With countless free and budget-friendly activities, plus a wide variety of places to stay, Duluth is ideal for visitors of all ages. It’s hard to beat for families who love an outdoor adventure, but it also has world-class indoor attractions, including museums and historical sites throughout the city with free or low admission costs. Here are ten family-friendly options for all types of interests and ages to enjoy Duluth in the summer and fall. For winter and spring ideas, check out this page. As always, remember to check each destination’s hours ahead of your visit.
1. Take a walk or hike
The Lakewalk offers nearly eight miles of paved walking path right alongside beautiful Lake Superior. This happens to be an “in-the-city” section of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT), which is more than 300 miles long, so you can feel outdoorsy, while still being close to the creature comforts of Canal Park, Downtown Duluth and the Fitger’s Complex.
For a hike with sweeping views, try Ely’s Peak, and just a few steps away, the Ely Tunnel, which is a 500-foot-long abandoned railroad tunnel through basalt. It’s all part of Duluth’s Magney-Snively Park. There are two parking areas on Beck’s Road. Short Line Park parking will get you to the tunnel fastest, and the Munger trailhead parking will offer you the most direct route to the peak with established trails. HEADS UP: while these are both fun options for families, they are not stroller-friendly trails.
2. Hunt for waterfalls
Lake Superior’s impressive beauty is something that regularly captivates visitors – and for good reason, since it’s the world’s largest freshwater lake! But, did you know the big lake is just the beginning when it comes to what the Duluth area has to offer? Check out one (or more) of these under-the-radar spots if you want to chase waterfalls and water features on your next visit to Duluth.
3. Stroll through a garden
Step back in time and tour the lakeside grounds at Glensheen. For just $5, you can explore the 12-acre grounds of the historic mansion on the lake, and kids under 16 are free with a paid adult.
Another great (and free) option is to stop and smell more than 3,000 rose bushes and other plants while strolling through Duluth’s Rose Garden, part of Leif Erikson Park. BONUS: Stop by Leif Erikson Park on Friday nights for the Greater Downtown Council’s free Movies in the Park series. (July 8 through August 26.)
4. Visit a museum
The Duluth Children’s Museum in the Lincoln Park Craft District is just $7 per person, and kids under 2 are free.
The Lake Superior Railroad Museum isn’t free, but it is a “can’t miss” attraction for kids. While you’re at The St. Louis County Depot, you’ll also want to check out The Duluth Art Institute, which features free rotating exhibits.
The Tweed Museum of Art is a free museum on the University of Minnesota – Duluth (UMD) campus and has frequently changing exhibits, so you’ll find something new with every visit.
Here’s a free stop that might not be on your list but is definitely worth checking out. The Karpeles Manuscript Library is one of several Karpeles libraries around the country, which hold original manuscripts from literature, science, politics, religion and art.
5. Plan a beach day
Get up close and personal and live your Superior Lake life at one of the city’s many beaches. Park Point is the world’s largest freshwater sandbar and is a great place for swimming, picnics and even sand volleyball tournaments. Franklin Square/12th Street Beach is the perfect spot for swimming, hiking and bird watching. Want to agate hunt, skip rocks or play on the larger-than-life basalt rocks? Brighton Beach is the perfect spot for you.
6. Watch and learn about ships on Great Lake Superior
As if the lure of the historic Aerial Lift Bridge and breathtaking views of Lake Superior aren’t enough, the free Lake Superior Maritime Museum is icing on the cake. When you visit, take a look at the ship schedule for the day, as to not miss watching the massive watercrafts navigate the canal as the Lift Bridge moves up and down. Then, take a voyage into the history of the Great Lakes inside the most-visited marine museum on the Great Lakes.
7. Go on a mural scavenger hunt
Feast your eyes on Duluth’s impressive art scene with a mural scavenger hunt for a unique way to check out some new neighborhoods, experience amazing art and snap a few new profile pics while you’re at it. Plan your adventure with this handy Duluth mural guide.
8. Indulge in some ice cream
It’s always a good time for ice cream, and Duluth’s sweets scene offers some delicious options, including some dairy-free and vegan offerings. Check out the inside scoop on where to go for ice cream in Duluth to decide which spot (or spots) will be on your itinerary.
9. Climb the stairs of Enger Tower
Standing five stories above Lake Superior is Enger Tower. Each level of the stone structure offers a view of the glimmering lake below. The Tower’s picnic area and lush gardens feature the American-Japanese Peace Bell, a perfect spot to pause and soak up the sunshine.
10. Try something new
If you’re in the mood to try a new activity together, you can rent gear for mountain biking, paddleboarding or sea kayaking at UMD or St. Scholastica.