Enjoy endless winter adventure in Duluth Minnesota on Lake Superior. Use this guide to help you plan your next winter vacation.
Day one is typically a half-day for most people traveling from 2+ hours away. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of your first day in Duluth. We recommend aiming for a mid-afternoon arrival so you can dive right into sightseeing and shopping before checking into your hotel. A great place to start is the historic Fitgers Complex. You’ll first notice a fantastic view of the lake and lift bridge from the parking lot. Once inside, you can explore several local boutique shops.
You’ll find everything from outdoor clothing and gear at Trail Fitters to gourmet foods at The Market. If you want to try award-winning ales, a stop at The Brewhouse is a must. There are a few options within the complex for food, but if you enjoyed the beer at The Brewhouse, you might as well order their food, too, because it’s excellent!
A bonus of this stop is the opportunity to pick up some supplies for the weekend. So, grab some delicious snacks, a growler or crawl of beer, or stop in at The Wine Cellar before you leave.
After a few hours at Fitgers, check-in time should be at Beacon Pointe Hotel (4:30 PM). Head over to get checked in, and don’t be afraid to ask our front desk staff about their favorite things to do in Duluth. They are well-equipped to point you in the right direction for whatever adventure you’re seeking.
A great way to spend day two is at Spirit Mountain. You can hit the slopes, cross-country ski, fat tire bike, or go snow tubing here. The fun continues with glow tubing and night skiing even after the sun goes down. The high views of the harbor alone make this spot a worthwhile visit. Plus, Beacon Pointe guests receive discounted tickets, rentals, and tubing!
There is no better place for Après ski (social activity after a day’s skiing) than Ursa Minor Brewing in West Duluth. We highly recommend stopping in to enjoy a locally crafted beer on their year-round pet-friendly patio with multiple firepits.
Don’t be surprised to discover live music playing when you arrive. Ursa hosts local talent in their taproom several nights a week. Make sure to try one of their wood-fired pizzas, as they are arguably one of the best pizzas in town.
At this point in the day, you may be itching to return to your condo to take in the remarkable lake views and freshen up for evening activities. The sunrise and sunset views from Beacon Pointe rooms are extraordinary, so you may want to consider catching one at some point on this trip.
For evening fun, we recommend heading to Canal Park. There are several excellent restaurants, such as Lake Avenue Restaurant & Bar, Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant, Cloud 9 Asian Bistro, and Northern Water’s Smokehaus. For drinks, there is no better place than Vikre Distillery and Cocktail Room, located at the base of the historic lift bridge.
We know a short two-night weekend is not enough for a proper Duluth getaway, so we put together another day of adventure for you!
Your first stop could be Amity Coffee, where you can find the best homemade caramel rolls, delicious breakfast burritos, and excellent coffee.
Once you’re all fueled up, you won’t have to travel far to find frozen waterfalls and excellent trails for winter hiking/snowshoeing, fat tire biking, or cross-country skiing.
Lester River Park is the local go-to, featuring over 9 miles of heavily wooded trails that help protect you from the wind. Venture down some of the park’s large frozen waterfalls, and you’ll have a full day of exploring ahead of you. This park can even be enjoyed after the sun goes down with its light XC ski and fat tire bike trails.
If you feel chilled after your outdoor adventure, we recommend warming up with a tour of Glensheen Mansion. This must-see historic property is perched on the shore of Lake Superior. Self-guided and guided tours are available. The property’s aesthetic is fascinating, but the backstory makes it a remarkable experience.
Eating pleasant food on vacation is what it’s all about, so head to Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe for lunch. In a quaint neighborhood setting, they serve a Farm-to-table menu with international accents, craft cocktails, and more.
If you need lunch, you can head to Chester Creek Park, another favorite winter walking park. It’s an 11-minute walk or a 2-minute drive from Sara’s Table. This lovely park features hiking trails that lead through the woods and along a river with bridges that cross over waterfalls.
The evening is yours to enjoy. If you haven’t already, we recommend spending some time at Beacon Pointe to catch the sunset from your room.
The last day of vacation is never to be wasted. Before leaving town, you might want to stop at Duluth Coffee Company for a specialty drink and grab a bag of coffee to enjoy back home. FYI, that is the same coffee you probably enjoyed in room at Beacon Pointe. Don’t miss your chance to stop at the craft district’s shops. You’ll find leather goods at Frost River, handmade goods at Back Alley Duluth, Boat House Treats & Treasures, thrift stores, and gallery boutique shores like Two Loons Gallery and Thrifty Bowtique.