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.
The St. Louis County Historical Society is thrilled to announce the rescheduled date for the Bicentennial Boom presentation. Hosted at the historic Lake Superior Railroad Museum inside the St. Louis County Depot (506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN), this is the last of our three-part series — collectively themed “A Summer of Storytelling” — with an engaging blend of local triumph, humorous misadventures, and poignant wartime reflections. Attendees can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere complete with a cash bar while diving deep into the history and narratives that shaped our region and nation. Bicentennial Boom 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 3, 2026 “Charting a New Course: How Duluth Harnessed the ‘Spirit of ’76” While Duluth’s economic struggles of the early 1970s are well-documented, its incredible Bicentennial boom is a story waiting to be told. In 1975 and 1976, dozens of diverse ethnic festivals celebrated Northland heritage, sparking major community improvements —…
Join us during your visit to view our special art exhibit, featuring pieces painted live at Glensheen by the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota. Glensheen in Plein Air invites travelers to experience the beauty, history, and artistic spirit of Minnesota through a collection of plein air paintings created on the grounds of Glensheen Mansion. Produced by members of the Outdoor Painters of Minnesota, each work was painted live on-site, capturing the estate’s landscapes and architecture in real time and natural light. From quiet woodland creeks and vibrant formal gardens to the intricate details of the mansion and boathouse, this exhibit showcases the diverse perspectives of artists immersed in Glensheen’s setting. The spontaneity of plein air painting brings an immediacy and authenticity to each piece, reflecting not only the environment but the moment in which it was experienced. This gallery is available for viewing at the end of our regular tour route…
Join us at Tony Dierckins presents on historic structures of Duluth. Join us as local author and historian Tony Dierckins celebrates Duluth structures on the National Register of Historic Places, the city’s historic districts, and official city landmark buildings and homes, sharing the stories of successful and failed efforts to preserve these monuments to local architecture. Adapted from his book Duluth’s Grand Old Architecture. Doors open at 6pm, the presentation will begin at 6:30pm Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members To register, visit our ticketing page under the special events tab at https://tickets.umn.edu/glensheen Event Cost $10.00
September at the Rock celebrates the wonder of Lake Superior—by day, by night, and under the stars. We are proud to feature Shawn Malone, a landscape photographer and visual artist whose work has been inspired by the Lake Superior region for more than 25 years. After moving from Chicago to Marquette, Michigan, Shawn found both her home and her artistic calling along the shores of Lake Superior. Since then, she has dedicated her career to capturing the ever-changing beauty of this remarkable landscape—from rugged coastlines and dramatic weather to the brilliant colors of the aurora borealis and the quiet brilliance of the night sky. Best known for her immersive aurora and night sky photography, Shawn creates images and time-lapse films that reveal the beauty of the natural world in ways often hidden from the naked eye. Her work invites viewers to slow down, look up, and experience the wonder that…
This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the total loss of the 29 crew members aboard on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost on the Great Lakes. The lighthouse, fog signal building, and visitor center will be open for visitors. Guides will welcome visitors and provide historic site and shipwreck information. Throughout the day, visitors can watch a film about Edmund Fitzgerald in the visitor center, or join a guided tour exploring the history of Fitzgerald’s final voyage. At 4:15 pm, the lighthouse will temporarily close while the names of the crew are read to the tolling of a ship’s bell, with a rendition of the Naval Hymn. Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit, and the tower will be open again to tour until close at 6 pm. Be sure to bring…
August at the Rock is about scale, detail, and the art of seeing the landscape in full. We are proud to feature Ryan Cairl, a landscape photographer whose work is inspired by a lifelong connection to the outdoors and a desire to capture the same sense of wonder found in the places we explore. Ryan’s passion began early, shaped by family trips to national parks and the iconic imagery found in postcard scenes — moments that sparked a goal to create images that hold that same beauty and feeling. With a background in mechanical engineering, Ryan brings a technical approach to his craft, specializing in panoramic photography. By combining multiple images into a single, highly detailed composition, he creates photographs designed to be experienced at a larger scale — where every detail comes to life. His work invites viewers to step closer, take their time, and fully immerse themselves in…
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