Things to Do in Duluth, MN: 13 Day Hikes and Can’t-Miss Adventures

Orange leaves were everywhere, blue skies fading to pink across the horizon of Lake Superior. The silhouette of a couple was illuminated by the sky as they emerged from a nearby trail. After a day of hunting for the best things to do in Duluth, MN, that was my view.

A visit to Duluth may not be at the top of your adventure travel checklist. But this small, unassuming Midwestern town is full of fantastic day hikes, riverside trails and a lively adventure sports scene that you shouldn’t overlook when planning a weekend trip.

But wait, how did I even come to visit Duluth in the first place?

Well, first off, as soon as the calendar flips to August something within me demands that I start searching for signs of fall.

Maybe it’s Midwestern roots showing, but if you’ve ever experienced the pure joy of stepping on some crunchy leaves, running around in the crisp fall air and then snuggling into your favorite scarf with a dark beer, you probably know what I mean. Since I changed my home base to SoCal a few years ago, I’ve been missing the seasons that happen around this time of year in the Midwest (mostly just fall, though, I’m still doing a-okay without snow).

Second, I recently had to head to Minneapolis for a work trip and was delighted to learn that I’d be hanging around town right in the midst of PEAK fall foliage season – and just a stone’s throw from Lake Superior. AND that one of the best things to do in Duluth (a nearby town), was hike.

Naturally, I couldn’t resist the urge to turn it into an extended weekend.

Things to do in Duluth, MN: Seeking the Perfect Fall Getaway

So, I pulled up Google maps and started looking at surrounding areas that promised mini adventures and fall festivities. I was dreaming of hiking trails, pumpkin pie, tall boots, fluffy sweaters, cozy beanies and warm coffee shops.

There it was: Duluth, MN.

All the pictures I looked up of things to do in Duluth (and, later, even my own photos that I took during my visit to Duluth) looked like they came straight out of the fall edition of some adventure travel magazine.

Sign me up.

I’ve been to Minneapolis a few times, so I know that it’s an unexpected mecca of fun, outdoor activities, and other but I also knew I only had a weekend to spare, so I made a list of all the things I could do:

• Bicycle along the Chain of Lakes trail in Minneapolis and explore the city
• Visit Duluth, rent a mountain bike and check out the local downhill parks just outside of town
• Get an Airbnb cabin in the Boundary Waters and go kayaking
• Scout out some hiking trails, do a few day hikes and see what else there is to do in Duluth
• Car-camp as close as humanly possible to Lake Superior and just enjoy a relaxing weekend

As you can see, most of these required a visit to Duluth.

A few I nixed just because of the practicality and time restrictions (I’ll be back for you, Boundary Waters) – and because I was only equipped with a small hiking daypack and some tennis shoes. But, the trails were calling my name.

Getting from Minneapolis to Duluth

I have a confession to make: I had only briefly glanced at a map of Minnesota before booking my ticket and, though a visit to Duluth was high on my list of things to during my time in Minneapolis, I actually dismissed the idea.

I had decided it might take too long to drive from Minneapolis to Duluth.

That changed as soon as I stepped off the plane and into the car rental office when the representative proceeded to pull out a giant map. He circled a few parks, told me about a few other things to do in Duluth, pointed out it was shaping up to be the perfect fall day (50-degrees, sunny and with fall foliage to spare) and insisted that I couldn’t miss it. Three hours later the rental was stocked with snacks, enough coffee to fuel a small sports team (or just me after pulling an all-nighter to get to the airport), my hiking daypack and my camera gear.

I’m not ashamed to admit that I played 90’s boy band music and sang at the top of my lungs the entire 2-hour drive from Minneapolis to Duluth.

If you are planning a similar trek, I’d recommend waking up very early and planning to be on the go for one full day, if not a weekend. The drive itself is very straightforward. I, sadly, ran out of daylight before I was content with the number of hiking trails I was able to see.

As for me, I still didn’t have a solid plan. But I knew there were a lot of things to do in Duluth that would keep me entertained. At the top of my list was those beautiful trails fit for day hikes – and catching a glimpse of Lake Superior at sunset.

Day Hikes and Hiking Trails in Duluth (With the Local Stamp of Approval) 

Very similar to even knowing if I was going to visit Duluth, I didn’t have a solid plan for what I was going to do once I got there.

As luck would have it, the new phone I got the day before was having issues completing the set-up, so my first stop was a Verizon store.

Though that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind, I was able to get the insider’s scoop from yet another helpful man behind a counter. He told me about a ton of things to do in Duluth and my interest was officially piqued by all the hiking trails he rattled off. I combined his recommendations, my own research and my own inclination to go where the wind blows me. Here’s my list of top trails in Duluth for when you want a dose of nature on your travels.

Most of these are areas that include miles and miles of side trails and multiple loops you can take. My recommendation is to limit the number of things you try to do in Duluth by picking one – maybe two – and spending more time there just enjoying it.

1. Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve and Hiking Trails

This is the park I picked for my visit to Duluth. I took Ole’s Trail through colorful trees and over boarded trails before popping out on the Overlook Trail to find my sunset perch. There is also a lot of research and raptor conservation efforts done here. If you come between August and December, you may even see one of the 20 species of falcons that migrate through the area!

