state of Minnesota and is a remarkable seaport. A self-guided walking tour through Canal Park includes the waterfront of Lake Superior's several historic sites and its famous attraction, the Aerial Lift Bridge.

You can also take a walk alongside the Lakewalk, look at the public art, and go into some of the shops and eateries in the area. The combination of nature, historical significance, and its embrace of arts and crafts make the park active and relaxing suited to all kinds of visitors.

2. 30-Mile North Shore Helicopter Tour

What an Amazing Experience! The North Shore Helicopter Tour with a length of 30 miles is the opportunity to see Duluth, Minnesota, and the beautiful coast of Lake Superior.

Offered as a small group and spanning only 30 miles (48 km) this tour includes visits to Canal Park, Split Rock Lighthouse, and other parts of the coastline with its sharp rocky shores. It is an enthralling way of seeing the attractiveness of the area from a different angle.

3. 15-Mile Aerial Helicopter Tour Over Duluth and Superior

Duluth and Superior are further enhanced by the stunning view from a helicopter that covers 15 miles of the distance. It will last for 15 minutes, during which you will fly across and over Lake Superior and its beautiful coast.

These include sights such as Enger Tower and the famous Aerial Lift Bridge. As a bonus, your instructor offers a detailed explanation which makes this an exciting tool to explore Duluth, Minnesota, from a distant viewpoint.

4. 60-Mile Ultimate Helicopter Tour Over Duluth And Lake Superior's North Shore

Experience the scenic landscapes of Lake Superior aboard a helicopter on this Ultimate Helicopter Tour over Duluth and North Shore for 60 miles.

Based in Duluth, this helicopter trip circles the entire lake with steep inhales of its beautiful sight, rocky edges, and pleasing views from every angle. Hence, fly over famous places, venture into tight little bays, and see the most beautiful things with a helicopter.

5. Paddleboard Rental In Minnesota

Renting a paddleboard in Minnesota makes it easy and enjoyable to tour lakes and grab a few hours of rest on Lake Minnetonka or Lake Calhoun.

All skill levels of paddlers will enjoy the activity as it takes the minds of everyone off all troubles and worries and offers beautiful nature and animals. Most of the parks have paddleboard rentals, offering a tranquil experience on the waters.

6. Lake Superior North Shore Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour

There are various interesting things to do in Duluth, Minnesota. Among them, one is the North Shore of Lake Superior self-guided audio driving tour.

When driving, blend into the stunning features that include the ocean, the cliff, lighthouses, waterfalls, thick forest, and many more. Thus, knowing the great history of the place, and some of the rather strange tales of the inhabitants of the area this will be a good trip.

7. Murder Mystery Detective Experience In Duluth MN

The Murder Mystery Detective Experience in Duluth, MN allows you to become a detective who has been assigned a sensational murder to be solved by Commander Mahoney.

As you traverse 10 different places, in actual or virtual mode, you will be able to solve the mysteries using the Walking Map of the downtown area or the Driving Map on the borders.

Perfect for one-person detectives, couples, a team of friends, or mystery lovers, this game provides a fantastic audio story packed with fun.

8. Self-Guided Audio Tour Lake Superior North Shore

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The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth, Minnesota, is a natural resource for education and adventure. Contained within the 650-acre Hartley Park, this center offers several trails through diverse habitats.

Ecology, wildlife, and sustainability feature programs for visitor's interactive learning. Besides that, this place has an interactive exhibit area, a small animal room, and a gift shop, which is ideal for family trips.

9. Hike The Oberg Mountain Loop And Trail

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Hiking ranks among the top things to do in Duluth. Scenic Oberg Mountain Loop Trail is a 2.3-mile loop in an extremely beautiful Oberg Mountain State Park located in Minnesota.

This moderate trail has great spots to view the surrounding wilderness, Lake Superior, and the Sawtooth Mountains from higher overlooks.

That trail meanders through rich forests of birch and maple, offering varied landscapes from rocky outcrops to tranquil ponds. You'll also find interpretive signs along the way explaining ecology and geology.

10. Go Skiing At Spirit Mountain And Recreation Area

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Spirit Mountain Recreation Area is an all-weather outdoor site with a variety of things to see and do in Duluth MN. Spirit Mountain is popularly known during the winter season as the ski slopes and has over 22 downhill runs to offer, boarding sections, as well as snow tubing for families.

