10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Duluth That You Shouldn't Miss

February 24, 2022 Misti Hsu

Perfectly positioned at the westernmost tip of sparkling blue Lake Superior, Duluth offers visitors a true escape from the stresses of everyday life and an opportunity to enjoy nature. You can opt for a more leisurely pace: spending time at one of the city's 23 beautiful parks, taking an unhurried drive along the scenic North Shore, bird watching at Hawk Ridge, skipping stones on the Lake with the kids. Or go for a more structured itinerary: the aquarium in the morning, lunch at a sumptuous restaurant on the waterfront plus a tour of the famous Sculpture Walk, then a visit to the historic Railroad Depot in the afternoon. Either way, you are sure to leave Duluth feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Restaurants in Duluth

1. Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Duluth, MN +1 800-429-9297 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/11185
Excellent
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5.0 based on 1,952 reviews

Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Reviewed By Rwhite1129 - Kenosha, United States

First of all let me say that driving this road is a must when visiting Duluth. I spent the entire day driving this path and pulling off to see waterfalls and hike various trails. The lakefront views and small towns along the way have so much charm to offer. Plan your trip beforehand- GPS is great to navigate along the way. Some waterfalls along the way are off the beaten path and require more time and strenous hiking to get to. Today my husband and I hiked the following- Gooseberry Falls (Gooseberry Falls State Park), Illgen Falls, Caribou Falls, Cross River Falls (right off 61), Hidden Falls, and Cascade Falls (Cascade River State Park). The views are amazing and some of the trails were a little icy but it was so beautiful.

2. Endurance Kennels LLC

Excellent
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5.0 based on 22 reviews

Endurance Kennels LLC

Affordable dog sled rides and tours in northern Minnesota, an adventure fit for the whole family! Enjoy the snow and tall trees via sprint sled dog power at 12-18 mph. We offer many options for dog sledding in the northwoods for ALL ages and abilities. Please visit our website for more information and dog sledding rates.

3. Time Out Sailing

Excellent
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5.0 based on 46 reviews

Time Out Sailing

Begin your adventure by cruising under the Aerial Lift Bridge, pass through the piers and the many spectators viewing our departure. See the North Shore, the beach, complete the circle tour through the bay, or get off shore. Sail amongst the freightors and experience the sunset from the water. Sailing is the most unique way to see Duluth.

4. Lake Country Air & Beaver Air Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 221 reviews

Lake Country Air & Beaver Air Tours

Take off on an experience you’ll not soon forget with a flight over the scenic Twin Ports/Duluth area in the famous de Havilland Beaver seaplane. With flights customized for each group – you're sure to experience something new and exciting each flight, whether you’ve flown before or are flying for the very first time. Once on board, you’ll feel the thrill of takeoff as the Beaver’s floats lift from the water. In the air, you’ll enjoy a narrated tour by your experienced pilot via a personal headset and window seat, as you experience the flight of a lifetime.

5. The Duluth Experience

Excellent
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5.0 based on 634 reviews

The Duluth Experience

Experience Outdoor Adventure, Epic Storytelling and Locally Crafted Beer If you’re looking to connect with the local craft beer scene, learn about Duluth’s rich history, or experience the epic outdoor adventures that make Duluth the #1 outdoor recreation town in the nation…. then welcome to The Duluth Experience. We’re a passionate team of Duluthians who will guide you behind-the-scenes so you can experience Duluth like the locals. Duluth is an amazing town with a lot to offer. If you’re looking to connect with the local craft beer scene, explore Duluth’s rich history, and experience the epic outdoor adventures that make Duluth the #1 outdoor recreation town in the nation…. then welcome to The Duluth Experience! Join us for a variety of experiences: snowshoeing, fat tire biking, kayaking, mountain biking, road biking, history & sightseeing bus tours, walking tours, craft beer brewery tours, and more!

6. Day Tripper of Duluth

Excellent
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5.0 based on 279 reviews

Day Tripper of Duluth

Guided outdoor adventures in Duluth, MN. Paddle on the world's largest lake, or pedal some of the 100 miles of single track mountain bike trails. Day Tripper of Duluth offers guided tours year round. Trips vary from 90 minutes to multi day adventures. From couples to large events we can accommodate any group size. Check out our website for our full range of tour options and booking.

