Sat on the edge of the northwestern edge of Lake Superior in Minnesota, Duluth is a large industrial city that has traditionally specialized in shipping and extends out to the Atlantic Ocean. Like numerous Great Lakes settlements, Duluth is blessed with great facilities for outdoor activities due to its proximity to the lake and its cold winters which see annual snow suitable for skiing.
Whether you decide to come to Duluth in summer or winter, there is plenty to keep tourists occupied. Within the city limits is a skiing piste that drops 200 meters, attracting skiers and snowboarders. Summer provides an opportunity to swim in Lake Superior even though it remains cold during July and August. Nevertheless, Duluth’s beaches are packed at this time of year, so too the many biking and hiking trails that wind throughout the city and its environs.
As an arts centre, Duluth is a major venue for museums and galleries in Minnesota. A music festival and open-air concerts remain a feature of summers in the city, not to mention the many exhibitions that are shown year-round.
Highlights
Enger Tower: a Duluth landmark, this old tower overlooks the city with excellent views all the way to Lake Superior.
Tweed Museum of Art: found on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth, this gallery features varied international works and is particularly strong on American landscape paintings.
The Great Lakes Aquarium: permanent habitats include an otter house and a host of other freshwater fish, mammals and birds from the Great Lakes region.
Munger Trail: 70 miles of scenic trail extending beyond the city and providing an excellent setting for running or mountain-biking.