Canal Park, located in Duluth, Minnesota, is a vibrant district known for its picturesque lighthouses, lakeside restaurants, and the thrilling sight of ships passing under the iconic lift bridge. Whether you’re picnicking by the water, exploring museums, or watching boats glide along the scenic canal, there’s something delightful for every first-time visitor.
Over 100 artists fill Bayfront Festival Park with juried works of art, including jewelry, painting, photography, ceramics, metalwork, glass, and more! Festive Culinary Arts Market, Art in Action demos, and lots of food and beverages to enjoy. This event is scheduled to occur during the weekend of our wedding.
Park Point Recreation Area is part of a long sand dune between Lake Superior and Duluth Harbor. The dense hardwood-pine forests, red and white pine forests, and sand dune beach habitats offer excellent opportunity for birding. Along with songbirds, look for common terns, and the occasional peregrine falcon. A public beach, a beach house with concessions, a short paved trail, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, recreational fields, baseball field, and sand volleyball courts are all a part of the experience.
Enger Tower stands above Lake Superior, providing panoramic views of the Twin Ports. The landmark is near Skyline Parkway Scenic Byway, a 28-mile byway route with scenic views of Lake Superior. Each of the tower's levels has windows that are accessible by stairs. A green beacon mounted on top of the tower can be seen for many miles. Originally the second floor contained several balcony sections. The balconies eventually fell into disrepair and were removed. Their former entrances were blocked with metal bars. Enger Tower is often lit up in honor of major events.
Explore the Lincoln Park Craft District for unique local shops, indulge in delicious meals at restaurants like Corktown Deli or OMC Smokehouse, and don’t miss the chance to grab a local brew at Bent Paddle, Ursa Minor, and more. Additionally, visit Lincoln Park, the park itself, which features waterfalls, a pavilion, and 1.5 miles of walking trails along Miller Creek.
Gooseberry Falls State Park is located near Two Harbors (~15min drive) and is known for the gorgeous Gooseberry Falls. The park is on the north shores of Lake Superior along Highway 61. Gooseberry Falls features upper, middle, and lower falls for viewing. Some of the main things to do include viewing the scenic waterfalls and Lake Superior shoreline, visiting places such as the Visitor Center, nature store, historic CCC Log, and stone structures. The park also offers multi-use accessible trails and a gateway plaza.
Split Rock Lighthouse is located in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 20.4 miles (32.8km) north of Two Harbors in Minnesota’s Lake County. The lighthouse was first lit in 1910 inside the 54 foot (16m) tall tower atop a lofty 130 foot (40m) sheer cliff over Lake Superior. You are able explore lighthouse on your own or take a guided tour led by guides in period clothing. Immerse yourself in the history with the exhibits, presentations, light keepers home and outbuildings. Climb the 32 step spiral staircase to the lantern room that still has the original turning lens and witness the highest view in the Park. This lighthouse is one of the most photographed on the Circle Tour. You may have seen many photos, though there is nothing like experiencing it for yourself.
Palisade Head is located near Silver Bay in Minnesota’s Cook County within Tettegouche State Park. You can find it at mile marker 57 on the scenic Highway 61. This enormous rock formation rises over 300 feet (approximately 90 meters) above Lake Superior offering the optimal scenic lookout. There are several short paths that lead you to different vantage points along this huge rock formation. On a clear day, you can see all the way to Split Rock Lighthouse and the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a must stop along this scenic highway on the North Shore.
Tettegouche State Park located near Silver Bay in Minnesota’s Lake County was originally established as of 1979, covers over 3000 acres, and is known for being a former home to a station of the coast guard. This State Park is on the western shores of Lake Superior along Highway 61. The park features amazing forests and streams. Some of the main things to do include being active within the park and exploring through hiking, watching wildlife, cross country skiing, and rock climbing.
The Minnesota State Fair, held annually in late summer, is a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors. With nearly 500 food items, 30 carnival rides, more than 900 free performances, and attractions like the iconic Grandstand concerts, animal exhibits, and the thrilling Skyglider, there’s something exciting for everyone during the Fair’s 12-day run - Starts August 21st - Ends September 1st
The Walker Art Center, situated in the Lowry Hill neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a multidisciplinary contemporary art center. Visitors can explore modern and contemporary art exhibits, both indoors and outdoors, including the iconic “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture in the free sculpture garden
This is the largest indoor mall in the US.