Duluth, Minnesota: The Westernmost Port City on Lake Superior – Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions

Duluth, the fourth-largest city in Minnesota, is a scenic port town located at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, one of North America’s Great Lakes. It shares a border with Canada and is a popular destination known for its breathtaking natural beauty and rich maritime history.

The highlight of any trip to Duluth is undoubtedly the stunning expanse of Lake Superior. The vast and picturesque views captivate visitors throughout the city. As a historic port city, Duluth is home to numerous museums and cultural exhibits that showcase its development and maritime significance.

Fun fact: Duluth is also the birthplace of legendary rock musician and Nobel Prize-winning songwriter Bob Dylan. You can even stroll along Bob Dylan Way, a street dedicated to his legacy.

With a wealth of attractions to explore, Duluth is gaining popularity as a must-visit destination. Here are 10 of the best tourist spots you shouldn't miss!

1. Aerial Lift Bridge

The Aerial Lift Bridge is one of Duluth’s most iconic landmarks, standing as the gateway to Duluth Harbor. With over 200 years of history, this engineering marvel is a must-visit attraction in the city!

What makes this bridge unique is its unusual double-deck structure, known as a vertical lift bridge. When large ships pass through, the entire lower section of the bridge lifts into the air, creating a fascinating spectacle for visitors. Watching massive ships gracefully sail underneath as the bridge ascends is a sight to behold, making it a favorite spot for photographers and tourists alike.

During peak seasons, the bridge lifts 25 to 30 times per day! You can check the real-time schedule of incoming and outgoing ships online before your visit to plan your experience. At night, the bridge is beautifully illuminated, offering a completely different atmosphere compared to the daytime. Whether you visit in the morning or after sunset, the Aerial Lift Bridge is an essential stop in any Duluth travel itinerary.

2. Canal Park

If you’re looking for the best place to relax by Lake Superior, Canal Park is the perfect destination! Often referred to as the center of Duluth tourism, this lakeside attraction offers stunning views, outdoor activities, and vibrant entertainment.

Stretching along the canal that connects Duluth Harbor to Lake Superior, this vast park is a top scenic spot where visitors can enjoy breathtaking lake views. One of the most popular features of the park is the Lakewalk, a beautiful boardwalk that provides stunning vantage points of passing ships, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and Duluth’s historic lighthouse—making it a dream location for photography. Renting a bike to explore the area is also a great option.

Despite being a park, Canal Park feels like a small town in itself. The area is home to eight hotels, allowing guests to wake up to unparalleled lake views right from their rooms. Additionally, visitors can shop at unique boutiques, dine at top-rated restaurants, and explore historic buildings. The park also features live entertainment venues, including theaters showcasing musicals and performances, ensuring there’s always something exciting to do.

With so much to offer, Canal Park is a one-stop destination for experiencing the best of Duluth.

3. Great Lakes Aquarium

For a fun and educational experience in Duluth, the Great Lakes Aquarium is a must-visit attraction for both kids and adults. This fascinating aquarium showcases the diverse marine life of Lake Superior and its surrounding ecosystems, featuring a variety of fish, aquatic species, birds, and reptiles. One of the highlights is the touch pool with sturgeon, a favorite among visitors, where children can interact with these unique creatures.

Opened in 2000, this relatively new aquarium took three and a half years and $34 million to build. Located near Lake Superior, the aquarium not only offers exciting exhibits but also boasts a stunning waterfront view. From the balcony, you can admire the vast expanse of Lake Superior and, if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in action.

No trip to Duluth is complete without experiencing the beauty of Lake Superior. Why not visit the Great Lakes Aquarium to discover the fascinating creatures that call it home?

4. Enger Park & Enger Tower

For breathtaking panoramic views of Duluth, Enger Park & Enger Tower is a must-see destination! This scenic location is one of the city’s most popular attractions, offering spectacular vistas of the entire town and beyond.

Perched on a 160-meter-high hill on the west side of Duluth, Enger Tower stands as the park’s most iconic landmark. This charming five-story stone tower can be climbed via stairs, rewarding visitors with an awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic view. From the top, you can see Duluth’s skyline, the harbor, the Aerial Lift Bridge, and during autumn, the stunning fall foliage covering the landscape.

The park is a local favorite for picnics and outdoor activities, surrounded by lush greenery, flowers, and beautifully maintained gardens. One unique feature of Enger Park is the Japanese Peace Bell, a gift from Duluth’s sister city, Isumi, Chiba Prefecture, Japan. This cultural touch makes the park even more special, offering a glimpse of Japan in the heart of Minnesota. With barbecue areas available, it’s a fantastic spot to create lasting memories with family and friends!

5. Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive

A road trip is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of America, and Minnesota’s North Shore Scenic Drive offers an unforgettable journey along the shores of Lake Superior!

Starting from Duluth and stretching over 200 km (125 miles) northeast to Grand Portage, this iconic route—also known as Highway 61—is a favorite among travelers. What makes it so special? The entire drive runs alongside Lake Superior, offering breathtaking views that are rare in other parts of the world.

Along the way, you'll witness towering cliffs that resemble fjords, lush forests hugging the shoreline, cascading rivers and waterfalls, and pristine wilderness. The scenery is truly spectacular in all seasons!

