Duluth Travel Blog

It’s no longer a secret. Duluth is one of the best places to go for outdoor recreation. While Duluthians have been enjoying all there is to offer, we have kept this knowledge a little hush-hush over the years. Perhaps it’s just a part of being Minnesota-nice not to brag about all the fun we’re having in our own backyard. Or maybe we’ve just been busy with all of the efforts to enhance access, build connecting trails, create guided tours, educate, and make our environment a priority. Probably all of the above.

So how do you decide what to do when you’re just here for a short visit?

Top 10 Adventures & some World-Class Recreation!
This is not a complete list by any means, but Duluth has evolved from a cool place to visit in the summer to a year-round adventure. Here are our top ten favorites in no particular order.

1. Kayaking Lake Superior

We can’t stress enough how awesome these guided kayaking trips are, no matter your experience level. No need to pack any equipment or plan a route. See Duluth, Lake Superior, and the big ore boats from a whole new vantage point.
The Duluth Experience St. Louis River Kayak Tours
Day Tripper of Duluth Kayak Tours

2. Kayak or Canoeing the St. Louis River

The St. Louis River is a hidden gem. It’ll remind you of the Boundary Waters with it’s clean water, shoreline with big pines, secluded feeling, and wildlife.
The Duluth Experience St. Louis River Kayak Tours
Day Tripper of Duluth Canoe Tours

3. Mountain Biking

Duluth has some of the most diverse mountain biking around with it’s incredible views, interconnected trails, beginner to expert experience levels and types of trails.
Coggs Duluth Traverse Trails
The Duluth Experience Mountain Biking Adventures
Spirit Mountain Downhill Trails

4. Rock Climbing

Amazing climbs throughout Duluth, from beginner to expert and even some world-class climbing just outside the city limits!
Climb Duluth has details on all the best climbs including bouldering.
Don’t let the rain spoil it. Check out Vertical Endeavors right in Canal Park.

5. Hiking

There are too many trails to list or count! Again the diversity of trails is astounding. Want to hike on a sandy beach? Check. Want to hike up a (small) mountain? Check. Maybe up a tower or out to a lighthouse, over rocky terrain, or through giant pine stands? Check all of the above and more.
Visit Duluth Parks & Trails – Hiking Trails

6. Touring the sights

Explore Duluth by foot and see the heart of downtown, the charm of Canal Park, and the beauty of the Lakewalk. Take a guided tour and learn about Duluth’s past, present, and future!
The Duluth Experience Walking Tours

7. History (Glensheen)

Whether you’re a history buff or just enjoy learning about the past; Duluth has a vibrant and unique story that will surely be entertaining and interesting to young and old.
The Duluth Experience History Tours
Glensheen Tours

8. Walking the Lakewalk & watching the ocean going ore boats

It’s almost like living on the ocean, minus the salt and possible shark attacks! Walk along the pier and be up close to the big ships that come in. In the summer you can even watch sail boat races (weather permitting).
Duluth Shipping Schedule
Visit Duluth Lakewalk

9. Running

Walking and hiking is great, but what if you want to run? With Duluth’s extensive trail system, lakewalk, park point, north shore scenic highway and variety of races, you will not be disappointed. Enjoy the sights and get a great workout. Check out Duluth Running for advice, race schedules, apparel, and more.

10. All things Spirit Mountain

Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, fat-tire biking, mountain biking, alpine coaster, zip line, mini golf, disc golf, jumping pillow, camping, and more!
Spiritmt.com