2. Lester River & Amity Creek Trails

Hike, bike, and even cross-country ski along the 9 miles of Lester River and Amity Creek. The perfect distance for a full day hike, this trail will keep everyone from the complete beginner to the advanced hiker entertained. Entrance is free until ski season, then you’ll need a pass to enjoy the views.

3. Park Point Nature Trail

Check off two boxes from your list of things to do in Duluth here. Go over the Aerial Lift Bridge and drive to the end of Minnesota Avenue. Park, get out and explore. You can stick around the parking area for some simple strolls or head out for a 4-mile round trip that involves scrambling and hopping logs.

4. Magney-Snively Natural Area

Close your eyes and point at the map, there are hundreds of hiking trails you can choose along Skyline Road. I’d recommend this area if you want to try out a few different adventure sports in one day. Many of the best things to do in Duluth involve taking advantage of the multi-use trails. And this area was bustling with hikers, mountain bikers and skiers!

5. Jay Cooke State Park

If you have your own car when you visit Duluth, you can easily drive the 10 miles to see one of Minnesota’s most-visited parks. Yes, that means there will be a few more people here. But seeing the 13-mile gorge and crossing the iconic swinging bridge will be worth it.

6. Chester Park Loop

Don’t let the fact that this is only 2.5 miles fool you. With Chester Creek being in a deep ravine, this route promises steep hikes and rocky terrain.

7. Ely’s Peak and the DWP Trail

Ely’s Peak is 1,133-feet high and gives you a great view of Lake Superior. Watch rock climbers scramble to the top, explore the old train tunnel and get some fresh air along this 1.5-mile day hike.

8. Willard Munger Trail

You’ll have to hike only a section of this one when you visit Duluth. At 70-miles long, it’s a bit more than a day hike, but the Willard Munger Trail is completely paved and has campgrounds that pop up along the route. Sounds like the perfect weekend bicycle tour to me.

9. Superior Hiking Trail

This trail is over 300 miles long and actually ends in Canada. So, again, not a day hike, but easy to hop on and off if you want to grab a slice of Duluth’s most well-known trail. Who knows, maybe you’ll cross paths with someone backpacking the entire way.

10. Lakeview Park and North Shore Highway 61

There are not many things I love more than a scenic drive with day hiking trails and beaches. Yes, beaches. This route will take you to the nearby town of Two Harbors. Why not check out the park and grab a beer at Castle Danger Brewery before heading back to Duluth?

11. The Downtown Lakewalk and Boardwalk

This is the kind of day hike my mother would love (hi, mom!) – paved, scenic and next to all the shops restaurants and breweries you’ll want to check out when you visit Duluth. It’s a great way to get out and see the town.

12. Brighton Beach Park

Family-friendly with easy access to Lake Superior. Make this park and the surrounding trails your picnic spot for the day.

13. Bear Beach & Brule River Boreal Forest State Natural Area

I cheated. This one’s in Wisconsin. So technically not in town, but a short drive if you want to road trip along Lake Superior after you visit Duluth.  

You could literally pick one small day hike every day for a year and still not experience all the trails to do in Duluth! It’s a day hiker’s dream and a happy surprise to stumble upon in my travels.

Other Things to Do in Duluth for Adventure Seekers

You may have also noticed that a lot of these trails are multi-use. Well, my dear adventure traveler, a visit to Duluth isn’t just about day hikes and fall foliage.

I couldn’t help but notice there are limitless things to do in Duluth year round, some of which surprised me.

Sailing and rock climbing? In Minnesota? Yes!

• Kayaking one of the 10,000 lakes.
• Mountain biking and downhill riding at Spirit Mountain or along any of the 100+ miles of bike-friendly trails.
• Cross-country skiing on the hiking trails after the snow has fallen. Most of the routes on this list are multi-use, but they do require a ski pass.
• Snowmobiling. The thrills of skiing without the effort. This was a winter favorite of mine growing up in the Midwest. Just make sure you stay in areas that permit snowmobiles.
• Sailing on Lake Superior. It feels weird to talk about sailing when there’s no ocean, but sailing on Lake Superior is a real treat if the weather in Duluth is participating.
• Rock climbing and bouldering around Ely’s Peak and some of the gorges.
• Fishing for dinner. Pick a stream, creek, river or lake. Check what the fishing regulations are, drop a line, sit back and relax.
• Birding at the nearby preserves. I mentioned Hawk Ridge, but there are many places to see Minnesota’s migratory birds and falcons.
• Swimming in Lake Superior. There are multiple beaches and opportunities to dip your toes in one of the Great Lakes.
• Camping. If you want more than a day to visit Duluth and all the amazing outdoor activities, staying at any of the well-established and accessible campgrounds is the best way to do it (but, you know, I’m biased toward sleeping outside).

As you can see, Minnesotans won’t let a little snow stop them from having a good time. Which means I may have to visit Duluth again over the winter months.

I’m so happy I made the drive from Minneapolis to Duluth, because it’s one of those places that isn’t on everyone’s radar. But it most certainly should be. It’s a beautiful, adventure travel dream that left me with that rush of good vibes that only comes from a day spent in the outdoors.

Have you been to Duluth or Minneapolis? What did you think?  

If you enjoyed this post, don't forget to share it!