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Duluth Minnesota Vacations

Duluth Minnesota vacations are among the most memorable Minnesota vacations. Minnesota tourism is at it's best in this fascinating city on the Lake Superior North Shore.

The harbor city of Duluth is one of Minnesota’s most unique attractions. Though located 2,432 miles inland from the Atlantic ocean, Duluth is one of the busiest ports in the world. More than 1,000 huge ships sail into the Twin Ports of Duluth/Superior every year.

When planning your Minnesota vacation, allow plenty of time for a stay in Duluth. If you are headed up the North Shore of Lake Superior, budget time for at least one full day in Duluth. Read what others say and recommend about Duluth vacations.

Duluth is high on our list of 10 Best Vacation Spots.

Things to do in Duluth Minnesota

Canal Park: is "action central" in Duluth. The harbor provides much of the interest and activity. Stop in at the Marine Museum that is next to the Aerial Lift Bridge to see if any ships are arriving while you are there. Take the walkway to the lighthouse...a prime viewing area for ship arrivals and departures. Get out into the harbor with a ride on the Vista Fleet Harbor Cruise boat.

Many of the best Duluth MN hotels can be found in Canal Park. We love to get a lakeside room for views of the lake and the ships and fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of the waves.

Stroll along the Lakewalk, visit the many Canal Park shops and restaurants, see a movie at the IMAX, tour the S.S. William A. Irving Museum housed in two retired ships and visit the Great Lakes Aquarium.

Spirit Mountain Duluth: Spirit Mountain is just minutes from downtown Duluth. This is one of Minnesota's most popular ski and snowboard areas with a variety of terrain for all skill levels. A great new Spirit Mountain attraction is the Timber Twister, an exciting roller coaster type ride through the woods and amazing views of Lake Superior.

Enger Park and Tower: is located on top of the Skyline Ridge. Enjoy spectacular views of Lake Superior. The gounds feature a lovely gazebo and flower garden.

Leif Erickson Park & Rose Garden: this European-style formal rose garden overlooks Lake Superior. Stroll through the park and smell the roses. Bring a picnic lunch and sit on the benches to take in the lake view.

Reviews of the Best Things to do on Duluth Minnesota vacations.

Duluth Minnesota Vacations

Duluth Minnesota Hotels

Many Duluth MN hotels are situated along the Lake Superior shore. When you book your hotel room, be sure to ask for a lakeside room if one is available. There is nothing more relaxing than enjoying views of the lake from your hotel balcony!

There are lots of hotels in Duluth. Here are some favorites:

Canal Park Lodge

Hampton Inn Canal Park

Comfort Suites Canal Park

The Inn on Lake Superior

Fairfield Inn

Before deciding on the perfect Duluth Minnesota vacations hotel take some time to read these Duluth hotel reviews by other travelers to Duluth. You can also compare prices for the best hotel deals for your Duluth vacation.

If your Duluth Minnesota vacations include camping, head to nearby Jay Cooke State Park

Duluth Resorts

For a family vacation or a romantic getaway, Duluth resorts, or other specialty lodging, may offer more fun than a hotel. The Edgewater Resort and Waterpark over looks Lake Superior and has lots of water activity for children and adults alike.

You might also check out:

Beacon Pointe Resort

Mountain Villas

Duluth Bed and Breakfasts

For romantic Duluth Minnesota vacations, a bed and breakfast inn may be just what the occasion requires. If you are looking for a honeymoon destination, celebrating an anniversary or just looking for some pampering, Duluth has some of the state's best bed and breakfast inns. Here are links to a few:

Cotton Mansion

A.G. Thompson House

The Firelight Inn

The Olcott House

Reviews of Eleven Duluth Minnesota Bed & Breakfast Inns

Duluth Restaurants

There are some great Duluth restaurants that offer something beyond the standard "chain restaurant" food and service. We think it's worth a drive from our home in the Twin Cities to eat at the New Scenic Café on on North Shore Scenic Drive. They can be very busy so consider reservations.

Also on North Shore Scenic drive you can sit on the deck at Nokomis and enjoy some of the specialties that include elk burgers, walleye po'boy, or coq au vin.

For breakfast you can't go wrong at either Uncle Louis Café at 520 4th St. E or the Amazing Grace Bakery and Café at 394 Lake Avenue.

A few of our other favorites include Pizza Luce for, of course, pizza, Bellisio's for a romantic dinner and wonderful wine, Hacienda del Sol for Mexican food, the Grape Vine for Greek food and Takk for Maten to enjoy lingonberry pancakes and other Scandinavian specialties.

Get a great cup of coffee downtown at Jitter's and be sure to stop by the Portland Malt Shoppe, located in a vintage gas station building, for ice cream!

Reviews of Duluth Minnesota Restaurants

Getting to Duluth

You can fly directly to the Duluth airport from most cities in the U.S. If your Duluth Minnesota vacations will take you to other Minnesota vacation destinations, you can also choose to fly into the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and travel by car to Duluth. You can compare prices and often find some cheap flights to Duluth.

Duluth is about a three hour car trip from the Twin Cities.

Duluth Minnesota Vacations