Local Attractions in Duluth, MN
When you stay at the Park Point Marina Inn you’ll never be too far from the exciting local attractions, experiences and adventures that Duluth, Minnesota is so well known for. Since we are only 4 blocks from Canal Park, we are centrally located for most attractions. There are so many places to visit in Duluth and things to do you may need to stay longer. Whether you want to participate in water activities, train rides, helicopter tours or enjoy the local restaurants and nearby shopping of Canal Park, you can find it all in Duluth!
If you are a history buff, stop by the Depot, Glensheen Mansion, the Railroad Museum, or the S.S.William A. Irvin Iron Ore Ship. Many of our repeat guests love visiting Enger Tower, Bayfront Festival Park, the Maritime Marine Museum at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, Playfront Park on the Bay or walking the Lakewalk after seeing a ship pass through the Aerial Lift Bridge. Visitors can also take a ride on the Port Town Trolley as it travels in a loop through Canal Park and to the heart of the city. Stay with us at the Park Point Marina Inn and you’ll never run out of fun ideas or things to do!
Duluth Attractions
Canal Park
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
Known as the entertainment district in Duluth and home to the Aerial Lift Bridge, Lakewalk, DECC, AMSOIL Arena, S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Ship, Maritime Marine Museum and the Great Lakes Aquarium, Canal Park features 18 restaurants and 15 specialty stores to enjoy. From restaurants to breweries and shopping, there is no shortage of places to explore in Canal Park.
Park Point Beach
Distance: 1 Block from the Resort
Park Point is a narrow 7 mile long sand bar fronting Lake Superior. It is great for recreational swimming and sunbathing or a trip to the playground and park with the kids. No trip to Duluth is complete without a stop at one of Duluth’s sandiest attractions.
Aerial Lift Bridge
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
The Aerial Lift Bridge is a major landmark in Duluth and is one of Minnesota’s most recognizable attractions. Originally built in 1905, the bridge was upgraded in 1929-30 to a vertical lift bridge and continues to operate today. Spanning the Duluth Ship Canal, the bridge can be raised to its full height of 135 feet in about a minute. You can watch the bridge go up from some of the land view rooms at our resort.
DECC & AMSOIL Arena
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
The AMSOIL Arena, completed in 2010, is a 5,500 seat addition to one of Duluth’s largest attractions, the DECC. The expansion included a new multi-purpose arena for the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams as well as additional space for events, entertainment, concerts and conventions. For a full listing of upcoming events, check out their website here!
Great Lakes Aquarium
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
This hands-on discovery center inspires guests to explore the wildlife and habitats found in the Great Lakes Basin and other waters of the world. As one of Duluth’s “wettest” attractions, the aquarium is currently home to over 900 fish inhabitants.
LEARN MORELakewalk
Distance: 4 blocks from the Resort
The Duluth Lakewalk is one of the most scenic walking and biking paths located along Lake Superior. One of Duluth’s most popular attractions, there is no shortage of things to see and do along this beautiful, paved trail – from great vistas of the big lake, attractively maintained parks, rose gardens and beaches for wading or rock picking, everyone will enjoy a walk along Duluth’s famous Lakewalk.
LEARN MOREBayfront Festival Park
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
Bayfront Festival Park is home to a variety of concerts, entertainment, and activities throughout the year, including the festive Bentleyville and Bluesfest. A year-round playground located next door is open to children of all ages.
LEARN MOREThe Depot & Lake Superior Railroad Museum
Distance: 1 Mile from the Resort
At the Depot, located in downtown Duluth, guests will learn all about steam locomotives, trains, iron ore mining, logging and the historic buildings of the railroad in Minnesota. There is something for everyone at one of Duluth’s fastest attractions – open year round.
LEARN MORES.S. William A. Irvin Ship Museum
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
The S.S. William A. Irvin was a proud flagship of the U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet and is now one of Duluth’s most historic attractions. The museum is open for tours, with FREE admission for kids 10 and younger when accompanied by a paying adult. Check out the William A. Irvin Haunted Ship in October for a self-guided spooky tour!
