The Skyline Parkway offers great views of Lake Superior and Duluth harbor

Duluth is one of Minnesota's top destinations, and travelers gravitate toward the harbor and the cluster of interesting attractions along the lakeshore. But if you don't venture far from the waterfront, you'll miss some of the most appealing areas of this city that spreads from Lake Superior up into the hills hugging the shore. For a different view of the city and the lake, explore the Skyline Parkway that follows a series of roads along a ridgeline in the heights of Duluth.

This 38-mile route is designated as a Minnesota Scenic Byway, and travels between the Spirit Mountain Recreation Area at the south edge of Duluth to Lester Park on the north side. It passes along wooded parks, over numerous streams, and through pleasant residential neighborhoods.

Stop at the Thompson Hill Travel Information Center off I-35 south of Duluth and pick up a guide with detailed directions for the Skyline Parkway. The route follows several roads, and can be difficult to follow without directions, especially at some busy intersections where several roads come together. The route is marked with green Skyline Parkway signs to help you navigate.

One of the highlights is Enger Park, with beautiful gardens and a 70-foot stone tower that rewards climbers with a great view of Lake Superior. At Chester Park, there's a two-mile rugged, wooded hiking trail-a back-woods trek at the edge of a big city. There are easier trails at Lester Park, and both Lester and Enger parks have golf courses.

Near the northern end of the parkway is Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve. Every fall, thousands of hawks and eagles fly along this ridge during their southward migration. Hawks can be observed here throughout September and October, but the peak periods usually occur between September 10 and 20, and depend on winds from the west or northwest. Naturalists are on site at the main overlook during the fall migration to help identify the hawks and offer programs about raptors, often with a "bird in hand" for up-close views.

Bring a lawn chair and binoculars for easier hawk viewing, and wear good walking shoes for the rugged trails. A food stand is open on weekends, so you can grab a brat or something warm to drink on a cool day. Check out the latest news at www.hawkridge.org or call the Duluth birding hotline at 218-834-2858.

This fall you can explore not only the heights in Duluth, but also the depths. The "Abyss" is a new, special exhibit at the Great Lakes Aquarium along the harbor. Interesting, interactive displays show what it's like at the dark bottom of the ocean. Included in the exhibit is an actual-size replica of the original bathysphere that was used to explore the ocean floor in 1934.

For information on the Aquarium, the Skyline Parkway, and other Duluth attractions, call 800-4-Duluth or go to www.visitduluth.com. If you're planning a fall weekend trip, make your lodging reservations in advance for this popular getaway destination.

For more information on all of Minnesota's Scenic Byways click here.