In the summers, one can indulge in mountain bike cycling, hiking, and scenic chair lift rides which offer beautiful sights of the surrounding scenery and the St. Louis River, among other activities. The place also has events to offer and has provisions like camping and picnicking.

11. Embark On The North Shore Scenic Railroad

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Through the shores of Lake Superior the North Shore Scenic Railroad offers one of the most delightful rail trip adventures. This historic railway allows those interested to view natural attractions through train rides.

There are old trains on the railway as well, which consist of polished coaches and locomotives, and even the old-style trains are beautifully restored. Plus, more details regarding train schedules, themed excursions, the Duluth Zephyr, and others are available on the official page, Duluth Trains.

12. Appreciate Art At Duluth Art Institute

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The Duluth Art Institute offers a dynamic center for contemporary art and art-based activities. The institute holds a wide range of exhibitions with artists from local, regional, and national areas.

Moreover, apart from its galleries, the institute also has many learning programs, conducts numerous workshops, and organizes many events within the community. It also has a lovely sculpture garden and a souvenir shop.

13. Spend A Day At Lake Superior Zoo

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Lake Superior Zoo is a thrilling home for wild animals, spanning 16 acres. Animals of more than 100 species that belong to various regions of the world can be seen in this zoo.

The zoo also pursues a mission in the education of the public and the protection of nature through the creation and undertaking of exhibits and educational programs. The walking paths, exhibitions, and special events on specific dates make it worthwhile for visitors.

14. Explore Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

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Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is among the most famous bird observation and study centers which is popular during the fall migration season. Situated on a beautiful cliff above Lake Superior, it attracts masses, consisting of thousands of hawks, eagles, and other raptors moving to the south from Canada.

Also, there are nice hiking trails and sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding areas, which are an added advantage to the experience of the visitors. Hence, it is one of the fun things to do in Minnesota.

15. Discover The Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium

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The Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium is situated at the University of Minnesota Duluth. It is a modern facility that promotes astronomy teaching and the public understanding of space science.

The planetarium has a 50-foot dome and basic projection technology which makes it possible for visitors to take immersive experience shows depicting anything from the solar system to deep space. It acts as a focal point of these audience categories: school groups, families, and "star-gazers".

16. Delve Into Duluth Children's Museum

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Duluth Children's Museum is an educational and creative establishment that aims to develop the curiosity of children. It is also one of the oldest and most established Children's Museums for children in the country.

The museum gives children especially through using the four touch activities of the exhibits and educational programs, an exciting way of learning sciences, arts, histories, and cultures.

17. Catch A Show At The Duluth Playhouse

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Whether you find yourself free and in search of places to visit in Duluth MN then you can be sure to find shows to watch at the Duluth Playhouse. The theater belongs to the oldest community theater in the United States.

It provides various types of performances such as musicals, plays, and comic plays in several places. Therefore, the Playhouse is well known for its active arts program, outreach, and education, providing services such as classes and workshops for all ages.

18. Have Fun At Park Point

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Park Point in Duluth, Minnesota, on Lake Superior, is an exceptional natural elongated sandbar. Its length is indeed about seven miles, meaning it is considered the longest sandbar in fresh waters in the world.

The region provides several attractions to visitors, including a soft sandy beach, walking paths, and views of the lake and the city. People who visit this place like swimming, sunbathing, and having picnics because that is one place where they can find the natural environment.

19. Set Sail On A Duluth Harbor Tour

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A boat tour to the Duluth Harbor provides breathtaking views and interesting activities that every visitor should try especially in Duluth, one of Minnesota's most active seaports.

The cruise, as usual, takes in beautiful sights within the busy inner harbor, observing enormous lake screeners, freight vessels, and well-known buildings. There are more diverseĀ things to do in Minnesota, so visit the places while you are there.

20. Treat Yourself At Northern Waters Smokehaus

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Northern Waters Smokehaus, situated in Duluth, Minnesota is one of the well-known food spots offering some of the best customized smoked fish and meats cum sandwiches. The shop focuses on the use of regional ingredients and classical seasoning practices.

With menu items like smoked salmon, trout, porketta, and bison-all made in-house-they add a special something to their dishes. Their famous specialties include the Cajun Finn made with smoked salmon or the Pastrami Mommy, for flavors that have made this spot a favorite among locals.