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I am planning a family reunion in Duluth, Mn next summer and I would love any suggestions for places to see for all ages! Restaurants, etc would be great too!

Hi. Living in Minnesota we take a few drives a year up to Duluth. It's a beautiful area! Our 2 things that we always do first are get some smoked fish and go rock hunting(for agates) along the shores of Lake Superior. The best smoked fish place in my opinion is about 10 minutes north of Duluth along the scenic highway. As for rock hunting , pull over practically anywhere and be set. The farther north you go the better. There are also many nice places to hike. I am an adult and I still enjoy climbing around on the rocks along the lake! The restaurant on top of the Radisson hotel has really good food. It revoles so it's fun to get a panoramic view of the city! Also, the Glenshen mansion is a popular place to go. Have fun!

About 40 miles up the North Shore is Two Harbors. They have a B&B in the lighthouse, and it's a neat little town, as well. Also, I believe Split Rock lighthouse is up in that area, and I believe the NPS runs it. Worth checking out...

In Duluth: Spend some time wondering around Canal Park - many neat shops there to browse. Eat at Angie's - a popular Mexican restaurant in Canal Park. Be sure to walk under the aerial lift bridge and check out the small museum there - it's very impactful. Visit the Duluth Aquarium. A few miles up the road is Glensheen - well worth a tour IMO. Make time during your trip for a drive up the north shore of Lake Superior (just drive north from Duluth). The scenery is beautiful. There are MANY B&B's and lodges from Duluth all the way up the north shore - if you are looking for a place to stay. Stop at Gooseberry Falls (allow about an hour). Try to make it all the way up to Grand Marais to eat at The Angry Trout - a wonderful, small organic restaurant right on the lake.

Thanks for the advice! How far is Grand Marais from Duluth? We were looking at one of the hotels in Canal park, any suggestions? Thanks

Grand Marais is approx. 2 hours north of Duluth - IF you drive straight there. However, there are too many things to see and places to shop along the way to drive straight there. If you plan on trying out The Angry Trout - be warned that it is VERY small - they only seat 15 tables at any time. So at peak times there can be quite a wait - go during an off peak time and don't take a big group. There are several large hotels in Canal Park. My favorite is The Hampton Inn - I always try to get in there first. The Canal Park Inn is another one,but it is usually my last choice - since it's an older hotel (could really use a remodeling). My main advice - BOOK EARLY!

We love the food at the Pickwick, along the lake and just north of downtown Duluth. The ribs are especially good. Also feature steaks, German food, beer, etc.

Fred, Do not stay at the Canal Park Inn. I stayed there two years ago and it was the worst place I have ever stayed at. It needed updating. The carpets were stained and very thin walls. We were in Duluth this past October and stayed at the Hawthorne Suites. We stayed in a two bedroom suite which was very nice. It was a block off the lake but we could still see the lake. If it had been summer I would have preferred a hotel on the lake such as the Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn or the Superior Inn. We drove pass several resorts on our way to Two Harbors that looked kind of fun.

We also enjoy Duluth when we are in MN and usually stay at the Hawthorne Suites and like them and their location very much. The Hampton Inn and Inn on the Lake (also in Canal Park) are also nice. I also strongly recommend Pickwick. It is an old Duluth Restaurant overlooking the lake and the lakewalk and it has great food. Also take the lakewalk from Pickwick down to canal park and back. It is fun and tons of people are out walking. If you get up the North Shore (which I also strongly recommend) stop at Betty's Pies just north of Two Harbors for a sandwich and a piece of pie. It has been there many years - a new bldg but still using Betty's recipes. I also recommend Split Rock Lighthouse and Grand Marais. Grand Marais is about 100 mi north of Duluth and is a quaint little town on Lake Superior with many shops and restaurants. Recommend Angry Trout, Birch Terrace and Sven & Ole's - just depends on what you want to eat. There is lots of art available (as well as other things) as many artists live in GM or spend time there at the Art Colony. The harbor area and downtown area are fun to walk around. I also like to go to Naniboujou Lodge which is about 20 mi north of Grand Marais. It was built as a private club and is unique. The whold ceiling in the Dining Room is decorated with Cree Indian painting - really print and unique. Enjoy your time on the North Shore.

Thanks again for the help, but do you have more suggestions for eating and sightseeing in Duluth itself? There will be a few groups probably separating for part of the day and joining up again for lunch or dinner, driving all the way up to Grand Marais probably won't fit in our weekend plan.

Fred- For a pretty thorough survey of hotels, restaurants, thins to do and see, etc. go to www.visitduluth.com