Located near Duluth's Skyline Parkway, this park provides a fantastic picnic spot for locals and a "must see" stop for any visitor. It will be a prime spot to see the fall colors in action! The 80 foot Enger Park Tower was dedicated in 1939 by the crown prince & princess of Norway. The tower provides perhaps the best scenic view of the city and is open to all those who want to make the climb to the top.
Hugging the shoreline of Lake Superior, Canal Park is the epicenter of Duluth's downtown fun. This popular Duluth recreation area is home to the new and improved Lakewalk, a promenade with walking and biking trails, meandering through the waterfront area, shops and restaurants. Sit and watch ships sail the harbor or storll along the water for some great people watching. Danielle & Justin's favorite: Rent "Bird" or "Leaf" scooters, available on Canal Park, for an amazing ride around the lake!
One of Danielle & Justin's favorite parks in the area, Leif Erikson park has long been home to Duluth’s gorgeous Rose Garden and includes a historic amphitheater stage. The Lakewalk also slices through it, connecting to other historic sites as Canal Park. Unfortunately, although still here, the Leif Erikson vessel, sits in storage near Bayfront Park and is awaiting a protective building in which it can be displayed.
The Glensheen Estate features gardens, bridges, and the famous 39-room mansion, built with remarkable 20th-century craftsmanship, telling the story of the Duluth area. Chester & Clara Congdon, the influential family known for starting ironing mining in the region, built Glensheen in 1908 and established it as their family home. In 1968, Glensheen was donated to the University of Minnesota by the couple's daughter, Elisabeth Congdon, with the intention it would be used as a museum. This donation came with the understanding Elisabeth would reside in the mansion until her passing. This day came sooner than expected, as in 1977, Elisabeth and her personal nurse were found murder, presumably by her husband and child to claim the inheritance. Many attest that the mansion is now haunted. Danielle & Justin's favorite: Glensheen is a special spot, as it's where we did our engagement photos! So much beauty around every corner, but our favorite stops are the bridges
One of the top things to do for free in Duluth, this informative museum in Canal Park gives a nod to the storied maritime history of the lake ad the important role Duluth Harbor played in shaping the early American steel industry. The museum showcases a fascinating exhibit relating to the fate of the doomed freighter, the Edmund Fitzgerald Danielle & Justin's Favorite: The lift bridge exhibit!
One of Danielle & Justin's favorite places to visit! Experience two floors of live animal displays, hands on interactive exhibits, and stunning overlooks of the Duluth/Superior waterfront. Salt and freshwater themes bring the world of water to you! Danielle & Justin's Favorite: Raptor Ridge, go visit our good friend Bogey the bald eagle!
The Duluth Children's museum offers children, parents, and grandparents an experience they can't find anywhere else, with interactive exhibits and special daily programing that invite children and young adults to participate and explore their world.
If you are planning any extra time into your trip, we cannot recommended this drive enough, especially with fall colors imminent. We take this trip multiple times a year and never get sick of seeing the beauty of Minnesota. This 154 mile road, stretching from Duluth to Grand Portage, contains eight different state parks and contains stunning views of the Lake Superior wilderness, streams and waterfalls, rugged cliff sides, forested hills, and much more!