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.
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…
Her Place in the Woods: The Life of Helen Hoover by David Hakensen is the first complete biography of nature writer Helen Hoover, detailing her unconventional life from a successful Chicago metallurgist to a celebrated author living off-grid on Minnesota’s Gunflint Trail. The book explores her transition from a professional career to a rustic, primitive lifestyle, chronicling her struggles, her deep connection with the wilderness, and her eventual success as a writer, all while defying convention in a male-dominated world.
Looking for an easy family outing that doesn’t take up your entire day? Join us aboard the Vista Queen for our Family Fun Cruise — a one-hour adventure on the water designed with kids (and parents) in mind. Scheduled at the perfect time between nap time and dinner, this affordable cruise is packed with rotating onboard activities to keep little ones entertained while adults sit back, relax, and enjoy the views of Duluth’s harbor and Lake Superior. Whether you’re visiting Duluth for the weekend or looking for something fun to do with the kids this summer, the Family Fun Cruise is an easy addition to your day. Enjoy fresh air, waterfront views, family-friendly activities, and plenty of opportunities for photos and memories together. Snacks, beverages, and a full bar are available for purchase onboard. One-hour cruise aboard the Vista Queen Activities designed for kids Affordable family fun Perfect timing for…
Hosted by the Duluth Public Library Storytime ho! Climb aboard the William A. Irvin historical ship for a special storytime! We’ll meet on the top deck for stories, songs, and rhymes at 9:30am, followed by time for families to explore the ship. For kids pre-K – grade 3 with their caregivers. Due to its historical nature as a retired freighter, the Irvin is not ADA accessible and includes multiple staircases to access certain locations. No strollers or wagons please. The top deck has minimal barriers, children must be monitored at all times. When you register, please indicate how many people will be in your group. Ship deck capacity is 130 people. Parking will be free for this event in the DECC parking lot across from the ship. Please let parking booth attendant know you are here for Storytime on the Irvin and they will honor complimentary parking. Register and learn…
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