Things To Do In Duluth
Area Attractions & Events
Looking for things to do in Duluth? You’ve come to the right place! Browse the list of attractions, events, and fun activities below.
1785 Highway 210, P.O. Box 777
Hotel and Casino – (218) 878-BEAR(2327)
Hotel and Casino toll free – 1-888-771-0777
Enjoy 24-hour gaming, including slots, blackjack, poker and bingo. Dine in the Seven Fires Steak House, the Buffet at the Bear or Sage Deli. The hotel has 408 rooms, pool, hot-tub, sauna and kids arcade. MPGA 18-hole championship golf course and driving range. Cobalt Nightclub features entertainment Thursday – Sunday nights.
129 East Superior Street
(218) 722-0280, (800) 873-0280
There’s something for everyone amid the excitement and glamour of Fond-du-Luth Casino in downtown Duluth. Every day there is 24 hours of excitement for adults 21 years of age or older. We offer video slots, keno, video poker, and blackjack tables with limits up to $1,000! Plus, we have a large selection of spirits and comfort foods.
Depot Site: 506 West Michigan Street
(218) 733-7560
The Duluth Art Institute serves our region and artists with the opportunity to create, exhibit, explore and enjoy visual art through exhibition, education and professional development. It sponsors contemporary exhibits of local, regional and national artists. The Duluth Art Institute provides programs in ceramics, photography, fiber arts and more.
Located in the Depot: 506 West Michigan Street
(218) 733-7555
The Duluth Playhouse proudly presents an outstanding season of shows and theater opportunities through the year. Don’t miss a single event; there is something for everyone!
At the Playhouse, you’ll find all the best drama and comedies, show-stopping musicals, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and razzle-dazzle entertainment for the entire family.
The Duluth Playhouse Conservatory is committed to providing exciting, innovative, and quality theatre arts education for the Northeast Region. Theatre is a fully active art form – it engages the mind and body so that learning is layered and lasting. We have an array of creative, fun, and challenging opportunities for young people to explore the power of performance. In addition, adult education classes are provided through the ACTOR’S GYM program, a training ground for both experienced & novice performing artists to flex their muscles. Call (218) 733-7555 for information or to reserve tickets.
DULUTH SUPERIOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Office: 331 West Superior Street, Suite 100
(218) 623-DSSO (3776)
Concerts held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Auditorium
350 Harbor Drive
Since its inception in 1932, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra has proven to be a leading cultural organization in this region. The DSSO has consistently provided professional level performances of symphonic music, both traditional and new, to audiences of every age and background. The DSSO has set itself apart from its peers and established a unique tradition by regularly featuring the most important soloists of the day.
MINNESOTA BALLET
301 West First Street, Suite 800
(218) 529-3742
Minnesota Ballet maintains a highly professional dance company and a school of 200 students. The Company presents works of artistic and historic importance. The Ballet stages original works in styles from classical ballet to contemporary ballet jazz. The Ballet also stages critically-acclaimed full-length story ballets such as “The Nutcracker,” “Sleeping Beauty,” “Cinderella,” as well as Acts II of “Swan Lake” and “Giselle,” resplendent in rich costumes, sets and choreography.
DULUTH ENTERTAINMENT CONVENTION CENTER
350 Harbor Drive
(218) 722-5573
The DECC is a waterfront convention center, arena and auditorium. An approximately $80 million project to expand the DECC and build the AMSOIL Arena (with its National Hockey League standard ice sheet) was completed in 2010. These facilities form our “community gathering place” – where residents and visitors attend everything from business conventions, weddings, hockey games and Broadway shows to performances by nationally known artists, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota Ballet.
AERIAL LIFT BRIDGE
Duluth’s landmark attraction, located between Park Point and Canal Park, is the largest and fastest lift bridge in the world.
The gateway to Duluth’s magnificent waterfront, the park features a large, permanent stage for outdoor concerts and events, a grand entry plaza, a pavilion, a bridged boardwalk along the water and generous picnic areas. The park is home to a variety of events and activities throughout the year. In the winter months, there is ice skating, the Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” (the largest holiday light display in the Midwest) and the annual “Warmer by the Lake” event. In the summer, enjoy an exciting array of festivals that feature music and food. Year-round, Playfront playground is open to children of all ages. Events are scheduled for two separate areas of Bayfront depending on the size of the event. Bayfront Festival Park and the Lois Paulucci Music Pavilion are used primarily for large music festivals. The Bayfront Park Plaza, which includes the brick plaza, is used for smaller events.
