Duluth Minnesota vacations offer both small town charm and big city energy. Minnesota's third largest city has 85,000+ residents, yet is a town where wildlife feel free to wander.  

Our "inland sea" is located 2,432 miles from the Atlantic ocean yet Duluth is one of the busiest seaports in the world.

More than 1,000 huge ships sail into the Twin Ports of Duluth/Superior every year. Thousands gather to see the celebration of the "Tall Ships" every summer

Find the Perfect Duluth Area
or North Shore Lodging

Lake Superior North Shore Vacation Rentals - Beautiful lodging options for your North Shore Trip. Get the whole house!

The beach at Park Point is on our list of Top 10 Minnesota Beaches.

Romantic Duluth Minnesota Vacations

If you are looking for a honeymoon destination, are celebrating an anniversary or just need some pampering, Duluth has some of the state's best bed and breakfast inns. Several of them  get "rave" reviews for their food and attention to detail.

The Historic A.G. Thompson House in Duluth is one of the most beautiful of our Minnesota Bed and Breakfast Inns.

The AG Thomson House in Duluth is rated by Trip Advisor as the  #1 B&B in the U.S.

A popular Duluth Resort right on Lake Superior is the Edgewater Inn. 

Canal Park is "action central" in Duluth. Many of the best things to do on Duluth Minnesota vacations are right here. The harbor provides much of the interest and activity. Stop in at the Marine Museum, near the 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.

• 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.
• Plan to attend the Tall Ships Festival in mid-August. Tickets to this event sell out fast. If you don't score a ticket, you can still get down to the shore anywhere in the area for wonderful views of these stunning ships.

Several top Duluth Hotels

The annual Tall Ships Festival is just one of many things to See and Do in Duluth.

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

Spirit Mountain Ski Resort 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. 

Lake Superior Facts: Learn how the big lake got its name; and so much more.

Duluth is, of course, the starting point for a trip along the north shore of Lake Superior.

The Lake Superior Circle Tour is one way to explore the beauty of the great lake.

Duluth Pack:

Duluth is, of course, on our list of Top 10 North Shore attractions.

Where to Eat in Duluth

Duluth Minnesota Restaurants:

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. The Duluth Grill and Fitger’s Brewhouse are other favorites. For breakfast you can't go wrong at the Amazing Grace Bakery and Café at 394 Lake Avenue.

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!

Flights to Duluth:

If your Duluth Minnesota vacations will include other Minnesota vacation destinations, you could choose to fly into the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport and travel by car to Duluth. Duluth is about a three hour car trip from the Twin Cities.

Lake Superior: The Ultimate Guide to the Region

If your trip to the North Shore takes you up Highway 35E, be sure to visit Hinckley Minnesota to explore the Hinckley Fire Museum.

Duluth Minnesota Vacations in Winter

Don't miss Duluth in December when you can tour the Bentleyville winter festival. 

A hike anywhere along the North Shore will offer spectacular vistas.

Duluth is also the "jumping off" place for many winter activities.

You may want to ski in Lutsen, experience a dog sled tour .

Stay in a cozy romantic cabin or hotel where you can retreat to the joys of fireplace and hot tub.  

State Parks from Duluth to the Canadian Border

Gooseberry Falls State Park - How to Get to Gooseberry Falls State Park: Drive 13 miles northeast of Two Harbors on State Highway 61.  

Split Rock Lighthouse State Park -  How to Get to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park: Drive 20 miles northeast from Two Harbors on Highway 61 to the park entrance.  

Tettegouche State Park - How to Get to Tettegouche State Park: Drive 4.5 miles north of Silver Bay on Highway 61 to the park entrance.   

George H. Crosby Manitou State Park - How to Get to George H. Crosby-Manitou State Park: Drive 7 miles north from the village of Finland on Lake County Road 7.  

Temperence River State Park - How to Get to Temperance River State Park: Drive 1 mile north of Schroeder on Highway 61 to the park entrance.  

Cascade River State Park - How to Get to Cascade River State Park: Drive 10 miles southwest of Grand Marais, just off State Highway 61.  

Judge C R Magney State Park - How to Get to Judge C.R. Magney State Park: Drive 14 miles northeast from Grand Marais on State Highway 61.

Grand Portage State Park - How to Get to Grand Portage State Park: The park is located 5 miles north of Grand Portage on Highway 61. The entrance to the park is on the west side of the highway, just before the U.S. Customs Station on the U.S./Canada border.  

Duluth Pack and More Made in Minnesota Gifts

Related Pages:

Duluth Minnesota

Lake Superior North Shore

Top 10 Family Vacations

10 Best Vacation Spots

Cities in Minnesota

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