The 10 Best Outdoor Activities in Duluth, Minnesota (MN)

August 21, 2021 Rebbecca Marino

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. Oberg Mountain Loop

Forestry Road 336, Duluth, MN
Excellent
87%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 77 reviews

Oberg Mountain Loop

Under three miles long, this hiking trail offers fantastic views of mountains and Lake Superior.

Reviewed By MartiPrice - Austin, United States

Incredible fall leaves the 3rd week of September 2020. South of Lutsen off of Onion River Road (15 minute gravel road-ugh), very pretty overlooks (4). If you can only do part, choose the leftside (clockwise) once you get to the loop.

2. Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive

Duluth, MN +1 800-429-9297 http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/byways/byways/11185
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

3. SUPerior Paddle

Excellent
96%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 23 reviews

SUPerior Paddle

SUPerior Paddle provides paddle board rentals, delivery, and adventures. SUPerior Paddle Boarding is built upon one simple principle – our love of Lake Superior. You will not find another lake like it. Our goal at SUPerior Paddle is to provide you with an unforgettable North Shore experience. We we will deliver paddle boards to your location. Paddle on!

4. Endurance Kennels LLC

Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

5. Time Out Sailing

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

6. Superior Pursuits

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Superior Pursuits

Superior Pursuits is a premier guide service out of Duluth, MN. When you fish with us, you have the opportunity to steer the fishing vessel, set lines, view Duluth from a new perspective, and of course Catch Fish!

7. Duluth Flying Club

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Duluth Flying Club

The Duluth Flying Club provides the regions best fleet of airplanes for fight training, airplane rental, airplane tours and ground school. Come fly with us in our Cirrus SR20, PiperSport or Piper Comanche twin engine.

8. Sacred Rides Duluth

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

Sacred Rides Duluth

Sacred Rides Duluth offers spectacular mountain bike adventures with certified professional guides throughout Duluth, Minnesota.

9. Lake Country Air & Beaver Air Tours

Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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.

10. The Duluth Experience

Excellent
95%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

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!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.