If you’re planning to visit The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, here's what else is there to do while you’re in the area.
Entertainment and sports
- Every Friday and Saturday night at 10:30, catch the hilarious show at Renegade Improv. Two teams of improvisers compete for points (which they earn from the referee) and laughter (which they earn from you!).
- The neighborhood that leads to the Aerial Lift Bridge is Canal Park a hot spot for Duluth that hums with tourists in search of good food, shops, recreation and an awesome view of ships going in and out of the harbor.
- Hop on the "Timber Twister," "Alpine coaster” or the "Timber Flyer" zip line at Spirit Mountain Adventure Park and see Duluth in a whole way! Or, you can play nine holes of mini golf.
- No trip to Duluth is complete without a harbor cruise. Experience the working maritime environment of Lake Superior aboard the Vista Fleet.
- Chill with the animals at the Lake Superior Zoo.
Museums, art and history
- Climb the steps of iconic Enger Tower a five-story 80-foot-high bluestone observation tower, restored in 2011, for a panoramic view of the Twin Ports. The tower, dedicated by Norway’s Prince Olav and Princess Martha in 1939, is a must. The gardens that surround the tower also make a perfect place for a picnic.
- Shipping magnates built plenty of stately mansions in Duluth, but none can compare in luxe and lore to Glensheen — the estate of Chester Congdon — completed in 1908 on the North Shore of Lake Superior. But most visitors are interested in the story the docents are reluctant to tell: In 1977, Chester Congdon’s daughter Elisabeth and her nurse were found murdered in the mansion.
- Ride the rails in Duluth and learn, through narrated tours, how the railroad helped build the Zenith City. Board a North Shore Scenic Railroad vintage coach at the historic Duluth Union Depot and enjoy a 1.5-hour trip up the Lester River and back. Longer tours and the Family Pizza Train are available on weekends.
- Wandering in Canal Park can be fun, but if you have limited time consider visiting the historic DeWitt-Seitz building on Lake Avenue where you can eat and shop in one fell swoop.
Nature
- The Duluth Lakewalk is one of the most scenic walking and biking paths along Lake Superior. It offers vistas of the big lake, attractively maintained parks and gardens, beaches for wading and rock picking, and easy access to shopping and dining.
- Chester Bowl is a 117-acre park with beautiful hiking trails, fishing and summer concerts.
- Beyond the hustle-bustle of Canal Park and Superior Street is a more serene Duluth, best appreciated from one of the city’s 14 recreational hiking trails .
- Cross over the Aerial Lift Bridge to take a walk on the spectacular beach at Park Point, a challenging four-mile hike along beach and forest paths.
- For a 100-minute trip along the St. Louis River estuary, hop aboard Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad's open “Safaris Car” where you’ll get up close and personal with local wildlife. The train station is on Duluth’s west side.
- Hartley Nature Center has 10 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails passing through forests and wetlands with breathtaking views of Lake Superior — with access to the Superior Hiking Trail.
- There’s no better view of Duluth and the mouth of the St. Louis River as it flows into Lake Superior than from Skyline Drive, aka Duluth’s Scenic Byway. The 25-mile drive snakes along the top of the ridge that defines the city.
- Swoop into Hawk Ridge in the hopes of seeing some avian activity. The best bird-watching here is in the fall, but you never know when you’ll see a raptor or another winged creature sailing overhead.
- Old Highway 61 between Duluth and Two Harbors clung closely to the Lake Superior shoreline when it was built in 1926. The highway was rerouted inland in a few decades later, but the old road still exists, passing through stands of birch and skirting rocky coves. Turn right off the main highway just north of the Lester River as you leave Duluth and you’ll experience the old road’s charms. Stop at Gooseberry Falls to take in the beautiful views.
Shopping
- Stop to buy some chocolates at Great! Lakes Candy Kitchen at Knife River sells decision chocolates and or some smoked fish at Russ Kendall’s Smokehouse (149 Scenic Dr.).
If you're getting hungry on your visit…
- Grandma’s Saloon & Grill has a fun and casual atmosphere with authentic vintage advertisements and collectibles covering every inch.
- Va Bene Berarducci's Caffé is devoted to fresh Italian dishes and offers a relaxed atmosphere with a fantastic view of Lake Superior.
- Fitger’s Brewhouse offers the ambience of a high mountain brewery with good food and entertainment.
- Duluth Grill serves up from comfort foods to contemporary dishes, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes.
- Uncle Loui's Café is a great spot for breakfast with its large portions of pancakes, eggs, hash browns and more!
- Betty's Pies , 30 miles north of Duluth near Two Harbors, is a delicious place to satisfy your sweet tooth!
- Northern Waters Smokehaus, located in the historic DeWitt-Seitz building, offers some of the best sandwiches (and smoked fish) in town. Grab a table on the porch just outside.
- Lake Avenue Café , also located in the historic DeWitt-Seitz building, serves up delicious, slightly exotic fare like wild eggplant, mushroom enchilada and elk meatballs.
- Amazing Grace Bakery and Café , also located in the historic DeWitt-Seitz building but downstairs, features made-from-scratch vittles and decadent treats. Lunchtime requires patience as there can be a wait, so come for chai and pie after shopping upstairs for that hand-crafted pottery, new cooking gadget, or souvenir snow globe.
- New Scenic Café is a place where the cooks often pluck fresh herbs straight from the colorful garden outside.
- Rustic Inn Café in Two Harbors north of Duluth offers delicious pies.