BRIGHTON BEACH IN GITCHEE GUMMEE PARK
Brighton Beach in Gitchee Gummee Park
Located on the North Shore Scenic Highway, this is the perfect area for having a picnic or skipping rocks.
CANAL PARK
The Canal Park area attracts visitors from all over the world, with its restaurants, shops, the Lakewalk and the Aerial Lift Bridge.
ENGER MEMORIAL TOWER
Located along Skyline Parkway near Enger Park Golf Course, this landmark offers beautiful panoramic views of Duluth and Lake Superior.
GLENSHEEN, THE HISTORIC CONGDON ESTATE
3300 London Road
(218) 726-8910, Toll free(888) 454-GLEN (4536)
Glensheen is a 7.7-acre historic estate built by Chester and Clara Congdon between 1905 to 1908. Located on the shore of Lake Superior, it is now owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Glensheen features a 39-room, Jacobean-style mansion with custom designed original furnishings, formal gardens, a carriage house, a gardener’s cottage, a clay tennis court and more. A Glensheen tour is one of our favorite things to do in Duluth!
GREAT LAKES AQUARIUM
353 Harbor Drive
(218) 740-FISH (3474)
Great Lakes Aquarium invites visitors of all ages to explore the Great Lakes and beyond through live animal displays, hands-on exhibits and educational programming. Get your hands wet, watch the otters play and experience this watery world from a fresh perspective. Located on the Duluth waterfront, Great Lakes Aquarium is the perfect place to hold your next event, spend a quiet moment or have some family fun.
LAKEWALK
Starting in Canal Park, the popular Lakewalk along the westerly shoreline of Lake Superior takes visitors directly past attractions such as the Fitger’s Complex, the Rose Garden and Leif Erickson Park and continues to 60th Avenue East in Duluth’s Lakeside neighborhood. Residents and visitors alike may take time to walk, jog, bike, inline skate or take a horse-drawn carriage ride on the Lakewalk.
LAKE SUPERIOR ZOO
7210 Fremont Street
(218) 730-4500
Find hundreds of native and exotic species, including some of the rarest animals on earth, at the Lake Superior Zoo. See Siberian Tigers, Snow Leopards, Gray Wolves, Grizzly Bears and much, much more! Experience the daily animal feedings and enrichments, designed to excite both zoo animals and zoo visitors. The Lake Superior Zoo is open year-round. Become a zoo member and visit as often as you like. Call or visit for more information.
LEIF ERICKSON PARK
This beautiful park, along the shores of Lake Superior off London Road, is the site of a full-scale replica of a wooden Viking ship reminiscent of the type used by Norse sailors hundreds of years ago.
NORTH SHORE SCENIC DRIVE
The North Shore Scenic Drive runs 22 miles, starting near Brighton Beach on Highway 61 and continuing to Two Harbors.
NORTH SHORE SCENIC RAILROAD
The Depot: 506 West Michigan Street
(218) 722-1273
A conductor checks your ticket and calls out “All Aboard!” Three short blasts of the whistle and your adventure begins. As the train pulls out of the historic Union Depot in downtown Duluth, your narrator explains the history of our region and the role that railroads played in its development. Two lines of steel lead the train through the city, Canal Park, along the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior and deep into the majestic Northwoods. Riding in vintage open and air-conditioned coaches, you’ll cross over North Shore rivers that splash and tumble towards Lake Superior.
PARK POINT
Park Point’s sandy beaches stretch out seven miles and are perfect for swimming, wading or tanning, offering picnic and play areas with spectacular Lake Superior views.
SEVEN BRIDGES ROAD
Superb views of Lake Superior, the harbor and Twin Ports mark this 30-mile drive, which rests 600 feet above the shoreline.
SPLIT ROCK LIGHTHOUSE
3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Road
(45 miles N of Duluth on MN Hwy. 61)
(218) 226-6372
Split Rock is a “must-see” attraction for travelers to the Minnesota North Shore. It is one of America’s best-preserved and most recognized lighthouses. Tours are offered daily in summer and the Visitor Center offers displays, a film in the Theater and shopping in the Museum Store. May 15-Oct 15, Daily 10am-6pm; Oct 16-May 14, Thurs-Mon 11am-4pm (visitor center/store only).
VISTA FLEET CRUISES
(218) 529-8704
Visitors can tour the harbor and Lake Superior on Vista Fleet cruises, offering gorgeous sights and delicious dining. Weddings, private and corporate events, and school events may also be booked. Harbor Drive.
