Duluth is a city of about 86,000 people (2018) in northern Minnesota. It is one of the most scenic cities in the Midwest. Duluth has a thriving tourism industry, with antique shops, excellent restaurants, cozy inns, and scenic views of the lake. There is a ski resort inside city limits.
Duluth has always been a shipping town: first for furs, later for iron ore, timber, and grain. As a shipping and milling town, Duluth once had the most millionaires per capita in the United States. This is still reflected in the large number of mansions in the east end of town. Ocean-going vessels come up the St. Lawrence Seaway into the Great Lakes to Duluth Harbor. Since these "salties" go through the locks, they are smaller than the native "lakers" that stay within the Great Lakes. Ships under many flags, including Nigeria, Greece, and Denmark, frequently dock in Duluth to pick up grain and coal for overseas markets.
Driving is probably the best option for getting around Duluth. The city generally does not have any traffic problems, although it can get congested in Canal Park. The city is built on a rather steep hill, so if you travel around anywhere other than downtown or I-35, make sure your brakes are in good order. It can be slushy in the winter as the road crews typically put down salt first, then plow the roads when traffic is lighter.
The Downtown Waterfront District. 1 Enger Tower and Park, off of Hank Jensen Dr in Enger Park. An observation tower at the top of the hill in Enger Park that provides panoramic views of Duluth and the Twin Ports area. The park boasts lovely and distinct gardens: shade hostas, over 200 perennials, 4,000 daffodils, and a Japanese garden. It was named after former Mayor Bert Enger, who hailed from Pine City. (updated Aug 2016) 2 Leif Erickson Park, 12th Ave E and London Rd. Home to the Duluth Rose Garden and the Leif Erickson Viking Ship, all overlooking Lake Superior. 3 Jay Cooke State Park. Daily 8AM-10PM. Office typically open 10AM-4PM.
Duluth is filled with plenty of activities for people of all ages. Canal Park is a tourist district on the lakefront filled with restaurants, cafes, shops and hotels. Some of Canal Park's attractions include a 4.2-mile long lakewalk, a lighthouse pier, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the William A. Irvin floating ship museum. Those interested in boats will also enjoy watching vessels from around the world enter Duluth's port. Travel the bricked streets in Downtown Duluth and enjoy the historic architecture that defines the city.
There are plenty of restaurants throughout Duluth. Canal Park is home to restaurants and cafes you wouldn't find anywhere else in the world, plus popular chains such as Famous Dave's, Old Chicago, and Red Lobster. 1 Bellisio's, 405 S Lake Ave, ☏ +1 218-727-4921. M-Th 5PM-9PM; F 11:30AM-2PM, 5-10PM; Sa 11:30AM-10PM; Su 11:30AM-9PM. An upscale but not overly expensive Italian restaurant with great pastas and gnocchi. (updated May 2016) 2 Grandma's, 522 S Lake Ave, ☏ +1 218-727-4192. Memorial Day-Labor Day: 11AM-2AM daily; rest of year: M-F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa Su 11AM-2AM. Good Italian and American food. Probably Duluth's most famous local restaurant.
1 Fitger's Brewhouse, 600 E Superior St (in the Fitgers complex), ☏ +1 218-279-2739. Unique microbrewery serving a wide selection of beers, ales, lagers, and other beverages; many brewed on site. 2 Carmody Irish Pub, 308 E Superior St, ☏ +1 218-740-4747. 3 Blackwoods Grill & Bar, 2525 London Rd, ☏ +1 218-724-1612. Local favorite with excellent two happy hours, 3-6 and 9-12. 22 beers on tap including Midwest brews such as South Shore and Goose Island and eco-friendly (keeping with the city's culture) brews like Fat Tire.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Sep, Duluth typically sees ~20°C daytime highs and 10 rainy days.
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