Duluth

Visit Duluth, Minnesota, to enjoy beautiful Lake Superior, historic architecture and a floating ship museum.

Begin your exploration of the city at the Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park along the waterfront, the city’s tourist district. Watch the bridge lift and massive ore boats pass through what appears to be an impossibly small canal opening. At the foot of the bridge is the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. Stop by to learn about the Great Lakes history or take part in festivals and events, such as tours of tall ships. Check the visitor center website for details.

From Canal Park, take a half-mile (800 meter) stroll to the SS William A. Irvin. This U.S. Steel vessel once transported iron ore and coal, and sometimes guests, to Great Lakes ports. It’s now a floating ship museum that offers tours May through September.

Not far from the SS William A. Irvin is the Great Lakes Aquarium. Here, you can see hundreds of species of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals. Learn about the incredible geological forces that shaped Lake Superior, feel the skin of a shovelnose sturgeon or even captain a virtual boat.

Join walkers and joggers on the Downtown Lakewalk that runs along the edge of Lake Superior between Canal Park and downtown Duluth.  

In the city center, walk the bricked streets to take in the historic architecture that defines Duluth and browse galleries that support local artists.

Return to Canal Park to dine at both national chains and establishments that can only be found in Duluth. Relax with a Midwestern brew on tap paired with a burger, or enjoy a more intimate experience at an upscale steakhouse.

Duluth is often compared to San Francisco due to its steep hills, bridges and bay. As such, it can make walking or biking a bit difficult. Most travelers get around by car, but if you don’t have one, the city offers public transit as well as trolley services in the summer.