Duluth Attractions
 

Another question about Duluth! Once again, I will be visiting July 30 thru Aug 3 so we have about 2 1/2 days to sightsee. We decided to stay at the Holiday Inn Express Suites in Superior, WI. Looked like a nice hotel on the lake, hopefully we can get a room with a view.

My questions are as follows and any information is welcome and most appreciated. Thanks!

1) How far is Leif Erickson Park from Canal Park and is it worth the drive to see the ship?
2) Is the ship still even going to be there the dates we will be there?
3) So far my things to do list is take VistaFleet cruise at night for 1-1 1/2 hours, Walk through Canal Park (not sure exactly what is there???).
4) Any other suggestions for things to do in the city? I am only 20 so we can't hit the casino or bars. Also, we want to stay in the city. The hour drive to Gooseberry falls seems a long drive for the little amount of time we are going to be there.

Canal Park is the area in downtown Duluth next to the aerial lift bridge. It is one of the entrances to the harbor so you can watch ships enter or leave the harbor. Estimated times are for ship viewing are posted. There is a museum there also and lots of touristy items. Lakeside walk is nice or you can rent bicycles there also.

Within a block or so of Canal park is the old ore freighter, William Irvin. If you have never been on a shop (or even if you have) this is an interesting tour. Next to it and part of the tour is a tugboat that was part of building the St. Lawrence Seaway and was involved in World War 2.

Only a short distance from Canal Park is the Great Lakes Aquarium. This is a fresh water aquarium although it may feature traveling exhibits from ocean waters.

On the hill overlooking the harbor is Enger park. It is one of the stops along the skyline parkway and a great place to look over the city and harbor especially at sunset.

Take a tour of Glensheen mansion. You probably should check for reservations for this although we did not and got on a tour almost immediately.

If you want a view of what awaited the fur traders as they paddles up the St. Louis river, a 20 mile drive will take you to Jay Cooke State Park.

Ummm...How many weeks did you say you would have?

Visit The Depot for some history of this region. Also known as the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

Any interest in WWII aviation history? The Richard I. Bong World War II Heritage Center features (of course) Richard Bong and his accomplishments flying a P-38 Lightning.

How about crossing over the harbor into Superior, Wisconsin and looking at the old ships at Barkers Island?

Need more?

thanks for all your help, i especially like the enger park idea!

having a bit difficulty finding enger park on any map.. only finding a golf course??

rm mn has some great ideas for seeing Duluth. We also love to walk the Lake walk on a nice evening. We frequently eat at Pickwick and then walk down to the bridge and back. You can walk a lot farther than that if you like. It is lots of fun to see the ships come in or go out as they give lots of information about the ships and they are right next to you. Have fun!!

The western edge of Enger Park is at the intersection of US Highway 53 and Skyline parkway. It's a fairly large park but the Skyline Parkway goes right by the Enger Tower.

Our favorite restaurant in Canal Park in Bellisio's. We had the best calamari I've ever had. Pickwick is always good.

I agree Bellisio's is great too.

What are the average prices for this restaurant?

I haven't been to this restaurant but I found that they have an online menu.

Google search Bellisio's Duluth and you'll get the menu as a .pdf file to look at.

The ride to Gooseberry may be longer than you'd like, but I'd recommend considering it, especially if you haven't been there before. The drive itself can be very pretty and there are a series of state parks with beautiful waterfalls not too far from one another. Very nice chance to take a hike (either a mild one on well worn path or a more adventurous one).

I like to take the old scenic highway between Duluth and Two Harbors too. It is such a pretty drive.

Another thought - if you do drive up to Goosebery or Split Rock Lighthouse (one of my favorites), do stop at Betty's PIes which is just north of Two Harbors. It has been there many years (much smaller until recent years) and they have a good selection of pies as well as other yummy sandwiches.

Unfortunetly, I found that Bellisios is a wine bar and sadly I am only 20! Any other suggestions? We are 20 and 22 and looking for one nice dinner to have while were there.

I mentioned it before but will mention it again - we like Pickwick which is a very old but very good restaurant overloking the lake. Ask for a table by the window. Have fun!!

Bellisio's has a restaurant, so you will be allowed in. We've gone there with our kids. They just happen to have a fantastic wine selection.

Where is my head?? I should have said the same thing as angelthereader. We have been there many times and I didn't even think to mention you will be allowed in to have dinner.

Just want to say thank you for all the helpful responses!