Attractions

Many attractions are located throughout the community.

While indoor ventures are much frequented, many people also enjoy the abundant outdoor recreational opportunities and special parks, trails and northern Minnesota's spectacular wilderness. Duluth has gained increasing recognition for its outdoor opportunities, having been named an Outside Magazine "Top 10 Dream Down."

A variety of outdoor activities keep residents and tourists occupied all year 'round. Duluth welcomes visitors from all over the world as they trek north to the scenic North Shore of Lake Superior to view vibrant autumn colors, pristine snow-covered forests and a profusion of wildflowers in spring and summer. Canal Park and its picturesque lakewalk along the western shore of Lake Superior is a perfect destination for fresh air and great shopping. And keep warm with a range of winter activities including skiing, snowboarding, skating, hockey, snowshoeing and ice fishing.

Places to go, things to do:

Adventure Zone Family Fun Center - The Northland’s newest family attraction boasts over 50,000 square feet of fun featuring multi-level Laser Tag, Batting Cages, Mini Golf, the largest video/redemption arcade in the area, Vertical Endeavors rock climbing walls, a kid’s playground, an 18’ inflatable fire truck slide and more.

Aerial Lift Bridge - Duluth's landmark attraction, located between Park Point and Canal Park, is the largest and fastest lift bridge in the world.

Art in the Alley - "Marketplace” of goods featuring local artists, fair trade jewelry, hats, purses and scarves, clothing, frames, candles and a variety of unique home décor items. If you are looking for something unique, be sure to stop by.

Barker's Island Marina / Sailboats, Inc. - Since 1976, Sailboats Inc. has brought sailing enthusiasts the very best luxury vacations. Five cruising schools and sailing charter fleets on the Great Lakes - all cruise and sailing charter ready for your enjoyment.

Bayfront Reggae/World Music Festival - July 16 and 17, 2011. Bayfront Reggae Festival is a tribute to those who spread the message of love, hope and equality for all people worldwide. Located at Bayfront Festival Park by the beautiful waters of Lake Superior, international performers will entertain while you enjoy Caribbean food, beverages and artisans displaying their wares.

Black Bear Casino Resort - The area's finest 24-hour casino and hotel, featuring a full service restaurant, 7,000 square feet of meeting space and banquet facilities, blackjack, bingo, your favorite slot machines and entertainment in the Ladyslipper Lounge. Hotel features indoor pool atrium, two hot tubs, sauna, kiddie pool and kids arcade, MPGA 18-hole Championship Golf Course & Driving Range.

Canal Park - The Canal Park area attracts visitors from all over the world, with its restaurants, shops, Lakewalk and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Duluth Art Institute - The Duluth Art Institute serves our region and artists with the opportunity to create, exhibit, explore and enjoy visual art through exhibition, education, and professional development. It sponsors contemporary exhibits of local, regional, and national arts. The Duluth Art Institute provides programs in ceramics, photography, fiber arts and more.

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center - The DECC is a waterfront convention center, arena and auditorium. These facilities form our "community gathering place" - where residents and visitors attend everything from hockey games( in its brand new AMSOIL Arena with a National Hockey League standard ice sheet) and Broadway shows to performances by nationally knows artists, the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota Ballet.

Duluth Playhouse Theater - The Duluth Playhouse proudly presents an outstanding season of shows and theater opportunities through the year. You'll find all the best drama and comedies, show-stopping musicals, stunning sets, beautiful costumes and razzle-dazzle entertainment for the entire family.

Enger Memorial Tower - Located along Skyline Parkway near Enger Park Golf Course, this landmark offers beautiful views of Duluth and Lake Superior.

Glensheen Mansion - The Historic Congdon Estate is a 7.7 acre estate built by Chester and Clara Congdon between 1905 to 1908. Located on the shore of Lake Superior, it is now owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Glensheen features a 39-room, Jacobean-style mansion with custom designed original furnishings, formal gardens, a carriage house, gardener's cottage, clay tennis court and more.

Great Lakes Aquarium - Great Lakes Aquarium invites visitors of all ages to explore the Great Lakes and beyond through live animal displays, hands-on exhibits and educational programming. Get your hands wet, watch the otters play and experience this watery world from a fresh perspective. Located on the Duluth waterfront, Great Lakes Aquarium is the perfect place to hold your next event, spend a quiet moment or have some family fun.

Lakewalk - Starting in Canal Park, the popular Lakewalk along the westerly shoreline of Lake Superior takes visitors directly past attractions such as the Fitger's Complex, the Rose Garden and Leif Erickson Park and continues to 60th Avenue East in Duluth's Lakeside neighborhood. Residents and visitors alike may take time to walk, jog, bike, in-line skate or take a horse-drawn carriage ride on the Lakewalk.

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center - Admission is free and a service of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The museum is open year-round with exhibits, film shows, model ships and educational materials on the Twin Ports, regional maritime history and the development of commercial shipping. There are viewing areas and verbal commentary on ship traffic as giant lake carriers and foreign ships pass under the world-famous Aerial Lift Bridge.

Lake Superior Zoo - Find hundreds of native and exotic species, including some of the rarest animals on earth, at the Lake Superior Zoo. See Siberian tigers, snow leopards, gray wolves, grizzly bears, and much much more.

Leif Erickson Park - This beautiful park, along the shores of Lake Superior off London Road, is the site of a full-scale replica of a wooden Viking ship reminiscent of the type used by Norse sailors hundreds of years ago.

North Shore Scenic Drive - The North Shore Scenic Drive runs 22 miles, starting new Brighton Beach on Highway 61 to Two Harbors.

Northshore Scenic Railroad - History comes alive on the Lakefront line of the North Shore Scenic Railroad. During the season several trains a day depart the historical Union Depot for a trip through downtown Duluth, Canal Park, along the shore of the Lake Superior and deep into the majestic North woods.

Park Point - Park Point's sandy beaches stretch out seven miles and are perfect for swimming, wading or tanning, offering picnic and play areas with spectacular Lake Superior views.

Spirit Mountain Recreation - Spirit Mountain offers a wide variety of year-round recreational activities: downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobile events, camping, mountain bike races, as well as facilities for hosting weddings, conventions and more. Spirit Mounted opened the very popular "Timber Twister" - the only year-round alpine coaster in the Midwest.

Tweed Museum of Art - With a permanent collection of over 6,000 art objects representing a range of cultures and periods of art history, the Tweed Museum of Art is a major cultural and educational resource for the upper Midwest. The Tweed aims to inspire visitors of all ages and backgrounds who will find images, art objects, and educational programs that foster an understanding and appreciation of art.

SS William A. Irvin Museum - Experience life on the lakes by touring the S.S. William A. Irvin. The William A. Irvin is docked along the waterfront of Lake Superior next to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and near the Aerial Lift Bridge. Open daily for tours from May through September. Haunted ship tours begin in early October.

Vista Fleet (Duluth-Superior Excursions) - Visitors can tour the harbor and Lake Superior on Vista Fleet cruises, offering gorgeous sights and delicious dining.