LEARN MOREBayfront Family Center
Distance: 8 Blocks from the Resort
The center offers free use of recreational equipment, including frisbee golf, kites, volleyball, kickball and croquet! Bayfront Family Center has an outdoor skating rink in the winter and a large children’s playground in the summer.
LEARN MOREMinnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area
Distance: 4 Miles from Resort
This 18 acre preserve, located at the end of Park Point, is a registered audubon important bird area and a certified watchable wildlife area. With trails that travel through 200 year old growth pine forests, dunes, sandy beaches and juniper dune shrubland, it is Duluth’s hidden outdoor gem. The Resort is the closest hotel to this wonderfully scenic and diverse landscape.
LEARN MORESpirit Mountain Recreation Area
Distance: 9.5 Miles from the Resort
Spirit Mountain offers one of the best elevation drops in the state for skiing and tubing, and an average base of 4-5 feet of snow and miles of scenic cross country trails. Open year round, the Adventure Park boasts an alpine coaster, zip-line, mini golf, scenic chair lift rides, disc golf, jumping pillow and mountain biking trails. Ask about our discount passes for ski tickets, exclusive to guests of the Park Point Marina Inn.
LEARN MOREEnger Tower
Distance: 3.5 Miles from the Resort
Overlooking beautiful Duluth, Enger Tower features a 5 story structure that is open to the public. Explore Enger Park with its beautiful Japanese gardens and walking trails and an unbelievable overlook above the Duluth Harbor and the city of Duluth.
LEARN MORELeif Erikson Park & Rose Garden
Distance: 2 Miles from the Resort
Visit the Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden located along the shores of Lake Superior. Duluth Rose Garden, a spectacular extension of Leif Erikson Park, offers over 3,000 rose bushes and other floral delights as well as direct access to the famous Duluth Lakewalk.
LEARN MOREGlensheen Mansion
Distance: 4.1 Miles from the Resort
Glensheen Mansion offers popular tours of the historic 39-room mansion with grand gardens and trails. Enjoy a popular tour, incorporating family stories all year round at Duluth’s most historic and popular attraction.
LEARN MORENorthshore Scenic Drive
Distance: 7.5 Miles from the Resort
Follow Lake Superior’s sweeping shoreline 154 miles to the Canadian border. Along the way, experience breathtaking cliffs and North Shore beaches as well as rivers and streams that have forged dazzling waterfalls.
LEARN MORETweed Museum of Art
Distance: 6 Miles from the Resort
The Tweed Museum boasts a permanent collection of over 10,000 objects representing a wide range of cultures and periods of art history. The museum is located on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth.
LEARN MOREHawk Ridge
Distance: 8 Miles from the Resort
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is open year round and has over 4 miles of hiking trails. It is one of the best places in the Midwest to view the migration of birds such as hawks, eagles and other various raptors.
LEARN MORECanal Park Dining
The Resort offers a complimentary shuttle service on a set schedule to Canal Park.
Grandma’s Saloon & Grill
Outdoor Patio and Banquet Room
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
Grandma’s Saloon and Grill has become famous with its award-winning American food and bar and their fun, casual restaurant atmosphere with vintage area ads and collectibles. Enjoy the summer rooftop deck for outdoor dining at its best.
Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant
Outdoor Patio
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
This casual and cozy Italian restaurant features tasty pasta dishes, colorful salads, and over 500 wines. There is also an outdoor patio for relaxing in the sunshine.
Red Lobster
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Enjoy great seafood, fish, pasta, choice Angus steak and chicken entrees at this restaurant chain. Drink specials are also available.
Green Mill
Banquet Room
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Bar and grill restaurant serving Italian and American fare and delicious pizzas for eat-in, delivery or take-out.
Little Angie's Cantina
Outdoor Deck
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
A restaurant with a real Mexican and American flair for food. Home to award-wining fajitas and over 40 different margaritas as well as great vegetarian and gluten-free dining options. Little Angie’s offers daily happy hour specials. During the summer, enjoy their deck for a fun outdoor dining experience.
Canal Park Brewing Company
Outdoor Patio
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Canal Park Brewery aims to create curiosity in craft beer styles by brewing consistently epic batches to serve alongside tasty American food, second only to their service. Try the “Tour of Beers” and discover your favorite. Check the tours availability and schedule on their website.
