Unique Things to do in Duluth, MN [ Updated 2026]

Spread the love.

If you’re searching for unique things to do in Duluth, MN, you’re in the right place. A couple of weekends ago, my girlfriends and I decided to have a little girls weekend getaway. Our hubbies started going on an annual golf trip, so we decided we should start the same yearly tradition. Except after this weekend, we decided we’re going to do something different each year.

For our first little get-a-away, we snuck away to Duluth, MN. We had such a great time, and all of us agreed on the way home that not one place we stayed or went was a disappointment. We tried a new place and also went back to some of our old favorite places, so I wanted to chat through all the cool places we checked out if you’re looking for new, unique things to do for a little time away.

Unique Things to Do in Duluth, MN

Where to Stay

Pier B Resort

Photo by Toprak Erzurumluoğlu on Unsplash

We stayed at Pier B Resort, which wasn’t the first time for all of us, but we all decided that we don’t think we’ll be staying anywhere else any more times we come back to Duluth. Besides the view at the hotel, what we loved about it is our room had a walk out to fresh green grass where we could hang out, fire pits to chill by, and a hot tub to soak in. And it was all right along the water. They also gave you unlimited free s’mores for the fire-pits at night, which made for the perfect treat!

Photo by Quentin Touvard on Unsplash

Fitger’s Inn

If you’d rather stay right in the middle of the action, Fitger’s Inn is housed inside the same historic 1880s brewery complex as Fitgers Brewhouse (more on that brewery below). It’s a genuinely cool building to sleep in — exposed brick, big windows, and a lakefront location within walking distance of Canal Park, with easy access to on-site dining and nightlife.

The Oliver Inn

For something smaller and more historic, The Oliver Inn is a boutique bed and breakfast housed in Duluth’s original 1889 City Hall building. It’s a cozy, romantic option if you want a quieter stay away from the bigger hotels but still close to the lake.

Best Hikes & Outdoor Spots in Duluth

Lakewalk

Photo by Howard Walsh on Unsplash

The Lakewalk is the easiest win in Duluth: an easy, mostly flat waterfront path that runs along Lake Superior for about 8 miles, right past Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge. It’s a great add-on to a day of shopping and eating in Canal Park — no real hiking gear required.

Enger Tower

Photo by Syawish Rehman on Unsplash

For the best skyline view in town, head up to Enger Park and climb Enger Tower. It’s an easy to moderate walk through a Japanese garden up to a five-story stone tower with 360-degree views of the city, the harbor, and Lake Superior — one of the best sunset spots in Duluth.

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory

Photo by Irina Beletskaya on Unsplash

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is a favorite for anyone who loves being outside — moderate forested trails with sweeping views over the city and Lake Superior, and if you visit in fall, you might catch thousands of migrating hawks, eagles, and other raptors passing through.

Nightlife

The Rathskeller Speakeasy Bar

I love a good speakeasy bar, and the Rathskeller in Duluth was so much fun! It was down a back alley and almost felt like we were in an underground cave. And the drinks were beyond delicious too!

Source

Food & Drink

Duluth Grill

Natural, organic, and veggies grown right from their parking lot, the Duluth Grill is must eat at while in Duluth. It was so good we went more than once in the two days we were there. You can even buy and take the food home with you! We bought home some of their bacon and jam.

Photo by Flipboard on Unsplash

Visit Duluth Grill

PortLand Maltshop

It was my first time at The Portland Maltshop and how adorable is this place?!

Photo by Katie Smetherman on Unsplash

Favorite Breweries

I love a good microbrew so any chance I have I’m always checking out the top breweries in new stomping grounds! So here are just a few of our favorite breweries that we always hit up in Duluth, MN.

Fitgers

Fitgers has always been one of my favorite breweries! When I moved back to Minnesota from California, my first job was working at Townhall Brewery in Minneapolis. I worked there for over five years and loved every minute of it. The head brewer at Townhall, Hoops, was brother’s with the head brewer at the time at Fitgers, so they had similar brews, which I loved!

Fitgers also has a lot of history in Duluth, dating back to 1857.

Source

Hoops Brewery

Fast forward to today, after Hoops left Fitgers he opened his own brewery on Canal Park which is Hoops Brewery! The Hoops Brewing Company was established in 2015 by owner Dave Hoops. After 25 years as a ground-breaking craft brewer in three states, Hoops knew it was time to realize his dream: Hoops Brewing in Duluth, MN.

Source

Canal Park Brewing

Canal Park brewery gives you the full effect of Canal Park being it’s right along the water, and it has some delicious brews and food too! Every time we’ve been to Canal Park Brewing it’s been so busy we usually just end up sitting at the bar. I love the atmosphere of this place because unlike a lot of the breweries in Duluth, this one has a large patio and, like I said, a pretty good view of the water.

Photo by Oliver Guhr on Unsplash

There are a lot of other fabulous things to do in Duluth, but these are our favorite unique things to do in Duluth, MN for a quick weekend while in Duluth that we never not hit up while we’re there.

I always feel so refreshed and full of life after I come home from Duluth. I think it’s a combination of the people, the nature, the atmosphere, and of course the fresh air of that lake!

Northern Waters Smokehaus

For a quick, casual bite, Northern Waters Smokehaus in the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace is a Duluth institution — smoked meats, sandwiches, and cheese that make for a perfect grab-and-go lunch while you’re exploring Canal Park.

Things to See: Canal Park & the Aerial Lift Bridge

There are always a ton of fun things to do just simply walking around Canal Park. I could literally do nothing but just sit there and watch the water and be happy! That’s one of our favorite things about Duluth, and Canal Park is watching all the ships come in. We spent the afternoon not only walking around but also checking out some of their cute shops. And there is no shortage of good bars and restaurants down there too.

Duluth, MN Travel FAQs

What is Duluth, MN known for?

Duluth is known for its location right on Lake Superior, with Canal Park, the Aerial Lift Bridge, a walkable waterfront, and a growing craft brewery scene. That’s exactly why it made our list of unique things to do in Duluth, MN.

How many days do you need in Duluth for a weekend trip?

Two to three days is the sweet spot. That’s enough time to explore Canal Park, grab dinner at Duluth Grill, hit a couple of breweries, and still have a relaxed morning at your hotel like we did at Pier B Resort.

What is the best time of year to visit Duluth?

Late spring through early fall (May through October) is the most popular window, when the fire pits, patios, and lakeside walks are all in full swing. Duluth also makes for a cozy winter destination if you don’t mind the cold.

Is Duluth, MN good for a girls’ weekend?

Absolutely — it’s exactly what inspired this trip! Between the boutique hotels, breweries, and Canal Park shops, Duluth has an easy mix of relaxing and social things to do that works well for a small group.

What are the best hikes near Duluth?

The Lakewalk, Enger Tower, and Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory are three of the easiest to reach from downtown and Canal Park, and each offers a different kind of view — waterfront, skyline, and forest.

Where should I stay in Duluth, MN?

Pier B Resort is our top pick for a lakefront stay with fire pits and a hot tub, but Fitger’s Inn and The Oliver Inn are both great historic alternatives if you want to be closer to downtown and Canal Park.

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out our guides to Carmel-by-the-Sea and San Diego for more weekend getaway ideas.