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By HOWIE HANSON
Editor & Publisher
DULUTH, Minn. — After a lifetime spent living, raising a family and working in this extraordinary port city, I still find myself amazed by how many ways there are to savor a summer weekend in Duluth. It’s a place I know deeply, yet it surprises me year after year — and I’m happy to offer a few personal endorsements on how to make the most of your visit, whether you’re here for the first time or rediscovering it all over again.
Always start with the lake.
My advice has never changed: begin your day along the Lakewalk. The combination of Lake Superior’s cool breeze, the smell of pine and fresh water, and the gentle crush of waves along the shore is simply unmatched. Grab a coffee, stroll or bike from Canal Park toward Brighton Beach, and let the sunrise work its magic. Then circle back to Canal Park to see the mighty Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge in action. I never tire of watching it rise for the ships — and it’s always worth waiting to see a thousand-foot ore boat glide through the canal.
Climb for the best view in town.
No visit is complete without heading up to historic Enger Tower. Built in 1939 and perched high above the city, the tower offers the finest panoramic view of Duluth, the harbor and the endless blue of Lake Superior. I’ve stood there dozens of times, often with out-of-town friends, watching them stand slack-jawed at just how far you can see on a clear day. It’s the best $0 you’ll ever spend.
Play like a local.
We’re an outdoor town, so join us. Try some free pickleball at Wheeler Field — it’s become a big social hub, with friendly games and plenty of laughter. Then explore Lincoln Park proper, not just the trendy brewery district. The actual park has trails that wind through a beautiful wooded ravine and up alongside rock outcroppings, with occasional peeks at the lake. It’s a quiet, underrated slice of Duluth.
Golf at a local gem.
Bring your clubs and schedule a tee time at Duluth’s premiere golf course, Enger Park. Perched on the hillside, Enger is as scenic as it is challenging, with sweeping views of the harbor and city skyline. Even if your scorecard takes a beating, the vistas will more than make up for it.
Family fun on land and water.
If you’ve got kids — or are a kid at heart — make sure to check out the Great Lakes Aquarium. It’s right on the harbor and gives you a close-up look at the creatures that live in and around Lake Superior. For something wilder, the Lake Superior Zoo on Duluth’s western edge is a lovely, compact spot to wander on a sunny afternoon. I’ve taken countless photos of kids feeding goats there or giggling at playful river otters.
Where to stay.
I often recommend the beautiful Holiday Inn & Suites in downtown Duluth. It puts you right in the middle of all the action, with easy walking access to Canal Park, the Lakewalk and plenty of restaurants. From there, it’s a quick drive to virtually any of the city’s attractions.
Take a little drive.
No Duluth weekend is complete without venturing up the North Shore. Even if it’s only a short hop, head northeast along Scenic Highway 61. Pull off at Brighton Beach — also known as Kitchi Gammi Park — and dip your toes into Lake Superior. It’s a highly visited area, free and open to the public, and one of those places that seems to invite every family to skip rocks and soak up the grandeur of the greatest of the Great Lakes.
Good eats and local treats.
When hunger strikes, head back to Canal Park and treat yourself to lunch at Bellisio’s, where the patio pairs beautifully with a glass of wine or pasta dish. Their warm hospitality is a great reflection of Duluth’s broader spirit. From there, wander among the art galleries and little shops, or sit and watch street musicians play against the lake’s backdrop.
Wrap it all up your way.
By evening, you might catch live music at Bayfront Festival Park or simply settle into a patio seat somewhere with a local craft beer. Watching the sun dip behind the hills across the harbor, you’ll understand why so many of us never want to leave.
And before heading home on Sunday, grab a hearty breakfast — maybe wild rice sausage and eggs, or a cinnamon roll the size of a plate — and let Duluth give you one more reason to come back.