Hank & Karen
Activities and Eats
Spirit Mountain Recreation Area
Spirit Mountain is home to the region's only adventure park which includes an Alpine Coaster, a Zip Ride, Scenic Chairlift, Jumping Pillow and Putt-putt Golf. It is also known for some of the Midwest's best mountain biking trails, easy Superior Hiking Trail access and depending on the weather, scenic chairlift rides for great views of the fall colors and Duluth.
Magney-Snively Natural Area
The Magney-Snively Natural Area is a great area for fall leaf peeping. It offers a scenic drive to the Bardon Peak Overlook, and trails great for hiking or running. Hank and his grandfather spent time in this location twice during their trip.
Superior Hiking Trail
The Superior Hiking Trail (SHT) s a 310-mile hiking trail that runs along the shores of Lake Superior. There are several access points from Duluth including one from Spirit Mountain. Warm up your dancing legs by running or hiking a section of the trail! https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7004308/superior-hiking-trail-sht
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve
Best view of the lake. Watch birds of prey during migration season. They have an observatory as well.
Enger Tower
Beautiful park. Climb the tower! Enger Tower is an 80-foot, five-story stone observation tower atop Enger Hill.
Canal Park
Hank and his grandfather watched the sun rise from here several mornings during their visit. Watch the lift bridge and ore boats come in, ship schedule at https://canalpark.com/duluth-ship-schedule/
Lake Superior Marine Museum
This free museum offers a fantastic voyage into the history of our Great Lakes.
William A Irvin Museum
In the heart of Canal Park is a Great Lakes vessel you can’t miss. Despite carrying iron ore and coal for 40 years through treacherous storms, the William A. Irvin remains in pristine condition today. Don’t miss your chance to tour the proud flagship of U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet.
Great Lakes Aquarium
This aquarium features animals and habitats found within the Great Lakes basin and other freshwater ecosystems such as the Amazon River.
Lake Superior Zoo
See and learn about over 140 species of animals in indoor & outdoor habitats.
Two Harbors and Grand Marais
If you have the time, drive up lake superior to check out several great parks and towns including Two Harbors and Grand Marais.
Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
A Duluth staple for delicious beer and the location of our Saturday night out-of-towners social hour.
Wild State Cider
Premium hard cider made in Duluth from fresh pressed apples, without concentrates or added sugar.
Duluth Cider
Craft cider made from 100% fresh-pressed Great Lakes apples. Experience the 100-year-old taproom, once the stables for the Duluth Postal Service horses!
Ursa Minor Brewing
Small batch craft beer in their taproom with wood-fired pizza, a year-round pet-friendly patio, live music every weekend, and regular taproom events and games.
Fitger's Brewhouse Brewery and Grille
Artisanal pub grub & house-brewed beers served in a loftlike space with a festive atmosphere.
At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe
A Duluth staple and family favorite. Farm-to-table menu with international accents, craft cocktails & more offered in a quaint setting.
Duluth Coffee Company Cafe & Roastery
Global coffees are roasted & brewed by baristas on the premises at this shop & café.
New Scenic Café
This intimate café with partial lake views & a garden features sophisticated New American cuisine.
Positively 3rd Street Bakery
Baking from scratch with organic and local ingredients since 1983. Stop in and try their fabulous cookies, organic whole-grain breads, croissants, muffins, granola, scones and more. Vegan and made-without-gluten options available. They will be baking our wedding dessert.
Va Bene
Another family favorite with great pasta. This place took great care of Hank and his grandfather after a day of touring the North Shore.
Duluth Grill
Casual, enduring eatery providing locally sourced comfort food & an extensive breakfast menu.
OMC Smokehouse
Upbeat eatery for elevated BBQ with a global twist, plus local craft brews & a patio with fire pits.
Northern Waters Smokehaus
Smoked-fish specialist also offering artisanal smoked meats & a sizable menu of gourmet sandwiches.
Pizza Luce
Local pizzeria chain serving creative pies, pasta & hoagies, plus beer & wine, in a casual setting.
Vanilla Bean Restaurant - Duluth
Wake up your taste buds today with a home cooked meal at the Vanilla Bean Restaurant in Two Harbors and Duluth! Whether you choose their signature Oven-Baked Omelets, Swedish Pancakes with Lingonberries, Bacon Wrapped Mini Doughnut Bloody Mary, or Award-Winning Soups and Sandwiches you’ll find great flavor, value, and service!
Did we miss anything?
If you have a favorite spot or activity we should add to the list, let us know in your RSVP so we can share it with the rest of our guests.