CITY OF DULUTH PUBLIC LIBRARY
Main library: 520 W. Superior Street
(218) 730-4200
Founded in 1890, the Duluth Public Library is committed to being a vital resource center that provides information, materials and services to enrich people’s lives. The library offers books, magazines and newspapers, recorded music and books, DVDs, children’s toys, Internet access, and much more.
CLAYTON JACKSON MEMORIAL
The memorial is located at Second Avenue East and First Street
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 336-2990
“It is by remembering the injustice of our past that we learn to live with justice in the future.” Likenesses of Elias Clayton, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie are enshrined by a solemn memorial in downtown Duluth, right at the intersection where, in 1920, they were victims of a lynch mob. Falsely accused of rape, the three young African- Americans were dragged from jail, tried on the street in front of 5,000-10,000 people, and then hanged in the chaos that ensued. It was perhaps the worst day in Duluth’s history, but the opening of this memorial in 2003 helps begin the healing of the wounds of our past.
GARY NEW DULUTH VETERANS MEMORIAL
Corner of Stowe St. & Commonwealth Ave.
This 60 year old community memorial landmark commemorates the service of WW II, Korean, Vietnam, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans from Duluth’s far west neighborhoods. This non-profit organization was created to restore and maintain this historical community treasure.
LAKE SUPERIOR MARITIME VISITOR CENTER
600 Lake Avenue South (next to the Aerial Lift Bridge)
(218) 720-5260
24-hour Boatwatcher’s Hotline: (218) 722-6489
Admission is free and a service of the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The museum is open year-round with exhibits, film shows, model ships and educational materials on the Twin Ports, regional maritime history and the development of commercial shipping. There are viewing areas and verbal commentary on ship traffic as giant lake carriers and foreign ships pass under the world-famous Aerial Lift Bridge. Free school and community programs by appointment – call (218) 720-5260, ext. 1.
LAKE SUPERIOR RAILROAD MUSEUM
The Depot: 506 W. Michigan Street
(218) 733-7590
Climb up in the cab of one of the world’s largest steam locomotives and take the throttle of the huge Yellowstone Class Mallet. Experience what the trainmen saw, sitting high in the cupola of a wooden caboose, and learn why they called the last car on a train “the crummy.” Imagine what dining on the rails was like as you marvel at one-of-a-kind dining car china and table settings displayed in a restored, turn-of-the-century coach. The history of railroading in Minnesota starts with the state’s first steam locomotive, the William A. Crooks, shown on Track Seven. From steam-powered rotary snow removal equipment to a FREE trolley ride, there’s something for everyone at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Plan to spend several hours here and bring your camera!
S.S. WILLIAM A. IRVIN ORE BOAT MUSEUM
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 722-7876 (in season); (218) 623-1236 (off season)
The S.S. William A. Irvin was the proud flagship of the U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet. The Irvin provided elegance and comfort to the dignitaries and guests it carried. From the millions of tons of iron ore loaded, to its magnificently appointed wood-paneled staterooms and fine dining, the Irvin was the pride of the fleet. Open daily May-October, guided tours only.
LOUIS COUNTY HISTORIAL SOCIETY
The Depot: 506 West Michigan Street
(218) 733-7586
The St. Louis County Historical Society is one of the largest and oldest county-based historical societies in Minnesota. It was organized in 1922 for the stated purpose of discovering, preserving and disseminating knowledge about the history of St. Louis County and the state of Minnesota. It has extensive artifact and archival collections related to northeastern Minnesota’s heritage and continues to develop and maintain the Veterans’ Memorial Hall program to honor those who have served from St. Louis County (www.vets-hall.org).
TWEED MUSEUM OF ART
University of Minnesota Duluth
1201 Ordean Court
(218) 726-8222 or (218) 726-7823
With a permanent collection of over 10,000 art objects, representing a range of cultures and periods of art history, the Tweed Museum of Art is an art collecting and teaching institution that promotes learning through collection stewardship, research, and by presenting programs in the visual arts for the engagement of the University and surrounding communities. The Tweed Museum of Art aims to inspire visitors of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy works from the collection and special exhibitions to foster an understanding and appreciation of art.
