From budget-friendly family activities to hidden waterfalls to recommendations from locals, check out our blog for trip ideas and to learn more about what makes Duluth so special.
Experience illuminated history, a tour of the mansion lit only by lantern light. Led by expert tour guides, Lantern Tours are a favorite during the Halloween season. This tour is well suited for guests who have previously experienced the Classic or Full Mansion Tours. Available Fridays & Saturdays in October. Book your tour in advance at z.umn.edu/lanterntours
Welcome to the home of the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship Tours in Duluth, Minnesota! That hint of cool breeze you feel isn’t just a change of weather. Those are the spirits of the Duluth Haunted Ship swinging on anchor just outside your view. The ghouls on board are waiting to morph the William A. Irvin historic freighter into something truly sinister. This season marks the 31st year of this unhallowed event, starting Friday, October 2, 2026 and running long weekends through Halloween (plus MEA Wednesday, October 14, 2026). This year, you can look forward to more activity outside of the ship on Harbor Drive: enjoy food trucks every Friday & Saturday, lights, bonfires, drinks available for purchase, and more. Know Before You Go Avoid the General Admission (GA) line and buy a FAST PASS ticket. Enter through FAST PASS gate. General Admission tickets enter through the GA line. All tickets…
Experience fall in Duluth from the water aboard Vista Fleet’s Lunch & Leaves Cruise! Take in the beautiful fall colors of the Northland while enjoying a relaxing cruise aboard the Vista Star and a delicious lunch from MidCoast Catering. Choose from a Turkey, Bacon & Swiss sandwich with cranberry mayo, lettuce and tomato; a Ham & Provolone Croissant with lettuce and tomato; or a Hummus Wrap with zucchini, squash, roasted red peppers, spinach and hummus. Each lunch is served with Cream of Wild Rice soup, chips and dessert. Along the way, enjoy narrated highlights about the Duluth-Superior Harbor, the science and ecology of the St. Louis River system, and the area’s unique and historic bridges. Space is limited, so reserve your spot and enjoy one of the best ways to experience fall in Duluth!
Celebrate fall on Lake Superior aboard our Harvest Dinner Cruise on the Vista Fleet! Take in the colors of the season, Duluth’s skyline, and harbor activity while enjoying a relaxing two-hour cruise complete with a fall-inspired dinner catered by Black Woods. Dinner includes your choice of Champagne Chicken, Roasted Pork Tenderloin, or Butternut Squash Ravioli, served with Butter & Chive Whipped Potatoes, Sautéed Green Beans Almondine, Black Woods House Salad, and a roll with butter. Dessert is also available to add to your reservation for a sweet ending to your evening. The Harvest Dinner Cruise is open to all ages and reservations are required. Join us for one of the best ways to experience fall in Duluth; from the water!
Experience a fall morning on Lake Superior aboard Vista Fleet’s Coffee & Colors Cruise! Hop aboard the Vista Queen in time to catch Duluth’s iconic sunrise from the water, then take in the vibrant fall colors along the Northland’s hillsides. Along the way, learn about the Duluth-Superior Harbor, local history, the science and ecology of the St. Louis River system, and the area’s unique and historic bridges. Complimentary coffee and breakfast pastries are included, making this the perfect way to start a crisp fall day in Duluth. This cruise features open seating. Please note that the Vista Queen is not wheelchair accessible.
✨ Outdoor Clay Workshops All Day at Chambers Grove Park Sunday August 30th Participant Tickets: $25 per maker early bird pricing through 8/19 Drop in anytime | 10 AM-3 PM Create at your own pace. Stay as long as you’d like. Free clay demos for everyone! ✨ Advance tickets appreciated to help estimate clay materials. Each ticket covers 1 adult/ 1 child. Please purchase additional tickets for additional participating children / adults. Squish! is a relaxed, outdoor drop-in clay day held at Chambers Grove Park. There are no scheduled class times, so you can arrive anytime between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM and create at your own pace. Your participant ticket includes access to hands-on clay making, guidance from the instructor, and all materials needed to make your project. Wander between making, hiking, take breaks, playground, watch live clay demos, enjoy the riverside setting, or simply spend time with family…