What are those ships carrying? What is there to do for free? Where are the bathrooms? We asked the staff of the Duluth Visitor Center the top 10 questions they get asked most often from travelers. We have the answers to your burning questions below but be sure to also visit the Visitor Center at 522 South Lake Ave in Canal Park (inside Grandma’s Restaurant) next time you’re in Duluth for more insider information!
Q: Where are the public restrooms?
A: Duluth’s city parks have public restrooms that are open for use yearly from Memorial Day weekend through early to mid-October. Some destination park restrooms, including Enger, Bayfront and Lakewalk, open in early May. Bayfront restrooms are also open for Bentleyville events through the end of the year.
If you are shopping or dining in the Canal Park’s DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace, there are restrooms on the first level (open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
If you are visiting the free Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, there are restrooms there as well. (Note the hours are 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily, closed Wednesdays.)
Q: What activities are there to do for free?
A: There are lots of free activities to do throughout Duluth, including:
- Visit the Lake Superior Maritime Museum
- Stroll the Lakewalk
- Window shop in Canal Park, Lincoln Park and Downtown
- Climb Enger Tower (open May 1 until the snow arrives)
- Smell the roses at Leif Erikson Park
- Dip your toes in the water at Park Point or Brighton Beach
- Play at Duluth’s largest playground, Playfront Park
- Hike one of the many trails throughout the city
- And if you’re here from mid-November through Christmas – enjoy the lights of Bentleyville!
For more ideas, check out this summer and fall budget-friendly activities list or this winter and spring list.
Q: How can I find the ship schedule? And what are they hauling?
A: Visit the Harbor Lookout website for a list of daily arrivals and departures or call the Boatwatchers’ hotline at 218.722.6489. You also can follow ship traffic across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System on the Marine Traffic website or mobile app.
Iron ore, coal, limestone and grain comprise the largest percentage of Duluth-Superior’s cargo mix. The port also handles a diverse assortment of other bulk cargoes, plus breakbulk and heavy-lift cargo. Check out the Faces of Duluth profile on Duluth Seaway Port Authority’s Executive Director Deb DeLuca for more insider shipping info!
Q: Where can I find local campground information?
A: Campground information can be found on the Visit Duluth’s camping page at https://visitduluth.com/stay/camping/
Q: What is there to do after 6 p.m.?
A: Plenty! Duluth has a vibrant arts and culture scene with something for everyone. Catch a show at the NorShor Theatre in downtown Duluth and then groove to some live jazz down the street at Blackwater Lounge. Or head west to Wussow’s Concert Café or Mr. D’s in West Duluth for live music and some local flavor. There are plenty of bars, breweries and cocktail rooms that keep the party going in the evening.
For the kids, Adventure Zone in Canal Park is open until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you come during October through March (a very special time in the Duluth known as UMD Bulldog Hockey Season), cheer on both the men’s and women’s teams at AMSOIL Arena at the DECC.
Be sure to check out the Duluth events calendar so you can plan ahead!
Q: When was Enger Tower built? What was it originally built for?
A: Enger Tower was built in 1939 in honor of Burt Enger, a local furniture dealer who donated money to purchase the land to develop Enger Park and the adjacent golf course. Before Burt died in 1931, he requested that the development include a lookout tower surrounded by beautiful grounds and footpaths to accommodate visitors. You can climb the steps starting in May through when the snow flies.
Q: Can you ride the Lift Bridge when it goes up?
A: No. The Aerial Lift Bridge is a working piece of port equipment and not open for public rides. (But is always available for awesome photo ops from the ground!)
Q: Best places to go with young children?
A: There are lots of places! To name just a few, check out the Duluth Children’s Museum, the Great Lakes Aquarium, Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the Lake Superior Zoo. Be sure read this rundown of the attractions that are best suited for different age groups.
Q: Is there a trolley that runs through Canal Park?
A: The trolley is currently not in operation, but there are plenty of other transportation options available, including public transportation, ride shares, hotel shuttles and more. Check out the Getting Around page on the Visit Duluth website for more details.
Q: Where can I park?
A: Duluth has plenty of parking options including on-street metered parking, surface pay lots and centrally located parking ramps. Be sure to download the Park Duluth mobile app and check out the Getting Around page on the Visit Duluth website for more information.