Admittedly, most people don’t think, “let’s escape to northern Minnesota!” Well, at least not in October through May, but there is a pretty spectacular summer season that allows an excellent mix of outdoor activity and an appreciation of local flair.
Situated on the tip of Lake Superior, Duluth, Minnesota is a port city that found its original success in copper and iron ore shipping. Not only does the city have vibrant local arts and cultural scene, but it has plenty to offer in terms of outdoor attractions. If you’re looking for a relaxed, local getaway, this might be the place for you.
Hiking
There are plenty of hiking trails in the city and further “up the shore” toward Lutsen, Minnesota. One of the better-known trails is the Superior Hiking Trail, which offers more than 300 miles of trail on the northern shores of Lake Superior. Certain sections of the trail are more challenging than others, but most often your efforts will be rewarded with glorious vistas. At the very least, you’ll be offered the shade of lush summer foliage.
Biking
If mountain biking is more your scene, you will find a city that is proud of its trail system and utilizes a significant volunteer base to offer interesting and demanding trails for the novice to the expert mountain biker. Take a look at some of the offerings here.
Historic Homes
There is a lot of history in the homes in Duluth, Minnesota. Of particular interest is the Glensheen Mansion, formerly owned by the Congdon family before being donated to the University of Minnesota, Duluth in the 1970s for preservation purposes. Not only is the mansion a prime example of industrial-era opulence and state-of-the-art features, but it also has a sordid past rife with family drama and subterfuge.
Charter Fishing
With a great lake in its backyard, Duluth offers plenty of opportunities for charter fishing; some of the most coveted catches being Trout and Walleye. If your fishing trip is unsuccessful you will most likely be able to compensate through a locally owned dining establishment most certainly listing these local catches on their menus.
Craft Breweries
To go with your fish, look up one of the craft breweries that are a more recent cultural phenomenon in the city. There are also a number of beloved distilleries in the area. If you are feeling crafty, book yourself on a brewery tour to check out the local flavors of Duluth’s brewmasters.
This has barely scratched the surface of things to do, but if you are looking for a getaway to “Minnesota nice” on the shores of one of the Great Lakes, look no further.