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.
A sensory-friendly holiday experience Experience the magic of Christmas at Glensheen with a quieter, lower-stimulation Candlelight Tour. Designed for individuals and families with sensory sensitivities, autism, ADHD, anxiety, or other needs, this special evening offers a more comfortable holiday experience with adjusted lighting, pacing, and smaller group sizes. Buy tickets at https://tickets.umn.edu/glensheen/online/article/GLNSensoryChristmas
The St. Louis County Historical Society, under the guidance of the SLCHS American Indian Advisory Committee, is proud to announce its annual Native American Heritage Day from 11 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, November 14, 2026. This year’s event is in partnership with the University of Minnesota-Duluth’s American Indian Learning Resource Center and Indigenous Student Organization and will be held in the Kirby Ballroom at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The event is free and open to all. Native American Heritage Day gives anyone who is curious the opportunity to see, hear, and taste our regional Ojibwe culture. The theme of this year’s event is Native Creativity. Chat with local Ojibwe artists, view their work, and learn more about how Native identity influences their creativity. There will be opportunities to purchase artwork and make crafts of your own! The Historical Society will also be unveiling the design for our new…
SANTA IS BACK! It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Santa is excited to return to Split Rock Lighthouse this holiday season! Stop by and visit with Santa on Saturday, December 12, and Sunday, December 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Children ages 5–17 receive free admission both days. Adults can also explore the lighthouse grounds for free by bringing a donation for the Silver Bay Veterans Home — see the giving guide link below for details. And don’t forget to snap a photo with Santa during your visit! Silver Bay Veterans Home Giving Guide: https://mn.gov/mdva/homes/silver-bay/contribute.jsp
Purchase Tickets Online Join us for the 21st annual Veterans Memorial Hall Remembrance Dinner on Thursday, December 3, 2026, in the Great Hall at the St. Louis County Depot. This year’s keynote presentation, “Shipbuilding in the Twin Ports During World War II,” will be presented by Stephen B. Daniel. During World War II, shipyards throughout Duluth and Superior built military and support vessels for the war effort. Stephen Daniel will explore where these ships were built, the types of vessels produced, and the people who worked in the local shipyards, including the important role women played as many men left the region for military service. The evening begins with a social hour at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the keynote presentation at 7:00 p.m. Dinner will be catered by Valentini’s, and guests may also participate in a silent auction. Tickets are $65 per person. Join us…
Join us for this hybrid history event! Calling all history professionals and enthusiasts! Don’t miss History Social Hour, a networking event. Then, hear from Dr. Jess McCullough about the legendary Big Gus Anderson, a Superior Policeman who was over 7′ 5″ tall! We’ll close the night by inviting anyone in the audience to share any events or updates regarding local history. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. 4:30 -5:30 Social Hour 5:30 – 6:00 Big Gus History Talk 6:00 – 6:30 Local History Updates from the Audience
’Tis the Season—to Step Back in Time! Celebrate the holidays with a glimpse into winter life at Split Rock Lighthouse and discover Christmas traditions from the 1930s. Join a guided tour of the keeper’s home, help us decorate for the season, and learn how families celebrated the holidays nearly a century ago. As part of the experience, guests can create a vintage-style ornament to hang on the keeper’s Christmas tree or take home as a keepsake. It’s a festive way to start a new family tradition! **NOTE**: The tours take place from 10:30 AM – 11;30 AM, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, and 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays except on 12/25