What to Do in Duluth - A Visitor's Guide to Views, Eats, and Local Flavor

If you’re planning a trip to Duluth or just curious about what makes this lakeside city so special, you’ve got to start with downtown. It’s hard to believe this spot was once an industrial area, but thanks to local redevelopment efforts starting in the 1970s Canal Park has been transformed into a vibrant tourist destination with so many things to do and see.

Today visitors enjoy many public parks in and out of downtown Duluth including Bayfront Festival Park. Not only does it have a killer view of the bridge but there’s always something going on like concerts, food trucks, ice skating in the winter, and even a beautiful light display during the holidays. 

And speaking of the Aerial Lift Bridge, you have to spend some time just watching it go up and down, seriously. Locals and visitors crowd along the canal to watch massive vessels pass beneath the bridge, take photos, go fishing, stroll out to the lighthouses, and simply admire this engineering marvel that has become an iconic symbol of the city.

It’s the perfect place to try out some plein air painting! It’s also a popular destination for boat watching; the Lake Superior Maritime Museum Association provides online schedules and live cameras so visitors can track when large freighters are arriving and see the bridge in action. If you miss a big one, recordings of ships in the canal with vessel information are available on their site, it’s fun to see where each is from or what they’re carrying.

Regardless of size, watching the bridge go up and down is mesmerizing. While you’re there, pop into the Lake Superior Maritime Visitors Center right on the lakewalk for awesome exhibits on Great Lakes shipping, navigation, and the history of Duluth’s working harbor— plus it’s free!

- Enjoy Lake Superior -

Need more of Lake Superior? For relaxation head over to Brighton Beach or Park Point and enjoy a swim, look for agates, or send the kiddos to the playground and chill in the sun solo.

Immerse yourself in it at the Great Lakes Aquarium or the William A Irvin Museum, both great spots to learn about local culture and try some sketching.

The William A Irvin Museum is actually on the boat itself!

Once the flagship of U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet, is now a beautifully preserved museum and HUGE ship docked in Canal Park, trust me, you won’t miss it. This historic vessel spent years hauling iron ore and coal across the Great Lakes and offers visitors a chance to step aboard to experience Duluth’s maritime heritage up close.

Touring the Irvin is like stepping back in time, you’re free to walk the ship and see crew quarters, explore the captain’s space, and even peek at the luxury staterooms once used by U.S. Steel executives and VIP guests, all while getting a feel for life aboard a massive freighter carrying literal tons across the Great Lakes.

Want to know where to go rock hunting?

If you’re more into natural history Duluth is a goldmine for nature and geology nerds. Jay Cooke State Park has dramatic river views, rocky gorges, and hiking trails across a swaying suspension bridge, while Judge C. R. Magney State Park is home to the mysterious Devil’s Kettle Falls, where half the Brule River seems to vanish into a giant pothole.

Both parks offer gorgeous North Shore scenery and great hiking, and if you want a fun way to remember your outdoor adventure, grab one of Alyssa’s MN stickers. It’s a perfect keepsake for a nature loving friend who came along or a simple reminder of your own epic hike.

TIP: If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, the Chester Creek Trail is definitely worth checking out. The 2.5-mile loop has some steep spots and can be wet, but it leads you past beautiful waterfalls and through some really dramatic rock formations that are millions of years old! You can start at the top for the full hike or at the base if you want an easier climb. The trail follows Chester Creek, one of Duluth’s major ravines all the way down toward Lake Superior.

Trying to decide where to eat or drink around Duluth?

Canal Park and Central Duluth are not shy of breweries and delicious restaurants. You can’t go wrong starting at Duluth Grill, it’s a local favorite with hearty comfort food that still feels fresh and they’ve got great vegetarian options.

If you want something casual, Burrito Union has massive, flavor-filled burritos and a fun vibe, and Canal Park Brewing is perfect for hanging out with a beer and good American food by the lake, especially if you want a nice patio view. And if you’re craving flavor, locals recommend OMC Smokehouse for barbecue with creative sauces.

We were looking for something warm and casual on a windy fall day in Duluth and Pizza Luce had just what we were looking for. We tried their delicious variety of inventive toppings with soft, homemade baked dough but they also had all sorts of other menu items we’ll definitely be going back to try.

We were sure to also stop at Grandmas which is a Duluth classic; right on the waterfront in Canal Park with awesome lake views. It started as a cozy local spot and became famous for its hearty comfort food and fun atmosphere. Back in 1977, it was the only business to sponsor a little local race, which grew into today’s Grandma’s Marathon, a 26.2-mile course along Lake Superior and one of Duluth’s major events.

Where to Find the Best View of Duluth!

If you're not full of delicious food and can master the climb for what may be the best view in town, including the Aerial Bridge and Lake Superior, the 80-foot spiral staircase to the top of Enger Tower is worth it. The stone tower sits high on Enger Hill and gives you sweeping views of Duluth’s harbor and west end from the hillside once known as Grand Mountain.

Whether you’re drawn to the sweeping views of Lake Superior or the heritage and beauty of the tower itself, Alyssa’s Enger Tower watercolor print is a perfect way to bring home a little piece of Minnesota history. For those not up for the climb, Enger Park still has amazing views of the city (that's where the cover photo was taken from!)

The park itself exists thanks to local businessman Bert Enger, who in the 1920s quietly funded the purchase of the hilltop and later left much of his estate to develop it further. His vision became reality with the construction of the stone Enger Tower in 1939, a landmark dedicated not once but twice by visiting Norwegian royalty.

TIP: The North Shore is THE place to see Fall colors and a train ride along the coast is such a fun way to take in the changing leaves! The 6-hour ride goes up to the historic town of Two Harbors, and you even get a couple of hours there to explore, shop, or grab a bite. Perfect opportunity to take in the views, sketch your surroundings to remember all the beautifu things you saw, or learn how to capture the fall trees yourself!

Duluth is the Best Spot to See the Beauty of Minnesota

Duluth has so much to offer, from its rich history and bustling waterfront to its jaw-dropping North Shore scenery, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave. Whether you’re soaking up the views, hiking to waterfalls, or enjoying a cozy meal by the lake, there’s inspiration everywhere you look.

If you’re feeling inspired to capture some of that beauty for yourself, Alyssa’s artwork and workbooks are full of Minnesota landmarks and landscapes that bring these places to life. Even better, she offers plenty of resources to help you learn how to paint your own favorite places, so you can take a little piece of Duluth home and capture the city the way you remember it.

Happy Traveling!

-Lauren