A dozen delights in Duluth

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 05/10/2024 (370 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Did you know you can reach the Atlantic Ocean from Duluth, Minn.? It’s a 3,700-kilometre trip by way of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway, but we suggest you stay a while to explore this bustling port city that has blossomed into a tourism destination rich with history, scenic spots and plenty of great food. Welcome to Duluth!

Glensheen Mansion

It’s all about craftsmanship and the notion of building things to last at Glensheen Mansion. The former home of Chester and Clara Congdon, this 39-room stunner is equally impressive on the outside with gardens, boathouse, pool and that billion-dollar Lake Superior shoreline view. Don’t miss the replica rug in the amusement room — the original was purchased in Damascus, Syria, in 1910 for US$1,012.54.

Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

It’s impossible to leave this free museum without humming the strains of The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, the beloved tune penned by revered Canadian musician Gordon Lightfoot. There’s a space dedicated to the storied sinking along with plenty of other Great Lakes tidbits. Check out the boat schedule in real time to see the comings and goings at this working port.

PortLand Malt Shop

Open seasonally and worth a selfie in front of the cutest building on the coastline, this takeout joint was formerly a gas station operated by the Northwestern Oil Company, way back in 1921. Malts are magical here. Create your own concoctions, like a dark-chocolate malt topped with lavender.

Love’s Creamery

If you still have room for the cold and sweet stuff, indulge in the unique offerings at Love’s Creamery. The flavours rotate at their two locations, but the selections always include more than one vegan option. How does honeyberry with lemon-curd ripple sound? Or this writer’s fave, popcorn caramel fudge?

OMC Smokehouse

The Lincoln Park neighbourhood is hip, and OMC takes it up a notch with its mouthwatering menu. Every meal starts with complementary chicharrones (fried pork rinds), perfect to test the four sauces on offer. The jalapeño brisket bombs, topped with cranberry-rhubarb jam, are a tasty starter and the Mexican street corn side is a must.

At Sarah’s Table

Start the day at this neighbourhood café committed to local ingredients, community and craft cooking. Their eggs Benedict with wild-rice sausage features locally made links and house-made hollandaise. It’s delicious with a honey-bee latte.

Hoops

The long tables and heavy timbers of the beer hall at Hoops beckon you to sip and sample nearly two dozen brews on tap. They’re conveniently numbered, and range from a wood-smoked hefeweizen to their deep and dark English porter. It’s a BYOF place, meaning you’re invited to grab takeout food from any of the excellent nearby restaurants and bring it inside.

Aerial Lift Bridge at night

Sure it’s the touristy thing to do, but it’s also impressive to see this unique feat of engineering go up and down as it makes way for ships that pass in the night. If you book a room at the upscale Pier B Resort, you’ll get an excellent view from the rooftop hot tub.

DeWitt Seitz Marketplace

Satisfy that retail urge with a visit to the historic, eight storey tower housing offices above and shops and restaurants below in the heart of the Canal Park neighbourhood. Blue Heron Trading Co. is a mecca for cooks and foodis while Two and Co. has fantastic fashions and cheeky gifts. Across the street, venture into the flea market where room after room offer up treasures.

Great Lakes Aquarium

Learn about what lurks beneath through exhibits featuring the not-so-likable lampreys, lionfish and zebra mussels, and much-loved deep dwellers like lake trout and sturgeon. The aquarium is also home to two charming residents — Agate and Ore — a pair of playful river otters.

North Shore scenic drive

Venture just a little bit north of Duluth to get sweeping views of Lake Superior. Or venture further to explore the harbours, lighthouses, waterfalls, fishing spots and pink-cobblestone beaches all the way up Highway 61. At the Blufin Grille in Tofte, Minn., sample the blackened-walleye cakes with cilantro-lime aioli and corn relish.

Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna

Sauna is a tradition on the shores of Lake Superior. Let the experts guide you through the cycle of hot, cold, rest, rehydrate and repeat with a visit to the saunas located on the grounds of Pier B Resort. The experience includes a cold plunge into naturally chilly Lake Superior.

shel@shelzolkewich.com