Updated April 2025
When it comes to family adventures that don’t drain your wallet, Duluth is a snow-dusted, flower-sprouting gold mine. Whether winter is hanging on tight or spring shows up early with a warm hug, Duluth keeps things fresh, affordable, and full of memorable moments for all ages.
Below are ten activities — some snowy, some sunny, all family-approved — to help you explore the city without blowing your budget. And because Mother Nature likes to keep us on our toes in northern Minnesota, we’ve split things up by season. Keep tabs on weather, trail conditions, and attraction hours before heading out. You’ll thank us later!
WINTER WONDERS & COLD-WEATHER FUN
As the snow piles up and the air turns crisp, Duluth transforms into a frosted playground that’s anything but sleepy. Whether you’re into cozy strolls or full-on snow-covered adventures, winter here brings the kind of magic that makes scarves feel stylish and hot cocoa taste like a reward. Here’s how to make the most of the chill without freezing your fun (or your wallet).
1. Snowshoe, Hike, or Both
Bundle up and hit the Lakewalk, a nearly eight-mile plowed path that lets you soak up Lake Superior’s magic while staying close to cozy shops and hot cocoa stops in Canal Park. Or go bold and hike to the end of the Park Point Trail to find the ruins of the Minnesota Point Lighthouse — walking on the longest freshwater sandbar in the world! Bring snowshoes in winter, but adventurers with good boots are welcome, too.
2. Explore Glensheen Mansion Grounds — On Snowshoes!
History meets fresh air in the most charming way. $5.00 gets you access to 12 snowy acres along the lake, and free snowshoe rentals are available in the winter at Glensheen Mansion. Bonus: kids under 16 are free with a paid adult.
3. Ice Skate at Bayfront Festival Park or Spirit Mountain
Weather permitting, Bayfront Festival Park offers free daily skating with a limited supply of skates during warming house hours. Prefer a quieter scene? Head to the lighted rink at Spirit Mountain for evening glides under the stars.
4. Cross-Country Ski Like a Local
Grab a ski pass and explore Duluth’s Nordic trails. New to skiing? Hartley Nature Center rents skis, snowshoes, and kicksleds on weekends — perfect for testing out snowy fun with little commitment.
5. Try Winter Sports — Without Buying All the Gear
Want to try ice fishing or fat tire biking without buying the works? Check with UMD or St. Scholastica for low-cost rental gear and explore at your own pace.
SPRINGING INTO ADVENTURE (WHEN THE SNOW STARTS TO MELT)
As the snow softens and the sun stretches its arms, Duluth’s spring scene starts to bloom — sometimes literally. Here’s how to get outside when the trails start drying up and your coat finally stays in the closet.
6. Hike Smart During the Spring Melt
Before you lace up those boots, check the City of Duluth’s trail condition map to avoid closed trails. Once trails reopen for the season, Duluth’s hiking trails are something special. Whether you’re meandering through Hartley Park or climbing toward waterfall views, there’s something for every pace and age.
7. Explore Local Parks in Bloom
Watch Lake Superior’s ice floes disappear from the Lakewalk, wander the flower-filled paths at Leif Erikson Park’s Rose Gardens, or explore Enger Tower and Twin Ponds for garden blooms and stunning city views. Late spring often means the return of outdoor events at Bayfront Festival Park, so keep your eye on the events calendar for concerts and community fun.
8. Hop on a Bike (Once the Trails Harden)
Duluth is one of only six cities worldwide to earn Gold-Level Ride Center status from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (yes, that’s a thing — and yes, it’s impressive). Once the spring melt dries out, take your pick of over 90 miles of bike trails across town.
9. Dine Outside Again (Finally!)
When the temps rise, Duluth’s patios open. Whether you’re after a burger, cocktail, coffee, or ice cream — there’s a patio with your name on it and a lake view to match.
10. Experience Duluth’s Attractions
Duluth offers a plethora of attractions to experience in the spring. Tour the historic Glensheen Mansion and admire the gardens in bloom, or feel the power of the St. Louis River spring melt from a raft with one of our local guides. Not into paddling through rapids? Post up along the river and cheer on the whitewater daredevils.
INDOOR FUN FOR ANY FORECAST
We love Duluth’s fresh air, but sometimes, you want to be warm, dry, and entertained. Here are wallet-friendly ways to make the most of indoor time.
Learn About Shipping
Swing by the Lake Superior Maritime Museum to dig into Duluth’s port history — even when the ships are taking their seasonal snooze. Free year-round, though donations help keep shipping history alive. Stop by in late March or April to try and catch the arrival of the first “saltie”, or First Ship of the season.
Hands-On Museums & Animal Encounters
Duluth’s museums and family-friendly attractions offer the perfect mix of education, imagination, and wild encounters (some furrier than others). Budget tip: Many Duluth attractions offer reciprocal membership discounts — worth checking before you go!
Art & Culture Breaks
This city serves up art, stories, and soulful souvenirs around every corner. Whether you’re a curious kid, an inspired teen, or an art-loving grown-up, there’s something to spark imagination (and maybe a little shopping spree) along the way.
Tweed Museum of Art
Free, with rotating exhibits on the UMD campus.
Duluth Art Institute
More free exhibits and creative inspiration found at the DAI.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
Home to original manuscripts covering science, literature, art, and more. It’s one of only a handful of locations nationwide and always free.
Local Shopping Finds
Pick up souvenirs, gifts, or quirky finds from Duluth’s mix of shops. Check out the Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop for beautiful goods made by Indigenous artists, or explore the unique shops and cozy nooks tucked away at the Fitger’s Complex and DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace. Feel free to cruise through the Miller Hill Mall if you’re in classic shopping mode. If you’re looking for shopping vibes, Central Duluth offers a chance to experience the area as you uncover unique shops and local goods in areas like Canal Park and the Lincoln Park Craft District.
TIP: PLAN AHEAD FOR SUMMER & FALL
Duluth is never a one-and-done trip. If you like what you find in winter and spring, wait ’til you see what’s cooking in the warmer months. Check out our seasonal ideas page to keep the adventures rolling!