I've been going to Duluth with my family since I was a baby. My mom's family lives there and it has always felt like a second home. As I've gotten older, I've realized how much of this wonderful city and surrounding area I've left unexplored. We always went to the same locations growing up simply because they were loved. The Duluth zoo, the lake front, Enger Tower, Park Point beach, Twin Ponds, and Miller Hill Mall were musts every summer. Most of us have a town or city we visit primarily because of family. Sneak off for a solo exploration or grab the fam to learn something new about their city! I'm making it a goal to branch out at least once each time I am in Duluth.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you will get a completely different experience. Spring brings the chance to see baby bears, deer and moose. Summer is a wonderful change of pace from the Iowa heat. The Fall leaves are unlike any other. And the Winter is for the BRAVE. :) So...never been to Duluth? Then for sure. Visit Park Point, Enger Tower, and the aerial bridge. They are pretty darn neat. But, I also encourage you to check out a few of the places below as well!
EATS
Fitgers: Indoor shopping with some yummy restaurants and even a brewery! Perfect to do on a chillier day...which you will most likely get when you are there :)
Va Bene Caffe: The MOST delicious Italian eats with a gorgeous view of the lake. GELATO. Need I say more?
Portland Malt Shoppe: Ice cream cones the size of your head. Maybe forgo the gelato mentioned above? Or get both?
Whole Foods Co-op: On a "diet?" Stop by the salad bar and get it to go. The Raspberry Lime Vinaigrette is a must. Unfortunate side note: if you want to get a delicious panini or sandwich to go...expect a wait. Wasn't the best service I've ever had...but still yummy. So if you aren't in a hurry it's perfect as a healthy option!
Lake Superior Bakehouse: Super trendy. The kind of place where everything is made from scratch and you can indulge in a lavender latte, if that's your thing. If you haven't had a bran muffin in Northern Minnesota, then you are missing out. The breakfast burrito was yummy too.
OUTDOORS
Hike at Chester Park: The perfect place for a leisurely hike. Not challenging, but seriously beautiful. Some small waterfalls, stairs that wind through the trees, and a well maintained trail along Chester creek. So serene, yet pretty much in the middle of town. Also - Sara's Table is a yummy breakfast place right near by. Kinda pricy but I've heard its worth it.
Walk the Trails at Bagley Nature Preserve: Another great location if you don't want to stray far from your hotel or Airbnb. I can pretty much promise you'll see some sort of wildlife. I had never been here before this past summer, but it is so nice! Reminded me a bit of Iowa :)
Rent Adventure Equipment from University of Minnesota Duluth: Rent everything from a paddle board for a few hours to a weekend's worth of equipment to take on a Boundary Waters fishing trip. Best prices you will find in the area. Check out the long list of stuff they offer here. Most recently, we rented two paddle boards for the day and just hung out at park Point Beach.
Gooseberry Falls State Park: All the state parks are very well maintained in Minnesota because they charge a small entrance fee. Fees can be annoying but WOW you can tell the difference in the quality of parks. There are small and large hiking loops. Trails are cement until you get the falls, then they turn to dirt. Highly recommend leaving the stroller in the car if you plan to go past the falls. WHOOPS. Lesson learned. Also - BUG SPRAY.
Walk the Lake Front Trail: See the aerial bridge or spend some time looking at all the beautiful flowers near Leif Erikson park. It will be busy, but it is kind of a required thing to do when in Duluth.
Swim at Brighton Beach: I dare you. Even in the summer, it is FREEZING. Brighton beach is all rocks as well, so don't expect sand. It's a good place to take a kayak or paddle board as it will be less crowded than Park Point Beach.
Jay Cook State Park: This park is 30ish minutes south of Duluth. The last time we went was in the summer of 2014 on the way home. More waterfalls, trails, camping, a 13-mile rocky gorge, and a semi-intimidating suspension bridge. Super family friendly and a great place to get outdoors without traveling super far. Enjoy the older pics :) Looking back its fun to see how much my photography skills have changed!
The North Shore
Great Lakes Candy Kitchen: I don't know that this needs explaining. The North Shore is sprinkled with awesome little places like this. Tiny mom and pop shops line the two-lane highway. Some are more touristy than others, but all are guaranteed to please your tummy!
Betty's Pies: This place will be PACKED. But totally worth it.
Russ Kendall's Smokehouse in Knife River: The smoked fish is another northern Minnesota delicacy. I personally like the white fish, but the brown sugar salmon and trout are always fan favorites. Get some to go. Pair it with cheese, crackers, and a bottle of wine & enjoy at one of the many scenic stops along the road.
Tom's Logging Camp and Post: This was a favorite place of mine as a kid. You get to learn all about the history of the logging industry, see some animals (llamas, trout, etc.), and spend wayyyy too much time in a gift shop. I promise you will walk away with a little bag of Minnesota agates and a pair of moccasins.
New Scenic Cafe: A little expensive, but the food is to die for. A great place to go for a sit down meal after a day of exploring. I've never been, but my cousins recommended it!
Explore all of the quaint towns: There are so many tiny towns lining the north shore. Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Lutsen, and Grand Marais are all filled with yummy local restaurants, trails, and peaceful spots to enjoy the lake. Lutsen has an alpine slide that a lot of people think is fun. However, it is one place my family will probably never return to. When we were kids, my dad took my cousin down it and didn't exactly follow the "keep your hands inside the ride at all times" rule. Let's just say its a far drop, and you will probably break your arm. But I'm sure normal people would be totally fine on it. ;)
The North Shore is an area I 100% want to explore further. Hopefully some day I'll have more suggestions for you :) Until then, go out and find your own adventures!!
Love,
The Wandering Blonde
PS: Enjoy some of these throw back pictures from when I was younger! Some were taken with my first ever camera :)
