Explore The Great Outdoors In Duluth, Minnesota On This Extraordinary Eight-Hour Day Trip
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Megan Shute
Author
Nestled on the shores of Lake Superior, approximately 150 miles from the Twin Cities, Duluth, Minnesota, is the state’s fifth-largest city with a population of nearly 87,000. In addition to being home to world-class outdoor exploration opportunities, Duluth is one of the country’s most unique port cities — the Port of Duluth is the world’s furthest inland port accessible to oceangoing ships and is the largest and busiest port on the Great Lakes. With its famous 1905 Aerial Lift Bridge, the country’s only all-freshwater aquarium, and so much more, it is a city worth exploring, whether you live near town, visit frequently, or only have a few hours at your disposal.
On a recent trip to visit family in the North Star State, we jumped at the opportunity to visit my little brother in Duluth, who relocated to attend college at the University of Minnesota: Duluth and has never left. He gave us the insider scoop on all of the best places to visit, and we had an unforgettable time. While we probably spent just as much time driving as we did exploring, it was well worth the adventure.
The park was a lush green oasis, and while we weren’t quite dressed for the chillier than we’re used to weather, a brisk walk through the meandering garden warmed us right up.
Tucked away above Duluth’s West End, Enger Park and the adjacent golf course were developed on land purchased with money donated by furniture dealer Bert Enger in 1921. He willed more money for the development of the park in 1931, and Enger Tower was built in the park in his honor.
Tucked away above Duluth’s West End, Enger Park and the adjacent golf course were developed on land purchased with money donated by furniture dealer Bert Enger in 1921. He willed more money for the development of the park in 1931, and Enger Tower was built in the park in his honor.
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Our toddler loved ringing the bell, and it would have been a wonderfully relaxing experience were she not attempting to pick all of the breathtaking blooms. Luckily, the park was full of kids this afternoon so I didn’t feel as though she was disrupting the peace in any way.
This casual, upbeat eatery with industrial vibes and a cozy patio complete with fire pits is known for its elevated barbecue with a global twist.
Their signature sauces elevate the meat without overpowering it, but you might have a hard time deciding between their chipotle-cilantro, classic honey, and Alabama white barbecue sauces. Add in a local brew and you have the perfect meal.
Named the Best Ice Cream Parlor in the Midwest for 2022 by Midwest Living Magazine, each scoop is lovingly scooped and made with carefully sourced real ingredients. Ice cream is churned on-site daily, and the creative flavors are sure to have your sweet tooth satisfied.
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We ordered the salted caramel crack cookie (pictured above) alongside the buttermilk vanilla, and it was a sweet treat I still can’t stop thinking about.
Love Creamery also offers to-go pints if that’s more your thing.
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Established as a park in 2016, Quarry Park was originally owned and worked by the Duluth Crushed Stone Company and is known for the cliff left after the company ceased operations.
We set off along the gravel loop at the base of the cliff before making our way up the muddy mountain bike trail to the cliff’s edge. Our daughter was obsessed with all of the rocks (as most children would be), and the view absolutely took my breath away.
It was past bedtime at this point, so we checked into our hotel (nothing exciting because we booked at the last minute, though I will always enjoy the consistency offered by the newly-renovated Holiday Inn and Suites), and got some rest. It would be another fun morning spent exploring Duluth. We spent approximately five hours exploring on day one, though we took our time. This quick trip wasn't about seeing as much as possible -- it was about catching up with family and watching our toddler explore the world.
It was past bedtime at this point, so we checked into our hotel (nothing exciting because we booked at the last minute, though I will always enjoy the consistency offered by the newly-renovated Holiday Inn and Suites), and got some rest. It would be another fun morning spent exploring Duluth. We spent approximately five hours exploring on day one, though we took our time. This quick trip wasn't about seeing as much as possible -- it was about catching up with family and watching our toddler explore the world.
Local folk artist Ross Thorn was incredible, but our daughter was getting wiggly, so we took our lattes and enjoyed a walk to the Lakefront.
Its crystalline waters are enticing and its pebbled shoreline is surreal. I am calmed by the ocean, and luckily, Lake Superior has the same effect.
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We didn't walk far thanks to a soon-expiring parking meter, but we felt immense peace soaking in the beauty of this lakeside city.
With a mission of protecting birds of prey and other migratory birds in the region through research, education, and stewardship, the Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory is known as one of the premier destinations for the observation of raptor migration. The views of Duluth and Lake Superior from up here are truly second-to-none.
Serving up fresh, local, and organic fare in a cozy, inviting environment, Duluth Grill is known for its comfort food classics and an extensive breakfast menu.
It was the perfect amount of food, and we left Duluth full, happy, and excited to share all about our eight hours of adventure in Duluth.
To discover more incredible boots-on-the-ground adventures across America from our team of local travel experts, check out all of the articles in OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers series. What destinations would you like to see featured next on OnlyInYourState’s Everyday Explorers? Tell us where we should go on our nominations page.
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