Duluth Gear Exchange

Duluth is well known as a gateway to the outdoors and while new gear can be fun, the sustainability — and price tag — of gently used items can’t be beat. This consignment store buys, sells, and repairs gear for those with an adventurous spirit. Stroll the aisles to find hiking boots, skis, snowshoes, name-brand apparel, accessories, and more. 

Lake Superior Art Glass 

Looking for a keepsake from your visit to the North Shore? Look no further than a hand-blown piece of art from this local glass studio. Whether you’re looking for a centerpiece for your table, a set of candy-colored tumblers for your bar, a piece of jewelry, or the funky and functional (like a blown glass fruit fly trap), this studio, classroom, and art market is sure to have you covered. 

Duluth Kitchen Co.

Kitchenware lovers, rejoice! Duluth Kitchen Co. is a locally-owned distributor of all things cooking. If you’re headed to a state park and forgot something in your camp cook kit, or if you’re attempting a little bit of adventure charcuterie, they have boards, snacks, knives, and more to get you geared up for your culinary pursuits. 

Frost River

Get a functional and fashionable pack that will last with locally-made Frost River bags. Their handcrafted waxed canvas and leather goods are perfect for outfitting your next canoe trip, hiking experience, or everyday adventure. They’ve been in business for over 250 years and their rugged designs are designed to last a lifetime–and look great throughout, only getting better with age and use.

Surfing

When most people think of surfing, they think of the Beach Boys, California and the coasts, but don’t be deterred: the waves on Superior are equally pitted, bros. Surfers braving Superior’s chilly waves can stop at Back Alley to grab supplies and kick start your day with a cup of locally roasted, sustainably sourced Underwood Coffee.  

Mountain Biking

Explore more than 85 miles of connected off-road bike trails on the Duluth Traverse that range from flowy double track to slick, rocky singletrack with sweeping views of the port city, many which stay open year-round and are perfect for fat biking in the winter.

Thrill-seekers will love the downhill mountain biking destination Spirit Mountain. Enjoy the voices on the chairlift to the top of the mountain, then get some air with jump gaps, steep rockfaces, and many opportunities to test your handling skills. 

Hiking

Whether you’re seeking a day trip or an extended hike, you can’t go wrong with exploring the Superior Hiking Trail, a stunning 300-mile footpath with over 40 miles of paths and spur trails that run through Duluth. 

For a shorter hike, more stairs, and a stunning view of the port, visit tree-shaded Enger Park and its stone-studded octagonal Enger Tower. 

There’s also a host of delicious places to sip and snack your way across the city. Visit Northern Waters Smokehouse for classic and inventive sandwiches sure to satisfy your hunger. This popular destination usually has a line, so order ahead for pickup if you can and have a picnic at one of the many parks or along the lakeshore.

For those who love a hearty meal at any time of day, stop by Duluth Grill for comfort food and modern twists featuring fresh, organic ingredients. Falastin is a newer Palestinian restaurant to Duluth that’s rooted in sharing culture, flavor, and the comforts of the warmth of the owners’ home. It features freshly baked breads, hummus, savory pita, and has options for vegetarian diets, too.    

Looking for a nice cocktail or mocktail and a gorgeous view of the lift bridge? Look no further than Vikre Distillery. Their spirits are made with water from Lake Superior and locally sourced grains and botanicals. For beer sippers, Ursa Minor Brewing is not to be missed for locally crafted brews and wood-fired pizzas perfect for enjoying on their large sun-baked patio.

Enjoy barrel-aged, seasonal, and signature house-made cocktails at the historic whiskey bar, The Rathskeller. Located below what was once City Hall, the space holds local lore as a haunted spot that may have been used as a speakeasy during prohibition, and was used as a temporary makeshift holding cell. Today, it only houses criminally delicious drinks.

Animal Encounters

For animal lovers, the Lake Superior Zoo is not to be missed. With over 19 acres along the Kingsbury Creek, it’s a beautiful backdrop for close-up animal encounters. This zoo is open year-round for visiting over 300 animals of over 140 species and features special tours, feeding experiences, and more. 

For more aquatic critter experiences, don’t skip the Great Lakes Aquarium. Dedicated to freshwater education since 1989, this beautiful lakeside aquarium also features saltwater habitat and animal education. Interaction is encouraged with marine touchpools and even pet living freshwater dinosaurs–sturgeon.

Canal Park

Spend some time soaking in the power and the serenity of the biggest Great Lake shoreside at Canal Park. Shop the small, local restaurants, candy stores, and ice cream parlors along the coast of Superior. Scour the shoreline for ancient agates or skip rocks on the waves. Walk out to the end of the pier for a romantic sunset with a sweetie, and cap off the night with a beverage at one of the nearby bars.

Historic Sites

Investigate the history and importance of the city’s port at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. With frequently rotating exhibits, replicas of ship interiors, and free programming, this cozy museum is fun for visitors of any age. 

Less of a seadog and more of a land lubber? The Lake Superior Railroad Museum is a great place to explore the best collection of railroad equipment in the country. Learn about the history of our local railway systems, about the various coal- and steam-powered machines, and don’t forget to take a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad while you’re there. 

For more local history that’s not transportation-based, take a tour or listen to live music at the famed 20,000 square foot Congdon Estate, the Glensheen Mansion. The beautifully-preserved 20th-century house museum is like taking a step back in time. 

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Who doesn’t love to see a bunch of pups playing and pulling in the snow? For over four decades, Duluth has hosted the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon that brings in spectators and sled racing competitors from around the globe. Witness the resilience of experienced mushers and sled dogs alike as they take on brutal weather conditions and challenging trails. 

Duluth Homegrown Music Festival

Celebrate Local music with an eight-day bash that showcases musicians from across the Arrowhead region of Duluth and beyond its borders. What started as a five-band birthday party morphed into an annual event. What was once a more counter-culture musical event grew into one that encompasses many genres. 

All Pints North Summer Brewfest

Hopheads rejoice! The Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild hosts an annual beer festival that brings brewers from across the state to sip and socialize on the shores of Superior. Sample over 100 locally-crafted beers, ciders, seltzers and more, enjoy music, local food, and more at Star Tribune’s Reader’s Choice Best Beer Festival.

Fitger’s Inn

Cozy up at this award-winning historic inn on the lakeshore. Located in a renovated brewery that’s on the National Historic Registry, it features 62 unique rooms to rest at the end of a long day of exploring Duluth.

For more fun, enjoy the three attached restaurants, two nightclubs, a microbrewery, and a salon and spa to leave your visit feeling rejuvenated. 

The Merryweather Inn

For an elegant and luxurious stay in a meticulously cared-for Georgian Colonial mansion, take an opportunity to rest in opulence and beauty. The level of detail in the decor, woodwork, and architecture would be costly and difficult to replicate today.

While it’s a little farther from the lakeshore, its amenities are worth the short drive. Enjoy an upscale breakfast, cocktails, afternoon tea, or dinner. Anyone may visit for breakfast or brunch without reservation, regardless of whether they’re staying at the inn.

If you’re lucky, the Smiling Ferret speakeasy and wine cellar will also be open on random Thursdays through Sundays.