Spring is in the air and everyone is starting to get out and explore. Our blog this week goes into all the fun and unique events that happen in our favorite city of Duluth. Check out these nine fun spring family activities in Duluth, Minnesota.
1) Take a hike on one of Duluth’s 35+ hiking trails! – All year round
Duluth has no shortage of beautiful hiking trails within its city limits. If you are a hiker you will find over 150 miles scattered across the city. There are so many great ones to choose from. The Superior Hiking Trail is a great place to start for more advanced hikers, but other good choices include Oberg Mountain and Ely’s Peak, and the coastal trails on Park Point. Every hike offers a different experience so make sure to try them all!
2) Watch the first ships come into the Duluth harbor. – End of March
If you are looking for an event that only happens once a year, then look no further. Every year at the end of March the Lake Superior ice starts to open up and the first ship will arrive in our beautiful port city signifying the start of the shipping season. Ship enthusiasts camp out just to say that they witnessed the first ship of the season. This can be viewed by hanging out on Duluth’s Lakewalk.
3) Enjoy a snippet from the past at Glensheen Mansion – All year round
Glensheen is located on the shore of Lake Superior. The mansion is the most visited historic home in Minnesota and has won countless awards for its detail and beauty. Their 12-acre estate features gardens, bridges, and the famous 39-room mansion built with remarkable 20th-century craftsmanship, telling the story of the Duluth region.

4) Visit the awe-inspiring Split Rock Lighthouse State Park – All year round
Split Rock is one of the most popular things to do around Duluth. Each year around 400,000 people come to see this beautiful lighthouse. It’s about an hour north of downtown Duluth, but it’s one of the best-known (and most-photographed) landmarks in the state of Minnesota. As you head north towards this iconic park, enjoy the scenic drive along Scenic Hwy 61.
5) Take in the majestic beauty of the waterfalls at Tettagouche State Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park.
The early spring months, as the snow begins to melt, are one of the best times to see these beautiful waterfalls. The waterfalls offer extraordinary views, a great hike, and the perfect place to take photos. Each of these parks is located about an hour north of Duluth so we recommend making it a day trip.
6) Enjoy the nature of Spirit Mountain Ski Area – End of March
Spirit Mountain is a very popular attraction during the winter attracting skiers and snowboarders from across Minnesota, but the fun doesn’t stop there! Spirit Mountain is also home to some of the best mountain biking trails in the Duluth area, and the best part is that most of the trails are lift-served!
7) Explore the fun shops of Duluth’s Canal Park, – All year round
Canal Park offers a wider variety of things to do including watching ships pulling into Duluth’s harbor and under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge. Grab an ice cream cone from Love Creamery and walk around the unique and fun shops.
8) Take a refreshing boat ride on the Vista Fleet. – End of May
It’ll still be a bit icy and cold out on Lake Superior for a while yet, but come May, Duluth’s Vista Fleet will once again be offering sightseeing cruises around Duluth’s picturesque harbor. They also plan to start offering their sunset dinner cruises by late May as well!
9) Check out lake superior from the sky! – All year round
Take to the skies with Lake Superior Helicopter Tours. This unique experience is fun for the whole family and gives a great view of all of Duluth from an angle only a few get to experience
https://www.lakesuperiorhelicopters.com/helicopter-tours-duluth-minnesota
10) Hit the music with Duluth Homegrown Festival. – Beginning of May
The Homegrown Music Festival is an annual community celebration of the original and diverse music of Duluth, Minn., and its surrounding communities. What started in 1999 with ten acts has matured into an eight-day community-wide local music, arts, and cultural extravaganza.
11) Continue to capture the music with Dylan Fest – End of May
A one-of-a-kind festival celebrating Duluth’s native son. Duluth Dylan Fest is dedicated to showcasing Duluth’s vibrant art scene. The group of volunteers is committed to providing creative events that tap the talents of artists, poets, and musicians in Duluth and the surrounding region. The annual festival is planned and carried on by a group of volunteers.
Those were our nine spring family activities in Duluth, Minnesota. See anymore you think should be added? Let us know!
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