Travel to Duluth, Minnesota – Episode 936

Hear about travel to Duluth, Minnesota as the Amateur Traveler talks to travel photographer Autumn Carolynn about this city on Lake Superior that has captured her heart.

Why should you go to Duluth?

Autumn says, “There are so many reasons why Duluth to me is a place that someone can go and feel like they are at home, I feel like it is just so unbelievably beautiful, but it’s also a place where you feel at peace and you feel calm. So it is one of the top places in my mind. I had this goal to go to 30 countries before I turned 30 and out of all the places that I’ve been to, Duluth is still my number one, which some people think is weird, but to me it just is.”

Summer Itinerary (Warm-Weather Activities & Scenic North Shore Drive)

This itinerary focuses on outdoor activities, hiking, and exploring the North Shore of Lake Superior.

1. Start in Duluth:

   • Visit the Aerial Lift Bridge (watch ships pass under it, listen for the Captain’s Salute).
   • Walk around Canal Park, shop at Duluth Pack, and eat at Grandma’s Saloon (wild rice burger & chicken wild rice soup).
   • Stop by Canal Park Brewing Company (try “Loon Juice” cider).

2. Duluth Attractions:

   • Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center (free museum with ship schedules & webcams).
   • Great Lakes Aquarium (touch pool, otters, and local & saltwater fish).
   • Duluth Playhouse (theater performances).
   • Duluth Depot & Lake Superior Railroad Museum (ride the North Shore Scenic Railroad, book in advance).
   • Enger Tower & Park (best sunset views over Duluth).

3. Drive Up the North Shore:

   • Glensheen Mansion (historic 39-room mansion, best during Christmas).
   • Gooseberry Falls State Park (hiking & waterfalls, popular for swimming in summer).
   • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (tour the famous lighthouse).
   • Palisade Head (scenic lookout over Lake Superior).
   • Larsmont Cottages (stay at a cozy lakefront cottage).
   • Tom’s Logging Camp (historical lumberjack village with animals & exhibits, summer only).
   • Betty’s Pies (famous pie stop – get the banana cream pie!).

4. Grand Marais – The North Shore’s Highlight:

   • Sven & Ole’s Pizza (iconic Minnesota pizza spot).
   • World’s Best Donuts (seasonal shop, a must-visit).
   • Grand Marais Art Festival (happens in summer, draws 10,000+ visitors).
   • Angry Trout Cafe & The Fisherman’s Daughter (fresh local fish).
   • Voyageur Brewing Company (local craft beer).
   • Gunflint Trail (gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area).

5. Outdoor Adventures:

   • Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) – Multi-day canoe trips, no cell service, true wilderness camping. (Best time: May–Sept).
   • Superior Hiking Trail – 310-mile trail from Duluth to Canada, with short hikes like Gooseberry Falls.
   • Odyssey Resorts & Tofte Area – Best spots for Northern Lights viewing in summer.

6. Return to Duluth via Two Harbors:

   • Visit Two Harbors Lighthouse.
   • Eat at Rustic Inn Café (great comfort food).
   • Stay at Odyssey Resorts before heading back to Duluth.

Winter Itinerary (Snowy Adventures & Northern Lights)

This itinerary highlights snow-covered landscapes, skiing, and Northern Lights viewing.

1. Start in Duluth:

   • Visit the Aerial Lift Bridge, then walk through Canal Park.
   • Warm up at Canal Park Brewing Company.
   • Check out Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center (indoor boat-watching).

2. Winter Activities in Duluth:

   • Spirit Mountain Ski Resort (downhill skiing, snowboarding, beginner-friendly).
   • Bentleyville “Tour of Lights” (massive free Christmas light display).
   • Lake Superior Zoo (less crowded in winter, still a great experience).

3. Northern Lights Hunting:

   • Best Apps for Northern Lights:
     • My Aurora Forecast Pro
     • Aurora Alerts by Soft Serve News
     • SpaceWeatherLive
   • Best Places to View the Aurora:
     • Tofte (one of the darkest spots in Minnesota).
     • Any north-facing lake boat dock away from city lights.
   • Check the KP Index (needs to be 4+ for Duluth area).
   • DarkSky International (check maps for low-light pollution spots).

4. Drive Up the North Shore:

   • Stop at Glensheen Mansion (Christmas lights & decorations).
   • Visit Split Rock Lighthouse (stunning views in winter).
   • Gooseberry Falls State Park (frozen waterfalls, great for photography).
   • Stay at Larsmont Cottages (cozy cabins with saunas).

5. Grand Marais in Winter:

   • Drive carefully – winter roads can be icy!
   • Eat at Sven & Ole’s Pizza and warm up at Voyageur Brewing Company.
   • Watch for Northern Lights near Grand Marais & Gunflint Trail.
   • Stay at an Odyssey Resort lodge for a cozy winter retreat.

6. Return to Duluth via Two Harbors:

   • Warm up at Rustic Inn Café.
   • Stop at Tom’s Logging Camp (if open).
   • Enjoy one last look at the Aerial Lift Bridge before heading home.

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Show Notes

Autumn Carolynn Photography: Photography And Travel Blog
Duluth, Minnesota
Aerial Lift Bridge
Canal Park
BWCA, Boundary Waters
Grandmas Saloon and Grill restaurant
Canal Park Brewing Company
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
Great Lakes Aquarium
Duluth Playhouse
Lake Superior Railroad Museum
North Shore Scenic Railroad
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Grand Marais
Enger Tower
Duluth Children’s Museum
Lake Superior Zoo
Superior Hiking Trai
Glensheen Mansion
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery and Grille
Castle Danger Brewing
Ship William A. Irvin
Spirit Mountain
Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”
My Aurora Forecast Pro
Aurora Alerts
SpaceWeatherLive
Aurora Alerts by Soft Serve News
DarkSky International
Tom’s Logging Camp and Trading Post
Betty’s Pies
Palisade Head
Larsmont Cottages, Two Harbors (updated prices 2025)
Sven and Ole’s Pizza
World’s Best Donuts – Grand Marais
Arts Festival – Grand Marais Art Colony
Angry Trout Cafe – Grand Marais
The Fisherman’s Daughter – Grand Marais
Voyageur Brewing Company – Grand Marais
Gunflint Trail
Odyssey Resorts
Rustic Inn Café
Traveling in Wonder: A Travel Photographer’s Tales of Wanderlust

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