Things to do in Duluth
The quiet seaport city of Duluth has many rewarding sightseeing experiences that will delight culture lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Attractions such as Fitger's, which is a museum that exhibits memorabilia from what was once the most successful brewery in the state, or the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where people can climb up one of the world's largest steam locomotives, make for a memorable visit. For those interested in art, the Tweed Art Museum is always a popular choice too, as it exhibits over 7,000 art objects.
The outdoors is a large part of what makes Duluth special. Hiking in any one of the several state parks is a joy, especially the long distance Superior Hiking Trail and the trails accessing the untouched beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Split Rock lighthouse is also a popular landmark to explore for its abundance of fresh air and scenic splendour. Duluth has many quaint harbour towns, which make good excursions from the city. Travellers who visit them will find charming shops and cafes to enjoy after a day of outdoor activity.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Part of Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (also known as the BWCA), is an immense chain of lakes in north-eastern Minnesota that is extremely popular for can…
Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Part of Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (also known as the BWCA), is an immense chain of lakes in north-eastern Minnesota that is extremely popular for canoeing, camping, and fishing. With more than a million acres of pristine wilderness, it's no wonder the Boundary Waters is the most visited wilderness area in the United States. Visitors can hike through forests and canoe along thousands of miles of water routes. No motor vehicles or boats are allowed in the park, and there are strict guidelines as to visitors leaving the area as they found it. Combine this with the fact that visitors may explore for days without seeing another person, and it's easy to understand why the Boundary Waters is the perfect place to get lost in nature. The best time to visit the Boundary Waters is in the summer months (June to August), as summer temperatures are warm but rarely exceed 90ºF (32ºC). Entry points include Ely in the west, and Grand Marais in the east. Both towns have numerous outfitters where canoes, kayaks and camping equipment can be hired. Camping permits are required.
Website www.bwca.com
Glensheen Mansion
This 39-room Jacobean Revival mansion on the shores of Lake Superior is a popular attraction in Duluth. Managed by the University of Minnesota, the Glensheen Mansion is listed on t…
Glensheen Mansion
This 39-room Jacobean Revival mansion on the shores of Lake Superior is a popular attraction in Duluth. Managed by the University of Minnesota, the Glensheen Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 7.6-acre grounds and carriage house can be explored at leisure, and the lavishly furnished interior of the house is accessible on informative guided tours lasting 60 to 90 minutes. A new attraction is the night-time 'flashlight tour', which focuses on the lives of the servants of the house. Visitors should be sure to ask the guides about the various ghosts that are said to inhabit the mansion.
Website www.d.umn.edu/glen
Split Rock Lighthouse
A popular tourist attraction outside of Duluth, Split Rock Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Superior, and was constructed following a major storm in 1905 that caused 29 s…
Split Rock Lighthouse
A popular tourist attraction outside of Duluth, Split Rock Lighthouse is located on the shore of Lake Superior, and was constructed following a major storm in 1905 that caused 29 shipwrecks. The lighthouse was decommissioned in 1969, and is now operated by the Minnesota Historical Society, who have restored it to its 1920s condition. The lighthouse offers tours and children's programmes, and has a gift shop. Its picturesque location in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park makes it a popular destination for bicycling, cross-country skiing, and camping; both the Superior Hiking Trail and the Gitchi-Gami State Trail run through the park, making it ideal for hiking. Even for visitors who aren't inclined to hike, the rocky shore is a stunning place for a picnic.
Website www.mnhs.org/splitrock