Duluth, MN, has a tragically long winter and an equally tragically short summer. So, we try to make the most of it while it’s still here. Whether you’re interested in trying out some great local restaurants, getting out on Lake Superior, or checking out some other great spot in the area, there’s a never-ending list of things to do in Duluth throughout the summer. Here are just some of our favorites:
1. Parks in Duluth
One thing that we’re not short on here in Duluth is parks. There’s a good chance that, even if you’ve lived here your entire life, there’s still probably a park or two you haven’t yet visited. While there are some popular ones like the Rose Garden, Leif Erikson, and Enger Park (with the infamous Enger Tower), there are still others worth checking out, including:
For a more thorough list of parks in Duluth, follow this link.
2. Trails located in Duluth
While most of the above-listed parks also come with trails, there are some places that may be considered less of a park and more of a walking path or hiking trail. Some of our favorite spots include Chester Creek and the Superior Hiking Trail, but there’s also:
For more places to take a hike, check out this link.
3. The ice cream that’s stolen our heart
While there are always the classic places to stop like Culvers, Dairy Queen, and Cold Stone, there’s a special place in our hearts for Love Creamery. They hand-craft their ice cream using quality ingredients and always find new ways to create unique (and delicious) flavors. They have two storefronts with their original location being in the Lincoln Park Craft District and their newest location in Canal Park.
Check out the flavors they currently have available here as well as their respective location addresses.
4. Our favorite local breweries
Duluth, MN, is surprisingly not short on breweries. For those who don’t know the craft of beer-making, you would think there were only so many ways to brew beers. However, each brewery is unique to its own and works to find new ways to stand out from the rest. Some, but not all, in the area include:
- Bent Paddle Brewing Co. (and Cann-A-Lounge)
- Fitger’s Brewhouse and Brewery
- Ursa Minor Brewery (and restaurant)
- Canal Park Brewing (and restaurant)
- Warrior Brewing Company
- Blacklist Brewing Co. (and restaurant)
- Hoops Brewing
For those who aren’t interested in beer, there are also a couple of cideries down in the Lincoln Park Craft District to check out: Wild State Cider and Duluth Cider. Obviously, Lake Superior is both beautiful and makes dang good craft beer.
5. Local restaurants in Duluth
Something we Duluthians love just as much as our craft beers and hiking trails is good food. Since this blog is all about enjoying the summer weather, we’ve compiled a list of all our favorite places to eat that also happen to have outdoor seating to enjoy it on:
- Duluth Grill
- OMC Smokehouse
- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake
- Va Bene Caffe
- Burrito Union
- Lake Ave Restaurant and Bar
- At Sara’s Table
- The Boat Club
There are also numerous places to enjoy amazing pizza so good that we decided to write a blog about those, too (find it here).
6. Enjoy Lake Superior
One of the reasons Duluth is such a popular place to visit from the start of Summer Break till the last leaf falls in October is because of the almighty Lake Superior. While you can take a walk on the Lake Walk, cross the Aerial Lift Bridge (find the big ship schedule here), or visit one of the beaches and enjoy the beautiful view, you can also find ways to get on Lake Superior.
For a simple boat tour around the harbor and a little bit of history, the Vista Fleet is a perfect way to enjoy the lake. You can also check out Time Out Sailing and even do some fishing with James Addiction Fishing Tours.
7. Lake Superior beaches
Lake Superior is so massive, which means lots of beaches. While you can find them all over the northland and in Canada and Wisconsin, there are a few good ones right here in Duluth, too. The rocky beach off of the Lake Walk is a convenient and fun way to spend the day in Canal Park and if you venture across the bridge, you’ll find the relaxing and sandy Park Point. When you drive a little further east, you’ll find the lesser-populated Brighton Beach.
We can’t promise the water will be warm, but there’s nothing like spending a day on the beach, anyway.
8. Family-friendly attractions
If you’re looking for a family-fun way to spend the day out and about in Duluth, there are a variety of places you can check out. Some of these include:
- Great Lakes Aquarium
- Lake Superior Railroad Museum (located in the historic Depot)
- North Shore Scenic Railroad
- Lake Superior Zoo
- Glensheen Mansion
- Canal Park
You can also catch a Huskies baseball game. For more fun things to do in Duluth, check out this link.
9. Festivals and other events
If it wasn’t already mentioned, we really love to enjoy our short summers in Duluth. Because of that, there are a variety of events, festivals, and celebrations happening all season long. Some of these include Grandma’s Marathon, Rhubarb Festival, Art Fair, Movies in the Park, Sidewalk Days, Summer Brew Fest, Bayfront Blues Festival, and many, many more.
Learn more about everything happening in Duluth, MN, this summer here.
10. Golfing in Duluth
Another way to find yourself in the great outdoors in Duluth is to hit the links. There are several great spots for golfing with fantastic views of the lake and we’ll know you’re going to find your new favorite spot this season. A few to check out include:
No matter how you choose to spend your summer (or vacation) in Duluth, MN, we know that you’ll never be forced to stay bored for long!