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Duluth

Duluth travel guide

City in Minnesota, United States

Best time to visitJuly to September
Nearest airportDLH · 6 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population86,697

About Duluth

Duluth is a port city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of St. Louis County. Located on Lake Superior in Minnesota's Arrowhead Region, the city is a hub for cargo shipping. The population was 86,697 at the 2020 census, making it Minnesota's fifth-largest city. Duluth forms a metropolitan area with neighboring Superior, Wisconsin, called the Twin Ports. Duluth is south of the Iron Range and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It is named after Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut, the area's first known European explorer.

Places to visit in Duluth

  1. Canal Park

    Canal Park

    Neighborhood

    Duluth's waterfront district, with shops, restaurants and hotels in converted warehouses. Walk out along the ship canal piers to the lighthouses to watch large freighters enter the harbor.

  2. Aerial Lift Bridge

    Aerial Lift Bridge

    Landmark

    The city's symbol, this bridge raises its span to let ore boats and ships pass beneath. Watching a large vessel glide through is a classic Duluth experience.

  3. Glensheen

    Glensheen

    Historic · 3 mi from centre

    A Jacobean Revival mansion on the Lake Superior shore with original furnishings, gardens and a boathouse. Tours explore the house and the family who built it.

  4. Lakewalk

    Park

    A paved shoreline path running from Canal Park along Lake Superior, ideal for walking, biking and watching waves crash on the rocks, with benches and small beaches along the way.

  5. Enger Tower

    Enger Tower

    Viewpoint

    A stone observation tower on a hillside park with a Japanese peace bell and gardens. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the harbor and the lake.

  6. Park Point

    Park Point

    Beach · 4 mi from centre

    A long sand spit reached across the lift bridge, with sandy Lake Superior beaches, a recreation area and a trail through pines toward old lighthouse ruins.

  7. Great Lakes Aquarium

    Great Lakes Aquarium

    Zoo

    A freshwater aquarium in Canal Park focused on the Great Lakes region, with sturgeon, river otters and hands-on exhibits about Lake Superior's ecology, shipping and weather, good on a rainy day.

  8. Jay Cooke State Park

    Jay Cooke State Park

    Nature · 14 mi from centre

    Southwest of the city, the St. Louis River tumbles over steeply tilted slate here. A swinging footbridge crosses the rapids, and trails follow the gorge through the surrounding hardwood forest.

Where to stay in Duluth

Popular hotels in Duluth, out of 49 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Duluth

Best time to visit Duluth

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Duluth is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 8° – 22° 4
Feb 13° – 29° 5
Mar 23° – 40° 7
Apr 33° – 49° 11
May 45° – 62° 12
Jun 55° – 71° 14
Jul 62° – 78° 11
Aug 61° – 75° 11
Sep 57° – 72° 7
Oct 45° – 60° 9
Nov 30° – 41° 9
Dec 10° – 25° 7

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Duluth weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 66° 48° 5%
  • Thu 22 Oct 60° 49° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 60° 49° 12%
  • Sat 24 Oct 67° 53° 23%
  • Sun 25 Oct 53° 43° 25%
  • Mon 26 Oct 49° 38° 8%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Duluth

These are the airports closest to central Duluth. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • DLH Duluth International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Duluth

Getting around Duluth

Driving is probably the best option for getting around Duluth. The city generally does not have any traffic problems, although it can get congested in Canal Park.

By bus/taxi

Public bus and trolley services are operated by the Duluth Transit Authority (DTA).

By bike

The Duluth-Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council has made a bike map for the Twin Ports area.

Duluth travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Duluth?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Duluth is July to September, when average daytime highs are around 72–78°F and rain falls on about 10 days a month.

What is the weather like in Duluth?

July is usually the warmest month in Duluth, with average highs of 78°F (26°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 8°F (-14°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 137 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Duluth?

Duluth International Airport (DLH) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Duluth.

What time zone is Duluth in?

Duluth uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Duluth?

Driving is probably the best option for getting around Duluth. The city generally does not have any traffic problems, although it can get congested in Canal Park.

What are the best places to visit in Duluth?

Top sights in Duluth include Canal Park, Aerial Lift Bridge, Glensheen and Lakewalk. Duluth's waterfront district, with shops, restaurants and hotels in converted warehouses. Walk out along the ship canal piers to the lighthouses to watch large freighters enter the harbor.

Where should I stay in Duluth?

Popular areas for hotels in Duluth include Duluth Area. Well-reviewed options include Radisson Hotel Duluth-Harborview and AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth.

How many hotels can I book in Duluth?

Destina Holidays currently lists 49 properties in and around Duluth, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.