Duluth holidays
Formerly one of the busiest ports in the United States, Duluth has transformed into an up-and-coming Midwestern getaway. The arts, culture and food scenes are on the rise, and anyone planning a holiday to Duluth will be wowed by its setting on Lake Superior. From its sandy beaches and lively promenades to riverside restaurants and a full calendar of fun festivals, Minnesota’s mini-metropolis is ready for its turn in the spotlight.
Duluth holiday highlights
Duluth
JOSH KOWALESKI
Riverside recreation
Over the past few decades, Duluth has reimagined its beautiful waterside setting with visitors in mind. Waterfront zones such as Canal Park have seen colourful transformations into bustling tourism districts with pedestrian promenades. More recently, up-and-coming Lincoln Park has emerged as a craft district packed full of artisans, breweries and restaurants.
Superior lake
Holidays in Duluth are often designed around one thing — Lake Superior. From windsurfing to pleasure cruises, kayaks to canoes, there’s no wrong way to experience the largest of America’s Great Lakes. Heading northeast, Duluth is a great base for exploring the lakeside Highway 61, the Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and beyond.
Where to stay
A wide variety of hotels and lodging options are scattered along the shores of Lake Superior, with the largest concentration in and around Canal Park. Staying in this part of town makes walking to attractions easy. You’ll also find several mid-range hotels in Duluth Heights, just south of Duluth International Airport.
Duluth: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Duluth
Duluth
L&S
Places to eat
Given its proximity to Lake Superior, it’s no surprise that freshwater fish feature prominently on the menus of Duluth’s best restaurants. A range of brewpubs, taverns and grills round out the city’s dining options, and there’s no shortage of lunch spots slinging burgers and sandwiches. Though international flavours aren’t as common here, a handful of Mexican restaurants are worth seeking out.
Shopping
From art boutiques specialising in Indigenous wares to the popular Miller Hill Mall, Duluth is home to a wide range of shopping. For hyper-local items like a Frost River waxed canvas bag, browse independent shops in Lincoln Park. The Duluth Studio Market in Lakeside is another retail hub for Minnesotan vendors, including Rockview Soap and Lakeside Wax Works.
Beaches
Duluth’s location on Lake Superior yields long stretches of shoreline with some pretty beaches. Park Point Beach, recognised as one of the best beaches in the country, features the world’s longest freshwater sandbar, plus plenty of room for relaxation and recreation. Further afield on the east side is the rocky Brighton Beach, lined with well-worn boulders for sitting.
FAQs about Duluth holidays
Many conversations will be in English. Picking up some local phrases can be a fun way to break the ice and get to know people during your city break in Duluth.
With temperatures hitting a maximum of 27ºC (81ºF), July is the hottest month in Duluth.
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Duluth holiday. You can expect lows of -20ºC (-4ºF).
The official currency in Duluth is the United States dollar (USD). It's helpful to have a small amount of cash during your trip to Duluth, but digital payments and credit cards usually work in most places.
That depends on where you're coming from and the types of activities you plan to fill your trip to Duluth with. Three to five days gives you enough time to visit the top sights if you live close by. If you're travelling from farther afield, you'll want to make the most of every day. Book for a week or more to see the highlights and discover the surrounding areas.
In general, you’re likely to feel pretty safe on a holiday to Duluth, especially in the more touristy parts of town. Exercise the usual precautions to avoid petty theft — mind your belongings and stay alert — and you should be fine.
Whether you're into art, history, or anything else, there are plenty of things to do in Duluth. Lake Superior Hatteras Fishing and Aerial Lift Bridge are the start of the reasons you'll want to go.
When you visit, how you get there, and where you stay will help influence how much you pay for your city break in Duluth. If you want to cut costs, be on the lookout for discounts or last-minute deals on Duluth flights and hotels. Travelling midweek and booking early can also help you save.
With around 12 cm of rainfall, August is the wettest month. If you're going on your Duluth holiday then, you might want to include some indoor fun in your plans. Dine at one of the best spots in town, head to an art gallery, or shop till you drop at the local stores.
Duluth offers year-round fun. In summer, Lake Superior is the backdrop to festivals on the bayfront. The shoulder seasons are just as lively and might offer less expensive flights and hotels to Duluth. Winter visitors should plan around the famous Bentleyville Tour of Lights from November through December.
With so much going on in this small city, it’s easy to fill a holiday in Duluth with activities around town, not to mention tacking on an invigorating nature hike just outside city limits. Thanks to year-round events, Duluth makes a great destination for an easy urban escape.