Northern Waters Smokehaus
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Unique specialty market and eatery located in the Dewitt-Seitz Marketplace, Northern Waters Smokehaus offers smoked fish, seafood, hand-crafted smoked meats, artisan salami, unique deli sandwiches and other gourmet sundries for you to enjoy.
Dairy Queen
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Delicious DQ ice cream, blizzards, burgers and dilly bars in the heart of Canal Park!
Old Chicago Pizza & Tap Room
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Restaurant featuring Italian and American entrees, specializing in pizza, along with a wide selection of over 60 beers.
Coldstone Creamery
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Coldstone Creamery offers the ultimate ice cream experience offering ice cream, ice cream cakes, shakes and smoothies just the way you like it! Choose your toppings and create your masterpiece.
Caribou Coffee
Outdoor Patio
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Delicious coffee and delightful baked goods located in Canal Park.
Lake Avenue Restaurant and Bar
Outdoor Deck
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Always Fresh is the motto here – fresh beer, fresh music, fresh artists and infused flavors and style for each season. We provide Duluth and its visitors specialized locavore cuisine and a “Superior” atmosphere each day.
Vitta Pizza
Outdoor Patio
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Neapolitan style pizza made the old fashioned way with Italian tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and homemade dough, flame kissed in a wood-fired Italian oven. This restaurant is locally owned and operated.
Cloud 9
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Canal Park’s newest Asian restaurant brings you into a wonderful authentic atmosphere while serving a wide variety of sushi and other Asian delights.
310 Pub
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Just a short walk from Canal Park’s historic Lakewalk, 310 Pub is the perfect spot for sports lovers. It has over 20 HD flat-screen TVs with numerous sporting events. The menu offers a variety of options, including burgers, wings, pub bowls and sandwiches.
Taste of Saigon
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
This authentic Vietnamese restaurant has many delicious choices if you are craving something a little out of the ordinary.
Canal Park Shopping
The Resort offers a complimentary shuttle service on a set schedule to Canal Park.
I Love Duluth
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
I Love Duluth has been a hot spot for shopping and visitors for 13 years. Customers are able to shop for their favorite clothing items to commemorate their visit to Duluth or purchase souvenirs for family and friends.
Spirit Bay Trading Co.
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Spirit Bay is a locally owned and operated Native American arts, supplies, beads, gifts, clothing and leather goods store for specialty shopping and creative gifts.
Lake Superior Art Glass
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Lake Superior Art Glass is a complete torch-work glass studio. This gallery features glass artwork of all types made by artists from the Midwest and beyond. Stunning glass work gifts are available for purchase from the gallery studio.
Canal Park Liquor
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Perfectly located liquor, wine and convenience store for shopping in Canal Park.
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
This is one store that you won’t be able to resist. With boxed chocolates, large English toffees, fudge, chocolate and caramel covered apples and so many other chocolate treats, this store is a big hit among chocolate lovers.
De Witt-Seitz Marketplace
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Located in the Heart of Canal Park, De Witt-Seitz Marketplace was a warehouse and manufacturing site in 1909. The 1985 renovation created the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace, a multi-use building with a collection of retail shops, restaurants, conference rooms, offices and other small businesses.
Northwoods Confections & Gifts
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
This cute store has a variety of gifts that are perfect for loved ones. It has old-school candy, delicious truffles and interesting gifts.
Father Time Antiques
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
A store of antiques for shopping and gifts. Story hours vary so please check their website for current hours.
Flagship
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Discover eight unique apparel collections at this trendy store in Canal Park. Each of the collections tells the stories of Duluth and Minnesota through the experience of local artists. Every shirt is screen-printed right in front of the customers.
Siiviis Art Gallery
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
Siverton Gallery is the “Art of the North”. This art gallery was founded in 1980 and today is a destination for art on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Exhibiting art of over 60 regional artists in addition to Canadian Inuit and Alaskan native art, Siiviis is a destination for gifts and shopping in Duluth.
