DAY ONE

Many travelers stop at Tobies on the way to Duluth for their infamous caramel, cinnamon, and pecan rolls. Grab one to enjoy on the road or get them to go for your weekend in Duluth. 

Other popular stops along the way are Banning State Park (about 90 minutes from the Twin Cities and an hour from Duluth) or Jay Cooke State Park (about two hours away from the Twin Cities and 20 minutes from Duluth).  Both parks offer incredible hiking, a place to stretch your legs, and an iconic Minnesota photo op at  Jay Cooke's swinging bridge.  

Spend your afternoon exploring Duluth’s popular Canal Park area and stroll the Lakewalk for incredible views of Lake Superior. If you’re looking for a quick bite, try Falastin Palestinian Market and Deli or Vitta Pizza. 

For one of the best patios in town, try Canal Park Brewing Company, Little Angie’s, Grandma’s Saloon & Grill, or Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar. If you would rather shop, visit Lake Superior Art Glass or Duluth Pack.  

After lunch, head to Leif Erickson Park. Bonus: There isn’t a fee to visit the park. While you’re there make sure you check out Duluth’s Rose Garden, which features over 3,000 rose bushes and other plants. 

Duluth is known for its brew masters and cider makers, so stop for a pint at one of their popular breweries. Located in the Lincoln Park Craft District on the west side of Duluth, there are several breweries within walking distance of each other. Head to Bent Paddle Brewing Co. to support a sustainably focused business. Their ambiance is top notch and offer flights to try multiple brews. 

Ursa Minor Brewing has affordable wood-fired pizzas and paninis in addition to small-batch craft beer. The spacious patio is perfect for pups, and the fire pits keep you warm. Blacklist Brewing Co. has indoor and outdoor seating,  is great for groups, and has activities like axe throwing. 

Explore the Tweed Museum of Art, a free museum on the University of Minnesota Duluth campus with rotating exhibits or the Duluth Art Institute at the historic St. Louis County Depot.  

Find art, home goods, jewelry, and more at the Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop crafted by Indigenous artists and entrepreneurs. There’s also a gallery space featuring works from 150 artists.  

For dinner, head downtown to Fitger’s Brewhouse. Located right on Lake Superior and inside a market that also includes the company's inn, it’s a nice spot to shop and eat. Make sure to try a wild rice burger, a Duluth staple. 

DAY TWO

Start your morning with a pastry and a cup of coffee from Duluth Coffee Company downtown on Superior Street. This local brand focuses on sustainably sourcing from farmers and coffee cooperatives around the world to bring fresh and unique coffee beans back to the community. 

Grab lunch to-go at Northern Waters Smokehaus or hit a local grocery store to pack for a picnic and head up the North Shore. Enjoy this incredible scenic route and make your way to Gooseberry Falls State Park. There you can hike one of the four trails and view the many waterfalls. 

Feeling adventurous? You can bring your bike and pedal the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. This paved trail starts at the Picnic Flow parking lot. 

After a fun-filled day outdoors, fuel up with dinner at OMC Smokehouse with options for meat lovers, fish lovers and vegetarians. If BBQ isn’t your thing, we’d also recommend Sir Benedict’s for some tasty sandwiches and lakeside views. 

Not ready to end the day? Grab a couple of craft cocktails at Rathskeller or get ice cream at Love Creamery. The customer service was excellent, and there were vegan options for non-diary eaters. 

DAY THREE

Kickstart your day with a tasty breakfast at Duluth Grill, where nothing beats the huevos rancheros skillet with a side of bacon. We love that there is a soy chorizo option for non-meat eaters.

Stroll through the Glensheen Mansion to step back in time and enjoy the opulence, beauty, and history of this iconic property on the shores of Lake Superior. Multiple tours are offered, including self-guided tours, or group tours. View their events calendar to find unique opportunities for live music, an outdoor beer garden, and winter activities.

If you’re with the kids, visit the Great Lakes Aquarium, which boasts piranhas, eels, otters, octopus, and an exhibit about creatures in Lake Superior. Other family-friendly options include Duluth Children’s Museum, Adventure Zone, Spirit Mountain Adventure Park, and Playfront Park on the bay.

Get your steps in at Enger Tower, which stands 80 feet tall and 450 feet above Lake Superior and offers one of the best views in town. From the top floor, you can see two states, two cities, and expansive views of Lake Superior. Stellar Lake Superior views can also be found aboard Vista Fleet Cruises, which offers scenic boat tours, dinner cruises, cocktail parties, sunset cruises, and more.

If you’re seeking some thrills, Duluth is a world-class mountain biking destination. The Duluth Traverse is a noteworthy 40-mile network of beginner-friendly single and double track and gravel roads that run between all the largest trail centers in town. Other popular areas are Mission Creek, Spirit Mountain, Piedmont, Brewer, and Lester Park. 

If you’re in Duluth during the winter, you can catch a Bulldogs hockey game at Amsoil arena, see Bentleyville's popular lights display, ski or snowboard at Spirit Mountain, snowshoe at Glensheen Mansion, or go ice skating in Bayfront Park.

WHERE TO STAY 

• Enger Lofts
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Duluth Waterfront
• Fitger’s Inn
• Hampton Inn Canal Park
• Lift Bridge Lodge
• Pier B Resort Hotel
• Sheraton Duluth Hotel

Find more things to do in Duluth, including holiday attractions and road trip-worthy restaurants.