By Lucie Amundsen, Director of communication at Duluth Entertainment convention center
A weekend day in Duluth with a small group of friends.
When making Duluth plans, check out the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s website. See if anything is happening in one of the nine venues — from Taco Fests to hockey to John Mellencamp. Think of it as FOMO prevention.
Morning
Start your day by sleeping in at one of the comfortable hotels in downtown Duluth or Canal Park. Enjoy the chill vibes of Duluth. This is not a major metro area, and we’re proud of it. When you’re ready to venture out, grab a book and head to Duluth Coffee Company. Let the staff pick a pour-over coffee, then find a quiet corner to read and savor the peaceful morning.
Maybe the more ambitious members of your group will get up early for the Sunrise Paddle Tour with Zenith Adventure or run the Lakewalk, but they can tell you about it later.
Grab brunch at Pizza Luce
Walk down the street to Pizza Lucé and the best Bloody Mary bar in Duluth. There’s also good coffee and one of the best biscuits and gravy dishes anywhere.
Afternoon: History, Nature and Urban Waterfalls
Head to Glensheen Mansion for a self-guided tour of the regal estate. It’s truly something. Be sure to walk the grounds, gardens and take in the lake.
From there, it’s a short drive up to Congdon Park, located just kitty corner from the elementary school on 3116 East Superior Street. Watch for the sign on the street’s hillside (north side) by the bridge – it’s worth it. Stay on the trail closest to the left bank and hike up. The path leads to a series beautiful waterfalls, canyons and bridges – right in town.
Head to Lincoln Park
Some friends might want to explore nearby Enger Tower and Park, where they can look out on the lakeshore and St. Louis River for miles. But I’d be inclined to shop a little in the unique boutique shops like the Duluth Folk School and Frost River. Just hang out in the record store, River City Records. Then I’d drift over to Ursa Minor for a beer, get their standard IPA, and then check out the only surf shop in Duluth, The Alley. Yes, surfing in the Midwest.
Later, I’d walk to Bent Paddle Brewery and get whatever is on the rotator IPA. Place an order for dinner at OMC (ask for extra sauce – they make it all in-house) and have it delivered to Bent Paddle. Relax, have some beers on their deck while listening to live music and enjoy the best brisket in Minnesota with some jalapeno cheesy grits.
Afterward, I’d head back towards Canal Park with my swimming suit, beach towel, beverages and a camera. Drive over the Aerial Lift Bridge and head to the very end parking lot on Park Point—it’s about 7 miles. Take a path to the beach and chill, taking in the slow action of Lake Superior. Eventually, go swimming a little. Watch the setting of the sun over the city. Take some good photos and enjoy your friends.
When the sun was down, I’d reconvene with friends near the lift bridge at Vikre Distillery over their house-made craft cocktails. There, we could talk through everyone’s version of a perfect Duluth day.
