It was Ted’s Birthday weekend and we wanted to get out of the Twin Cities and do something fun. A visit to Duluth had been on our Minnesota Bucket List for two years – so we booked a place to stay and invited some friends to join us for the weekend up north. (Bonus, our friends used to LIVE THERE – so they knew all the best spots to visit!!)
We arrived in Duluth on Friday around noon and started the weekend in Canal Park. We walked through a few of the quaint shops and got to the end to see the massive lift bridge. Every 30 minutes, the bridge lifts to let boats come into the Harbour from Lake Superior. You can click here to find the ship schedule.
We ate lunch at Grandma’s Restaurant because:
- People recommended it and
- Itâs next to the lift bridge
Notes on Grandma's Restaurant: The reason to go here - LOCATION! I'd only go back if I had an outdoor table that overlooks the bridge.
After lunch we ordered ice cream to share from an old caboose that is now an ice cream shop.
Then we walked to the lighthouse at the end of the loooong pier. My boys were amazed that Superior is really a lake and not an ocean.
We walked back to our hotel to check in, then watched the trucks and tractors working behind the hotel – setting huge boulders in place and creating a large walkway along the lake. Each semi could only hold three boulders. After we watched them work for awhile, we drove to Park Point Beach, which is about an eight minute drive from Canal Park. The drive takes you across the lift bridge – which was fun, and the drive to the beach is nice because you get to enjoy viewing a wide range of homes along the lakefront.
When we arrived at Park Point Beach – full of soft sand and huge, heavy logs that had washed onto the shore. The lake is always VERY cold and since it was late in the day, we werenât planning to swim. However, the chilly air, the cold water, and lack of swimsuits, did not stop the kids. They were playing in the waves within minutes of our arrival.
After time at Park Point, we went back to the hotel to dry off and change, then walked to dinner at Canal Street Brewery. The restaurant has a great vibe, and huge windows overlooking the lake. We all enjoyed our meals and would definitely go back.
We’d been watching the weather for several days preceding our trip, and the forecast showed rain and lightning all weekend. Clark asked if we could pray and ask God for nice weather so that we could explore outdoors. God answered our prayer with fantastic weather all day. After getting into bed, it rained all night – but was clear by morning and we had perfect weather for exploring.
We drove about 45 minutes north along Lake Superior to Gooseberry Falls State Park.
Gooseberry Falls was SPECTACULAR!
It was one of the most amazing ‘playgrounds’ weâve ever explored. There are so many trails to hike, but we spent hours just playing in the water.
Gooseberry Falls Tips:
- Wear water shoes! The falls are wet and rocky and youâll want to get in the water and explore. Click here to see a great pair for a great price.
- Wear comfy clothes that you don’t mind getting wet.
- There are two large parking lots – if one is full, there is one just beside it. Both were nearly full when we left, but it didn’t feel overly crowded because the State Park is SO large!
- If you are bringing children, I recommend following the trail to the LOWER FALLS. We started at the UPPER falls and found it was DANGEROUS for young, curious children. Our kids wanted to get really close to the edge of the falls, and could have easily fallen over. There is nothing to stop them.
- Pack some snacks and a water bottle – All the hiking and water play will make you hungry!
- 20-30 minutes before you leave, call to make a reservation at the world famous Betty’s Pies. We tried to eat there, but there was too long of a wait. They told us we could call in advance to save our place in line.
We happened to see a sign that said Grand Superior Grille as we were leaving the falls, and stopped here for lunch. The restaurant has sweeping views of the lake, and a well-priced menu. We practically had the place to ourselves and couldnât believe more people weren’t there. The food and environment were fantastic. George said this was his favorite restaurant we went to all weekend because of the nice environment and good food.
Behind the restaurant is a phenomenal rocky coast.
Next, we drove to Brighton Beach but only stayed for a few minutes because it was way too packed. As an alternative, we went to Lester Park. It’s not a beach, but has trails to hike, a playground, and the best part – a beautiful creek to play in. The kids absolutely loved it and could have stayed and played in the creek for HOURS!
