Written February 2023. Last updated July 2025.
Get ready for an unforgettable escape with your favorite people! With its incredible restaurants, fun DIY classes, exciting attractions, a variety of unique shopping options, delightful cocktail spots, and endless photo opportunities, Duluth is the perfect location to spend some quality time with your friends. Our city offers a refreshing blend of rugged outdoor beauty and refined urban charm, guaranteeing a trip you won’t soon forget. Check out these spots for a girls trip where you can truly make memories that last a lifetime!
Delicious Delights: Fueling Your Fun in Duluth
First things first: you need to fuel up for fun! Duluth’s vibrant food and drink scene offers everything from cozy coffee shops to lively brunch spots and unique dinner experiences.
- Kick Start Your Day with Coffee: First and foremost, grab a coffee to kick-start your day! Duluth boasts an array of cozy cafes, perfect for gathering, chatting, and fueling up before your adventures.
- Brunch & Bakeries: Enjoy your morning at a delightful Duluth brunch spot, or pick up the perfect pastry at one of Duluth’s many charming bakeries. It’s the ideal way to ease into your Duluthy day.
- Bloody Marys: A meal all in itself! Duluth’s wide variety of bloody marys are sure to satisfy any craving, from classic concoctions to unexpected, loaded masterpieces.
- Pizza Perfected: Craving pizza after a day of exploration? Visit a local pizza joint for a classic slice or an unexpected delight – Tandoori Tikka pizza, anyone? Duluth’s pizza scene has a surprising twist for everyone.
- Sweet Endings: We didn’t forget about dessert! No matter the weather, ice cream is always the right choice, and Duluth has plenty of delicious options to choose from. It’s the perfect sweet treat to cap off any adventure by Lake Superior.
- Dining Al Fresco: Visiting during prime patio weather? Be sure to check out the many places around town to dine al fresco, soaking in the views and the refreshing Duluth air with your besties.
Iconic Attractions: Explore & Discover Together
Duluth is packed with engaging and surprising attractions that provide endless opportunities for fun, photos, and shared experiences.
- Lake Superior Zoo: Oh fur cute! Get ready for some adorable encounters! Check out the amazing (and adorable) animals at the Lake Superior Zoo. It’s a delightful way to spend an afternoon connecting with wildlife.
- The Duluth Playhouse: For top-notch theatrical performances year-round, visit The Duluth Playhouse and the magnificent NorShor Theatre. Catch a captivating drama, a lively musical, or another production for a dose of Duluth’s vibrant performing arts scene.
- Mural Hunt: Embark on a mural hunt to find some of Duluth’s best and most colorful artwork – perfect for capturing vibrant photos for the gram and discovering hidden artistic gems around the city.
- Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra (DSSO): Get cultured and catch a moving performance from the renowned Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra. It’s a refined way to enjoy a sophisticated evening out with your friends.
- Tweed Museum of Art: Marvel at an impressive collection of paintings, photographs, ceramics, cultural objects, and more at the Tweed Museum of Art, located on the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) campus. It’s a tranquil spot for artistic appreciation.
Beyond our cultural landmarks, Duluth is a true outdoor paradise, offering adventures for every group dynamic! Get your dose of Lake Superior’s refreshing air and the region’s rugged beauty with your friends. From hiking scenic trails with panoramic views, to biking exciting routes, or paddling on the Big Lake, the possibilities are endless for an active and unforgettable experience.
Unleash Your Creativity: Get Crafty in Duluth
Want to make something cool to take home, or just enjoy a unique, hands-on experience with your friends? Duluth offers fantastic opportunities to tap into your creative side.
- Board & Brush: Duluth’s Board & Brush offers tons of fun DIY workshops designed to bring friends together. Join one of their many weekend classes or schedule your own private event. Projects range from sign building and wall art to trays and more – perfect for a relaxed and creative group activity.
- Duluth Folk School: Immerse yourselves in the joy of learning traditional crafts and hands-on skills at the Duluth Folk School! From woodworking and fiber arts to traditional cooking and music, they offer a diverse range of workshops that celebrate heritage crafts and foster community connection. It’s a truly authentic and enriching group experience.
- Lake Superior Art Glass: Learn the mesmerizing art of glass blowing at Lake Superior Art Glass! They offer group classes where you can create your own beautiful pieces like wine goblets (with a complimentary glass of wine after you finish!), ornaments, pendants, marbles, paperweights, and more. It’s a truly unique and fiery fun experience, ideal for date nights, families, or wedding parties.
