What to do in Duluth, MN for Three Days

Duluth is considered one of Minnesota's most beautiful cities for a reason. Located on Lake Superior, Duluth is a major port city and accessible to ocean vessels via the Great Lakes Waterway. It is home to one of the most scenic lake-front trails in Minnesota and one of it's more recognizable features is the beautiful aerial lift bridge that allows vessels of all sizes into the harbor.

While it continues to be a thriving port city, Duluth saw most of its growth in the late 1800's with iron ore mining. The expansion of the railroad and the boom in lumber kept the city on the map and today its population is estimated at around 86,000 - making it the 4th largest city in the state of Minnesota.

I spent my 30th birthday in Duluth and thus far it's been one of the most enjoyable three-day weekend trips I've ever taken. Everything listed below could easily be fit into a three-day period if you're as ambitious about sightseeing as I am. Otherwise, here are some great ideas for how and where to leisurely spend your time:

Where To Stay

The Downtown Duluth Inn - $65 a night

Barkers Island Inn Resort - $99 a night

South Pier Inn - $171 a night

Where To Eat

For Breakfast:

New London Cafe - $$

At Sara's Table - $$-$$$

Uncle Louis Cafe - $$

For Lunch:

Big Daddy's Burgers $-$$

Mike's Western Cafe - $$

Canal Park Brewery - $$-$$$

For Dinner:

Fitger's Brewhouse - $$

Grandma's Saloon and Grill - $$

Zeigeist Art's Cafe - $$-$$$

Pickwick Restaurant and Pub - $$$

Extra - J.J. Astor Restaurant and Lounge - $$$$$

Where To Drink

Vikre Distillery

The Barrel Room

7 West Taphouse

Ursa Minor Brewing

Bent Paddle Brewing

Lake Superior Brewing

What To See

Aerial Lift Bridge

Canal Park

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

Glensheen Manshion

Scenic Railroad & Museum

SS William A. Irvin Boat Museum

Split Rock Lighthouse