The route is also dotted with lighthouses, museums, local restaurants, and gift shops, ensuring that every stop is just as enjoyable as the drive itself. Without a doubt, this is one of Duluth’s top tourist attractions, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and road trip enthusiasts!

6. Bent Paddle Brewing Company

If you’re a beer lover, then a visit to Bent Paddle Brewing Company in Duluth is a must! This craft brewery was founded on the belief that great beer starts with great water, which is why Duluth, known for its clean and pure water, was chosen as the ideal location for brewing. This dedication to quality has made Bent Paddle beers a favorite among both locals and tourists.

Although Bent Paddle is relatively new in Duluth’s thriving craft beer scene, it has quickly gained a loyal following. One of the best ways to experience it is by joining a brewery tour, held every Saturday and Sunday at noon. The tour lasts 60 to 90 minutes and includes a beer sampling session—and the best part? It’s free! All you need to do is donate a small amount to the local Duluth food bank. What could be better than enjoying craft beer while supporting a good cause?

After the tour, head over to the taproom, where you can order your favorite beer and enjoy light snacks. If you’re 21 or older, don’t forget to bring your ID to join the tour and fully enjoy the experience. Bent Paddle Brewing Company is the perfect spot to relax, taste excellent beer, and enjoy Duluth’s unique craft beer culture!

7. Glensheen Mansion

Overlooking the shores of Lake Superior, Glensheen Mansion is a grand estate built by lawyer and businessman Chester Congdon. This luxurious mansion was donated to the University of Minnesota Duluth in 1968 and has been open to the public as a museum since 1979. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into Duluth’s history, a city known for its maritime, industrial, and mining heritage.

Spanning an impressive 35,000 square meters, the estate features a private beach—truly embodying the definition of a grand mansion. Designed in Jacobean Revival style, the house boasts 38 intricately designed rooms, all furnished with custom-made furniture. Construction began in 1905 and took three years to complete. One of the most extravagant features is the breakfast sunroom, adorned with premium tiles, making it the most expensive room in the mansion.

Now designated as a National Historic Landmark, Glensheen Mansion has become one of Duluth’s top tourist attractions. If you love history, architecture, or simply want to experience luxury from the past, this estate is a must-visit!

8. Lake Superior Railroad Museum

If you’re a railway enthusiast, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum is a must-visit attraction in Duluth. Railroads played a vital role in Duluth’s rise as a major mining hub in the mid-19th century, and this museum brings that era back to life. More than just a railway museum, it offers a fascinating look at Duluth’s industrial past, making it a favorite for both history buffs and casual visitors.

Housed in a charming, castle-like station that was originally built in 1892, the museum features a spectacular collection of full-sized locomotives and railcars from different eras. A highlight is the snowplow train, a crucial piece of equipment for Duluth’s harsh winters. Even if you’re not a train expert, you’ll be captivated by the museum’s exhibits.

Visitors can step inside train cabins, explore engine rooms, and even sit inside historic railcars, making it an exciting experience for kids and adults alike. The museum also features recreated period interiors that transport visitors back in time, offering a nostalgic experience for older guests and a fascinating discovery for younger visitors.

For an immersive journey into Minnesota’s rich railway history, don’t miss the Lake Superior Railroad Museum!

9. SS William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum

The SS William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum is a unique floating museum in Duluth, a city deeply connected to its maritime history. This massive ship, which operated for 40 years before retiring in 1978, was once used to transport iron ore. Since 1986, it has been open to the public as a museum docked in Duluth Harbor, and in 1989, it was designated a National Historic Landmark.

For the best experience, join a guided tour to explore the ship’s robust structure, which has withstood numerous storms. You'll also get a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the crew members who sailed these waters. Visiting in October? Don't miss the Halloween-themed "Haunted Ship" tour, where the vessel transforms into a spooky attraction!

Before leaving, stop by the gift shop, which boasts Duluth’s best collection of maritime souvenirs—a great place to find a unique keepsake.

10. Leif Erikson Park

Famous for its two striking towers, Leif Erikson Park is a beautiful lakeside retreat just northeast of Duluth Harbor along Lake Superior. A favorite spot among both tourists and locals, this park offers lush greenery, scenic walking paths, and cycling routes, making it an ideal place to relax. From here, you can take in breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge—must-see sights for anyone visiting Duluth.

The highlight of the park is its Rose Garden. During spring, countless roses bloom in vibrant shades of pink and red, contrasting beautifully against the blue waters of Lake Superior and the green landscapes. It's the perfect spot for photos and sightseeing, so consider planning your visit during the blooming season!

Leif Erikson Park also hosts various events throughout the year, including weddings, making it a dreamy venue for couples looking to tie the knot in a scenic outdoor setting.

◎ Summary

Duluth has been gaining popularity as a top travel destination within the United States. With its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural attractions, and vibrant food scene, it truly is a paradise for tourists. In winter, it transforms into a ski resort, while in summer, its cool climate makes it a perfect getaway from the heat. No matter the season, Duluth offers a wide range of experiences for every traveler.

Beyond the attractions introduced here, Duluth is filled with even more hidden gems waiting to be explored. Make sure to visit and discover the unique charm of this beautiful city—you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience!