Areas & Neighborhoods in Duluth
When 17th-century French explorers first touched down on the shores of Lake Superior, they referred to it as "le lac superior." Today, the largest-by-volume lake in North America is no less impressive, making it an ideal spot for the bulk of Duluth's bustle—from Downtown Duluth to Park Point.
Downtown Duluth
Nestled into headlands overlooking the harbor, Downtown Duluth pulses with activity. German-inspired brewpubs and independent coffee shops sprout up among governmental buildings and cultural sites. Served by the Port Town Trolley and accessible by foot, Downtown is where Duluth reaps its city's cultural rewards.
Canal Park
A 20-minute drive from Duluth International Airport, Canal Park is dotted with waterfront attractions that appeal to residents and travelers alike. Comfortable hotel accommodations abound, providing lakeside views within walking distance of landmark sites like the Great Lakes Aquarium.
Park Point
Venture across the Aerial Lift Bridge—a destination in its own right—and find yourself surrounded by the supreme lake-viewing region of Park Point. Relatively uncrowded tourist destinations like the Duluth Harbor South Breakwater Outer Light and the Zero Point Lighthouse lend a look at the city's urban wonders.
Things to See in Duluth
There are a bevy of things to see in Duluth. When it comes to community arts, Duluth's Midwestern appeal is on full display, making it an ideal destination for taking in a classic film or a live play. On Superior Street, the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe displays indie flicks inside its Zinema and showcases the innovations of the Renegade Theater Company inside the 120-seat Teatro. Near Canal Park, the Duluth Playhouse beckons with a variety of entry points for theater-goers, including its Depot Main Stage, Children's Theatre, and Underground Theatre. Theater not your thing? Consider reserving advance tickets to see the Duluth Huskies play—at the height of the season, the amateur baseball league sells out home games at Wade Stadium.
Sightseeing in Duluth
Whether you're an active type, a museum-goer, or a family looking for kid-tested, parent-approved activities, Duluth offers an attraction for every type of traveler. History buffs can rejoice during a guided tour of the Glensheen Mansion, where the region's original iron-mining family settled. Or, trace the footsteps of a five-year-old Bob Dylan during a walk on Bob Dylan Way through Downtown Duluth. In addition to these sites of cultural intrigue, the Duluth Art Institute is the area's premier art center, celebrating local and regional contemporary innovators from the Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin regions. Traveling with tykes? Consider making a stop at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, which documents the area's extensive railroad history. Or, pay a visit to the Lake Superior Maritime Museum to get a feel for what it's like to work aboard a Great Lakes ship. To really stretch your legs, take a trek through the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, which locals agree is a standout spot for birds-of-prey watching. Or, discover Spirit Mountain where manicured ski trails and endless mountain bike adventures await.