Lester Park Tips:
- For a calm place to play, use the creek to the left of the playground.
- The first creek you see (close to the parking lot) is usually filled with teenagers. Walking a little farther in, is a much better place for kids to explore.
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We talked them into leaving by promising ice cream. I was hoping to go to the historic Portlandâs Malt Shop, but we drove by and saw a super long line, so we went back to our hotel and walked to Dairy Queen. While we ate our ice cream, we walked back to the Lift Bridge. The boys enjoyed chasing pigeons and sea gulls, and climbing on the rocks along the coast.
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I also recommend you visit the fantastic and free Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center.
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For dinner we ordered pizzas and salads from Vitta Pizza.
Notes on Vitta: Their food is fantastic! I shared an amazing salad with Ted and a couple different pizzas (both SO good). The kids loved the pizza too! I sat inside the restaurant while waiting for our food, and wouldn't recommend eating inside - the food is perfect for take out. (Rating 5/5) Go sit along the pier to eat dinner and share your crumbs with the seagulls.
While the dads took the kids swimming, my friend Mary and I got to enjoy a little quiet time to catch our breath and chat. After dinner, the mamas took the kiddos to bed, and Ted went out with Maryâs husband to rent electric scooters and enjoy some guy time.
The weather was amazing ALL day and Iâm so thankful! We got to pack in SO much fun!
Sunday morning we went to a quaint coffee shop called Perk Place. I had the most delicious latte called ‘Honey Bear.’ It’s made with a little cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. We drove around the Congdon area to see some of the historic, ornate mansions. We also drove through the downtown area and saw the famous Duluth Trading Company.
Fun Fact: Duluth once had most millionaires per capita than any other US city. People gained their wealth from the Iron Mining and logging industry.
Our next stop was the GORGEOUS Enger Park. This park has:
- A Japanese Garden with a large bell you can ring,
- Many paths to explore and rocks to climb
- An incredible view of Duluth, the harbor, lift bridge and Lake Superior
- A tower with nearly 100 steps and about 5 levels. There are 360 degree views on each level.
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After exploring the park, we headed home with happy hearts. It was an incredible weekend, full of fun adventures with good friends.
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I’m thrilled that I finally got to see Duluth. There is so much history and beauty in that city – hills and large rocks, cool buildings and restaurants, falls and creeks, and of course, Lake Superior.
Planning to visit Duluth? Here are some recommendations of where to go.
Where to go:
- Rose garden – Beautiful and overlooks Lake Superior
- Glensheen mansion – explore inside and outside, located on Lake Superior
- Lake Superior Maritime visitor center – Free and fantastic, right next to the Lift Bridge.
- Congdon Park – trails, streams, and falls to explore and play in!
- Downtown Duluth – Walk around, see the historic buildings, and stop into the Duluth Trading Company
- Split Rock Lighthouse – about an hour north of Duluth
- Jay Cooke state park – about 20 minutes west of Duluth, try the swing bridge!
- Ride the Alpine slide at Spirit Mountain
- Duluth Aquarium
- Duluth Zoo
Where to Eat:
- Portland’s Malt Shop – open April – October. Once a gas station. Really quaint, but the line might be long!
- JJ Astor – at the top of the Radisson – a rotating restaurant so you can see all of Duluth!
- Duluth Grill – fresh, local, organic
- Va Bene Caffe
- Northern Waters Smoke Haus – has great reviews
- Saraâs Table Chester Creek Cafe – farm to fork
- Oink Moo Cluck Smokehouse – good reviews!
- New Scenic Cafe for some fine dining
- Toasty’s for a quick sandwich
- Vitta Pizza – for takeout
- Grandma’s – especially if the weather is nice and you can eat on the upstairs patio!
- Canal Street Brewery – good vibe, nice views, great food!
Did I miss something? Leave a comment and let me know your Duluth favorites!
I had a hard time finding water shoes in a store before we left, but I found these cool ones online for a great price!
Click here about our entire NORTH SHORE ADVENTURE!
Click here to read my Minnesota Bucket List!