ADVENTURE ZONE FAMILY FUN ZONE
329 Lake Avenue South, Canal Park
(218) 740-4000
There is something for everyone at the Adventure Zone of Canal Park! The Northland’s newest family attraction boasts over 50,000 square feet of fun featuring Laser Tag, Batting Cages, mini golf, the largest video/redemption arcade in the area, Vertical Endeavor’s rock climbing walls, a kid’s playground, an 18’ inflatable fire truck slide and more.
DULUTH HUSKIES BASEBALL CLUB
Historic Wade Stadium: 34th Avenue West & Grand Avenue
(218) 786-9909
Come out and enjoy quality family entertainment at historic Wade Municipal Stadium located at 35th Ave W & Michigan Street. The Huskies have established themselves as perennial contenders by bringing in the best college players from the strongest baseball programs in the country.
POSITIVE ENERGY OUTDOORS
4757 Datka Road, Duluth
(218) 391-0147
Positive Energy Outdoor is a year-round outdoor program offering dog sledding, skijoring, snowshoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, draft horse driving/sleigh rides, renewable energy education, team building and a portable climbing wall.
ROSE GARDEN
Duluth’s Rose Garden on London Road offers more than 3,000 beautiful rose bushes blooming 40,000 roses each year, a marble gazebo and fountain, plus plenty of benches overlooking Lake Superior.
SPIRIT MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA
9500 Spirit Mountain Place
(218) 628-2891 ; (800) 642-6377
Spirit Mountain offers a wide variety of year-round recreational activities: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile events, camping, mountain bike races, as well as facilities for hosting weddings, conventions and more. With its new Adventure Park, Spirit Mountain is now home to the “Timber Twister” Alpine Coaster, the “Timber Flyer” Zip Line, and a 9-hole Mini Golf Course.
SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL
The Superior Hiking Trail includes a 39-mile trail section through Duluth, including segments through Jay Cooke State Park, Ely’s Peak, Bardon’s Peak, the Magney-Snively old growth forest, Spirit Mountain, Enger Park, the Lakewalk, UMD’s Bagley nature trails, and Hartley Park.
WESTERN WATERFRONT TRAIL
A 3.5-mile path along the St. Louis River, this trail is ideal for hiking, jogging, biking, snowshoeing and sightseeing. Grand Avenue at 72nd Avenue West across from the Lake Superior Zoo.
WILLARD MUNGER STATE TRAIL
The Munger Trail is open for easy bike riding and inline skating in the summer, as well as snowmobiling in the winter. With 14 miles linking West Duluth and Jay Cooke State Park, the trail begins adjacent to Indian Point Park, Grand Avenue at 75th Avenue West.
AREA GOLF COURSES:
ENGER PARK – PUBLIC
(218) 723-3451
GRAND NATIONAL GOLF COURSE – PUBLIC
(800) 472-6321
NEMADJI GOLF COURSE – PUBLIC
(715) 394-0266
NORTHLAND COUNTRY CLUB – PRIVATE
(218) 525-1941
RIDGEVIEW COUNTRY CLUB – PRIVATE
(218) 728-5128
THE WILDERNESS AT FORTUNE BAY – PUBLIC
(218) 753-8917
CHRISTMAS CITY OF THE NORTH PARADE
The Friday before Thanksgiving, downtown Duluth lights up for Christmas in a celebration that begins with the lighting of the community Christmas tree on Lake Superior Plaza. The celebration continues with the Northland’s NewsCenter’s Christmas City of the North parade, a much anticipated holiday tradition.
GRANDMA’S MARATHON
(218) 727-0947
Every June, Duluth’s largest annual event attracts more than 9,000 participants from across the globe in Grandma’s Marathon – a world-class event with small town charm. Races also include the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A. Irvin 5K. This weekend festival includes other events, such as the Essentia Health Fitness & Health Expo, the Michelina’s Spaghetti Dinner, free Whipper Snapper Races for kids and live music under the Big Top Tent in Canal Park.
JOHN BEARGREASE SLED DOG MARATHON
(218) 722-7631
The “Beargrease” is the premier sled dog marathon of the Upper Midwest and draws world-class sled dog teams from across the nation and around the globe. This 400-mile race is the longest and most challenging of sled dog events in the lower 48 states.
NORTHSHORE INLINE MARATHON
(218) 723-1503
This September annual event draws more than 3,000 skaters in the country’s largest inline skate marathon. Enjoy the country’s most scenic and exciting inline skating event along the beautiful North Shore of Lake Superior! The 26.2-mile marathon begins just south of Two Harbors and continues along Scenic Hwy 61, rolling through the I-35 tunnels and finishing at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. September 19, 2015