Shop ‘Til You Drop: Unique Finds in Duluth
From major retail therapy to discovering one-of-a-kind local treasures, Duluth offers a diverse shopping scene where you can find everything you need and stuff you just plain want. Take a piece of Duluth home with you!
- Canal Park & Downtown Duluth: Explore the charming specialty stores in Canal Park, perfect for unique souvenirs and lakeside treasures. Downtown Duluth offers a mix of boutiques, galleries, and convenient shops, many accessible via the climate-controlled skywalk system. Find everything from local art to fashion.
- Lincoln Park Craft District: Discover the vibrant Lincoln Park Craft District, a hub for local artisans, makers, and independent shops. Here you’ll find truly unique goods – from handmade jewelry and pottery to vintage finds and custom gifts – all with that authentic Duluthy spirit.
- Shopping Up the Hill: For a comprehensive shopping experience, visit the Miller Hill Mall area, featuring a wide variety of national retailers and department stores. Countless other local shops and galleries throughout the area offer original pieces and local craftsmanship.
Raise a Glass: Sip, Savor & Socialize
Duluth’s nightlife and craft beverage scene offer a delightful array of spots to gather, relax, and raise a glass with your crew. From sophisticated speakeasies to lively breweries, there’s a vibe for every group.
Craft Cocktails & Unique Haunts
- Vikre Distillery: Located near the aerial lift bridge in Canal Park, Vikre Distillery’s vibrant cocktail room features innovative, made-from-scratch drinks crafted with their own award-winning spirits. Enjoy flights of their spirits, liqueurs, and even canned cocktails – a perfect spot for unique and high-quality libations.
- Altitude Cocktails: Elevate your evening at Altitude Cocktails! Experience a sophisticated atmosphere with expertly crafted cocktails created in the same building that hosts Zenith Adventure. It’s the perfect spot for an elegant and memorable night out with the ladies.
- The Rathskeller: Just down Superior Street in downtown Duluth (yet delightfully off the beaten path) lies The Rathskeller, a modern speakeasy nestled underneath The Oliver Inn. Designed as Duluth’s original city hall in 1889, this spot features an impressive selection of craft cocktails, mules, whiskey, and craft beer, all in a stylish, intimate setting.
- The Boreal House: The woman-owned Boreal House in West Duluth features a delightful variety of handcrafted cocktails, from the refreshing Gin Spritzer to the classic House Old Fashioned, plus many local and regional beers on tap. It’s a cozy spot with a real, authentic vibe.
- Jade Fountain Cocktail Lounge: Also in West Duluth, the Jade Fountain Cocktail Lounge offers a truly one-of-a-kind drink menu and atmosphere. A former Chinese restaurant, Jade Fountain boasts an eclectic design with décor and drinks from around the world. While you’re there, challenge your friends to a friendly game of ping pong!
Breweries, Cideries & N/A Options
Of course, all of Duluth’s wonderful breweries, cideries, and distilleries are always ready to welcome your crew! Experience local craft beverages in lively taprooms, many with great food and often dog-friendly patios.
For the sober, sober curious, or designated driver, there are plenty of places throughout Duluth that offer delicious non-alcoholic options, ensuring everyone can comfortably raise a glass and enjoy the social scene.
Catch the Vibe: Unforgettable Nights & Events
Extend your girlfriends getaway into the evening by tapping into Duluth’s vibrant nightlife and exciting events calendar.
- Live Music: Enjoy live music from Duluth’s incredible local talent. From intimate sets to lively performances, many spots even have a dance floor for your crew to dance the night away and truly catch the vibe.
- Karaoke: Hit the stage and sing karaoke at one of the local dives, like The Caddy Shack Indoor Golf & Pub, Curly’s Bar, or The Reef. It’s a perfect way to let loose and create some hilarious, memorable moments with your pals.
There are always awesome events happening throughout the city year-round! Be sure to check out what’s happening in Duluth as you plan your trip with your pals – you might discover a festival, concert, or special celebration that adds an extra layer of fun to your getaway.
Ready for Your Duluthy Getaway?
This is just a taste of the fun waiting for you and your friends in Duluth, Minnesota! From delicious eats and unique shops to captivating attractions and lively nights, our city is the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories. Start planning your ultimate Duluth girlfriends getaway today!