7. Lake Superior Art Glass

357 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802-2313 +1 218-464-1799 [email protected] http://www.lakesuperiorartglass.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 161 reviews

Lake Superior Art Glass

Lake Superior Art Glass is a complete glassblowing studio and gallery. We have knowledgeable staff that are well-trained in everything from the artists featured in the gallery to teaching in the glass studio. Watch us work or take a class and make it yourself! Our gallery features glass artwork of all types made by over 60 artists from the Midwest and beyond. This includes stained, fused, flame-worked, furnace worked and more! Lake Superior Art Glass is also your go-to gallery and studio for custom and commission glass pieces. Between us and our artists, we can make most anything you come up with.

Reviewed By LuTheRealtor - Stillwater, United States

Just happened by Lake Superior Art Glass with the open air windows and watched Jake make a memorial vase with a someone's loved one's cremated ashes...WOW...so very cool! We've been to the island of Murano in Italy and can attest to how professional and beautiful their hand blown glass creations are! They are 1 of 2 glass blowing companies in the nation that allow people to make their own memorial so when we go back in October, we're going to bring some of our precious little chihuahuas' ashes and make a paperweight! They offer classes too so what are you waiting for?! Support this awesome small business!!

8. Solve Entertainment Escape Rooms

31 W Superior St, Duluth, MN 55802 +1 218-302-5434 [email protected] http://www.solveentertainment.com
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5.0 based on 264 reviews

Solve Entertainment Escape Rooms

Solve Entertainment creates live-action, interactive and immersive escape room experiences. With a commitment to high levels of theatricality and creativity, Solve aims to transform the Duluth entertainment landscape with real-world, tangible and tactile adventures where the audience becomes the hero. Our locally crafted escape room company produces family-friendly adventures dedicated to creating unforgettable memories. New saftey procedures ensure three hours between experiences, private games only, and no-contact game mastering.

Reviewed By Meander812262

Solve entertainment is one of the two escape room brands in Duluth. Solve provides the more challenging and immersive adventures and changes their themes more frequently to provide ongoing entertainment value for people who frequent Duluth. Their style varies from standard escape room experiences because the game master is a more active participant in the experience as an overhead voice of a child in the babysitter room (that had a bit of a dark twist the further you get) and a headquarters detective in the Christmas themed silent night room. Both were fun and challenging and included puzzles of all types including logical, seeker, spatial, abstract, and easy but time consuming for example which gives everyone in your group of all different experience and ability levels an opportunity to participate. The rooms are very difficult for just a couple, but possible for an experienced duo, but 4-6 is a nice number. This review was written during the time of the covid pandemic and solve has definitely thought carefully about how to approach safety and health. The escape experience is entirely contactless where a line leads you to a lobby where only your group is. There are additional colored lines that lead to the rooms themselves and restrooms. The game master joins through the TV from a nearby isolated room to explain the rules and game. Solve also provided masks, sanitizer, and gloves for participant use.

9. Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

Excellent
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4.5 based on 85 reviews

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

Join the fun of traveling the first railroad route into Duluth, a 6-mile historic train journey following the beautiful St. Louis River Estuary in Western Duluth. One hour & fifty minute ride is filled with history, wildlife and incredible scenery. It's the closest view of the river without getting wet! Enjoy the two vintage 100-year-old passenger coaches and the 1946 switch engine. Step outside to ride the Safari Car and experience nature at its best! Wander through the cars freely. Listen to the narration that includes rich Ojibwa history and learn about local landmarks. See views of Duluth that only can be seen by the train with unobstructed views of the lush forested area, grassy meadows, and panoramic views overlooking Wisconsin. See islands that can only be seen by railroad or water. Travel along the 12,000 acre freshwater estuary that as some of the best walleye, Muskie and bass fishing in the state. Check out our Choo Choo Paddle kayak/can shuttle service as well.

10. Enger Park and Tower

16th Ave W & Skyline Drive, Duluth, MN 55811 +1 218-730-4300 http://www.superiortrails.com/duluth-engerpark.html
Excellent
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4.5 based on 877 reviews

Enger Park and Tower

Reviewed By LoveMyFamily6 - Rhinelander, United States

Be sure to take the lovely skyline drive to Enger Park and climb up into the tower for a magnificent view of Duluth and Lake Superior. Truly awesome!

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