Duluth, MN…Home of the frigid temperatures, beautiful Lake Superior views, the famous lift bridge, and so much more. It oftentimes is not on the top of everyone’s travel bucket list, but hopefully, by the end of this post that will change. I grew up here and definitely overlooked all it had to offer. Duluth is a beautiful hidden gem in northern MN full of so many adventurous things to do. This post will give you a local’s perspective on how to have the best Duluth Weekend Trip. Everything to see, do, and eat during a 3-day trip up North.
This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. There are only products included that I truly love. I APPRECIATE your support!
Table of Contents
How to get to Duluth?
If you are looking for the cheapest flights, your best option would be to fly to Minneapolis. From here, you can either take a shuttle or rent a car right at the airport and drive 2.5 hours to Duluth. If wanting to avoid the drive, you can fly directly to the Duluth International Airport. It will likely be slightly more expensive and include a layover.
In order to fully enjoy this Duluth Weekend Getaway, you will need to rent your own car as public transportation and ride share services are not always the most reliable.
When is the best time to Visit?
Duluth weather is craaazy weather. from -50 to hot summer days, you will definitely experience ALL four seasons. (Wellllll summer is sometimes cut way too short). As long as you are prepared, each season brings its own unique experiences and fun.
Summer: Although Lake Superior keeps Duluth nice and cool most of the time, Summer is a great time to swim in the lakes and waterfalls, hike, and adventure.
Fall: Brings BEAUTIFUL fall colors that are oftentimes very short-lived. Peak fall foliage is typically from mid September to Early October.
Winter: is FREEZING, but beautiful. With snow-covered trees (and roads), you will surely feel like you are in a (a freezing cold) snowglobe. If you plan your trip when the temperatures are above 0, you can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and snow tube. Just make sure you are prepared.
Spring: The snow will take forever to melt, but Spring brings a new beginning to Duluth. Once you are thawed out, you can take a muddy hike and enjoy the (slightly) above-freezing weather.
Where should I stay in Duluth, MN?
There are so many great hotel options in Duluth and cozy cabins to rent the outskirts. If hoping to be next to all the action, I recommend finding a hotel near Canal Park. Pier B Resort is a great luxurious option with a beautiful view of Lake Superior.
If looking to save a bit of money you can stay downtown at Holiday Inn and Suites. AND for the kids (and kids at heart), The Edge is home to a large indoor waterpark and arcade.
Sample 3-Day Duluth, MN Itinerary
As a former local of Duluth, I can confidently say this is the best Duluth weekend trip itinerary out there! Happy exploring!
Day 1 in Duluth
Morning:
Start your morning off with a delicious farm-to-table breakfast at Duluth Grill. You can’t go wrong with their breakfast bowls or cinnamon roll french toast.
Afternoon:
After filling up on a delicious breakfast, head to Mont-du-lac Resort for fun outdoor activities no matter the season. If visiting in the summer you can hang out at Big Kahuna Waterpark or go for a 3-hour float trip down the nearby river (shuttle and tubes included in price). If hoping to stay out of the water, you can mountain bike, play a round of disc golf, or try your hand at some archery.
If visiting Duluth in the winter, you can ski, snowboard, or tube down the slopes of Mont-du-Lac.
Evening:
If you have any energy left, head to downtown Duluth for a delicious BBQ dinner at OMC Steakhouse. End your night playing board games and sipping on different ciders at Duluth Cider.
Day 2 in Duluth
Morning:
You’re likely going to be exhausted from all the outdoor day 1 activities, so have a quiet morning today with breakfast a the hotel.
Afternoon:
After resting up, head into Canal Park for some window shopping and a walk along the Lakewalk. The Lakewalk is an 8-mile paved trail along the shores of Lake Superior. A great place to skip rocks, watch the seagulls, and get some exercise in.
Be sure to hang out by the lighthouse to watch some ships sailing by. If you get hungry grab a bite to eat (and a margarita) o the outside patio of Little Angies or on the rooftop of Grandmas (both located right in Canal Park).