Global Village
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
Located in Canal Park, Global Village is the best place to find traditional and modern ethnic clothing and accessories, including Fair Trade jewelry, postcards, unique cards, aromatic and medicinal incense, fragrant oils and more.
Toys for Keeps
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
See a large variety of toys, ones that your little ones will adore! Everything they could ever want to play with can be found at this cool Duluth toy store.
Water’s Edge Mercantile and Gift Shop
Distance: Located at the Resort
Open 24-hours a day, Water’s Edge Mercantile ensures you can satisfy late night cravings or grab a quick snack on your way to explore Duluth. If you’re looking for favorite gifts or souvenirs, stop by the gift shop to pick up clothing, puzzles, Lake Superior books, keychains and local favorite jams to take home with you.
Activities
Fall Colors
Distance: 1 – 50 Miles from the Resort
Fall colors is a very special time of year in Duluth. Usually starting mid-September and going until mid-October, the landscape becomes vibrant in a color Kaleidoscope. Skyline Drive, Jay Cooke State Park and the Old Highway 61 (North Shore Scenic Drive) are the most traveled roads to take in the Fall splendor. Special Resort offers are available.
Ship Watching
Distance: Located at the Resort
An average of five to six ships pass by the Resort daily during the height of the shipping season. The hotel offers a great vantage point to watch all the ships passing through the Harbor. Check the Park Point Gazette, our resort’s daily newsletter, for shipping information or by stopping into the Maritime Museum, where the marine traffic schedule is posted. For daily shipping information and viewing, check out Duluth Harbor Cam, or Harbor Lookout.
Adventure Zone
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
This awesome indoor adventure complex is Northland’s newer family attraction in Canal Park. It has over 50,000 square feet of entertainment and fun, including batting cages, mini-golf, laser tag, climbing walls, and an 18” inflatable fire truck slide!
Biking
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
advanced. Off-road cyclists and mountain bikers can ride over rocks and ridgelines on over 45 miles of trails, while beginners can take their time on some of the easier trails. Some trails to check out include Mont Du Lac, Spirit Mountain Bike Park, Piedmont Trail, Mission Creek, Hartley Park and Lester Park. The Lakewalk offers a 2.5 mile paved trail that runs next to the lake.
Fishing Charters
Distance: 1 Block from the Resort
If you love fishing and are looking to charter a boat, check out Team Crush outdoors, located right in front of our hotel at the Harbor Cove Marina.
Scenic Harbor Tours
Distance: 1 Block from the Resort
Whether you want to take a scenic education sightseeing cruise or jump aboard one of the vessels for a tasty lunch or dinner cruise, Duluth has it all. Team Crush Outdoors, North Shore Scenic Cruises and Vista Fleet are three of the top water tour companies.
Birding
Distance: 8 Miles from the Resort
Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve is open year round and has over 4 miles of hiking trails. It is one of the best places in the midwest to view the migration of birds such as hawks, eagles and other various raptors. Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA has 18 acres and is located on Park Point.
Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing
Distance: 9.5 Miles from the Resort
Spirit Mountain Recreation Area has the second highest vertical drop in the state at 700ft. It features 22 runs, 5 chairlifts and 2 surface lifts. Spirit has the largest terrain park and half pipe in the state as well as 22 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails. The Resort offers discount passes to Spirit Mountain.
Boat Rentals
Distance: 5 Blocks from the Resort
There are many boat rental companies in Duluth, so you can always get out on the water in no time. From boats and Jet Skis to Seadoos and Wakeboards, there is a company that has what you need. While you’re here, check out K & J Watersports.
Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden
Distance: 2 Miles from the Resort
Situated along the Lakewalk in Duluth, the Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, attending events, gorgeous roses, water views and to be outdoors with nature.
Train Rides
Distance: 1 Mile from the Resort
While you are in Duluth, take a train ride with North Shore Scenic Railroad. Their Music & Pizza Train Ride journeys over five scenic bridges along Lake Superior and includes an 8” pizza. The Two Harbors Turn Train Ride is a six-hour full day ride up the North Shore. It stops for lunch and shopping in Two Harbors and returns to Duluth later in the afternoon. The Duluth Zephyr is one of the most fun trips for the entire family. It allows you and your family to see the sights and a variety of attractions during the day. The Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad scenic train excursion is a great ride along the St Louis River and departs from West Duluth.
State Park Tours
Take a day trip to these state parks and enjoy their natural beauty:
- Jay Cook State Park 19 miles
- Gooseberry Falls State Park 41 miles
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park 48 miles
- Tettegouche State Park 60 miles
Whitewater Rafting
Distance: 20 Miles from the Resort
If you are looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place! Experience white water rafting with stunning scenery and experienced guides. Choose guide services from either Minnesota Whitewater Rafting or Swiftwater Adventures and have the time of your life on the St. Louis River!
Swimming & Sandcastles
Distance: 1 Block from the Resort
There are a variety of beaches along Lake Superior that allow you to swim, make sand castles and bask in the sun on. Park Point Beach is the top place to take the family for swimming, building sandcastles, sun tanning, hiking and family picnics and is located only one block from the hotel.
Art Gallery Tours
Distance: 1 – 30 Miles from the Resort
Duluth is famous for its amazing collection of art galleries and studios. The North Shore and Duluth offer over 30 unique galleries and studios that feature paintings, metal work, woodwork, photography and sculptures. Some places to visit when you’re here include the Park Point Art Fair, Lake Superior 20/20 Studio Art Tour, the Duluth Gallery Hop and the Tweed Museum of Art.
Walking the Lakewalk
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
Enjoy a peaceful stroll along the water’s edge with the entire family. Skip some stones, have a picnic at one of the many parks, wade into Lake Superior, watch for ships and start your tour of Canal Park under the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Golfing
Distance: 3.5 Miles from the Resort
The Twin Ports is home to 5 public golf courses - Enger Park, Nemadji, Lester Park, Grand View and Proctor. There is also the Miller Creek Disc Golf Course for your enjoyment. The closest golf course to the hotel is Enger Park.
Hiking
Distance: 4 Miles from the Resort
With over 150 miles of hiking and walking trails, Duluth is a premier destination to enjoy the outdoors. Popular trails include the Superior Hiking Trail, Hartley Nature Center, and Hawks Ridge Nature Center. Located on Park Point is the Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA which is a watchable wildlife area and registered audubon important bird area.
Helicopter and Plane Tours
Distance: 1.5 Miles from the Resort
If you have a love for flying high above the clouds, take a helicopter or plane tour over Duluth and Lake Superior. We have a selection of companies that offer this type of adventure, including Beaver Air Tours and Lake Superior Helicopters.
Microbreweries
Bent Paddle Brewing Company
Tours Available
Distance: 2 Miles from the Resort
Bent Paddle Brewing Co. uses the amazing water of Lake Superior to brew the freshest and most dependable craft beer possible.
LEARN MORECanal Park Brewery
Tours Available
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
It’s about the people and a love for this region. Canal Park Brewery is committed to putting unique beer styles on tap by using the best local and sustainable hops, grains, malts, and other ingredients when available.
LEARN MOREHoops Brewery Company
Tours Available
Distance: 6 Blocks from the Resort
With their combined 45 years of experience, Hoops Brewing Company brews 80-100 unique recipes a year which includes barrel aged delights, sours, American & German style light beers, wheat beers of all styles and much more.
LEARN MOREFitger’s Brewhouse
Tours Available
Distance: 2 Miles from the Resort
Fitger’s Brewhouse is operated by a small crew of hardworking brewers who all have a passion for using small batch, hand crafted brewing techniques.
LEARN MORECastle Danger Brewery
Tours Available
Distance: 26 Miles from the Resort
All designed with a flavor profile in mind, Castle Danger’s beers are brewed using traditional practices to produce unique flavorful beer, which in their minds, is the only way to approach brewing.
LEARN MOREBlacklist Brewery
Tours Available
Distance: 10 Blocks from the Resort
European inspired beers with balance, passion and technique. They have a variety of year round and seasonal beers.
LEARN MOREVikre Distillery
Tours Available
Distance: 4 Blocks from the Resort
Craft distillery that offers tours, tastings and seasonal cocktails made with house Gin, Aquavit and Vodka.
LEARN MORE