Evening:
As long as you are visiting in the warmer months, your night will consist of a fun sunset dinner cruise on the Vista Fleet. Your cruise will include a fancy catered dinner and beautiful views of the Duluth skyline!
If it’s a bit too cold for a boat ride (ya know if the lake is full of ice), you can spend the night chowing down at the JJ Astor’s which offers 360 views of Duluth (the restaurant spins!)
Day 3 in Duluth
Morning:
Day 3 is the ultimate adventure with a trip up the North Shore! Get an early start so you can see the most of what the North Shore has to offer. After leaving Duluth, head north towards Two Harbors with your first stop being Gooseberry Falls. While here, hike the Fifth Falls loop (3 miles) to get the best view of the waterfall and park. After your short hike, head to Split Rock Lighthouse, the Black Sand Beach, and/or Palisade head.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon exploring Tettegouche State Park. I recommend hiking to High Falls and Two-Step falls for two epic waterfall views. Be sure to pack your swimming suit for a dip if it is hot enough!
Evening:
Spend your evening in the beautiful town of Lutsen. Take the gondola up the Lutsen mountain for beautiful views. It will be hard to believe you are still in the midwest. Finish your North Shore road trip with dinner at Papa Charlies!
Disclaimer: If visiting in the winter, be sure to check the forecast before making this road trip. The wintery roads in Duluth can be brutal. I would not suggest making the trip if it is snowing/icy. Check out the ideas below for alternatives!
Other things to do in Duluth, MN
- See the fish and sea critters at Duluth Aquarium
- Walk with the animals at Duluth Zoo
- Engage in hands-on fun with the kiddos at Duluth Children’s Museum
- Didn’t get enough ski time at Mondulac? Check out the slopes at Spirit Mountain
- Compete in a self-guided Scavenger Hunt around the city
- Take a hike and marvel at the views at Enger Tower
- Compete in lazer tag and win some prizes at Adventure Zone
- Rock Climb at Vertical Endeavors
- Stand up paddle board along the shores of Lake Superior with North Shore SUP
Duluth Weekend Trip Packing List:
Even though you are only in Duluth for one weekend, it is best to arrive prepared to avoid having to waste time by running to the store for forgotten items. Below you will find everything (okay…maybe not everything) you will need for 3 days in Duluth!
- Comfy walking shoes (for your hikes, museums, parks). I wear my keens EVERYWHERE (they are great water shoes too!)
- Travel sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, lotion, face wash, deoderant…you know all your daily essentials). This is a perfect travel case that meets TSA regulations!
- All the clothes (this one is going to be a personal choice as to how much to bring). I am typically good with three nice dinner outfits, my favorite joggers, a comfy shirt, some atheltic shorts, and a swim suit cover up.
- Makeup and hair supplies
- ID and any other travel documents or itineraries needed.
- Phone charger
- Kindle or current reading book
- Any needed medications
- Airplane snacks and water bottle (bring an empty bottle along to save plastic and money at the airport and on your daily adventures)
- Sunglasses! (I always forget this one)
- Andddd of course your camera! A gopro would be fun for these adventures!
3-day Duluth Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Duluth Grill, Mont-du-Lac, OMC Steakhouse + Duluth Cider
- Day 2: Canal Park, Lakewalk, Dinner Cruise
- Day 3: MN North Shore Road Trip
One Weekend In Duluth Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Duluth that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Duluth itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Duluth!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Duluth” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
Want an easier way to plan your Weekend Trips?! Click the picture below to download your FREE Weekend Getaway Planner!
Recent Posts
White Sands National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in southern New Mexico. It's one of my most favorite places in the USA and one of the only that I have visited more than once. Known...
Nashville, also known as "Music City," has become a top destination for bachelorette parties—and for good reason! With its non-stop nightlife, country music, and Southern charm, Nashville offers...