Spread out along the hilly north shore of Lake Superior, Duluth lies amid some of the most scenic country in Minnesota. This northern Minnesota city is located at the western tip of Lake Superior, halfway between Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Canadian border.

Duluth is known in Minnesota as a gateway to the wilderness. The Superior Hiking Trail, the Munger Trail and Spirit Mountain beckon adventurers, while birdwatchers travel to Hawk Ridge to watch raptors and other species migrate. The Great Lakes Aquarium offers views of wildlife and freshwater fish.

One of the best times to visit is autumn, when leaves on the hardwoods turn brilliant colors. Along the St. Louis River, hikers and bicyclists greet spring and summer as they enjoy Western Waterfront Trail, a 5-mile path with picnic areas and access sites for boats. Winter is welcomed by snowmobilers and skiers eager to glide along the 45 miles of snowmobile trails, and over 30 miles of cross-country ski trails,

Duluth is a popular base for chartered fishing expeditions on Lake Superior, where anglers can hook Chinook, Coho, Atlantic salmon, steelhead, and trout. Sightseeing cruises are another way to get onto the water. They run from June through to September and usually last about two hours.

Canal Park is the centerpiece of the city's waterfront. The Canal Park Marine Museum includes the William A. Irvin, the 610-foot flagship of the old U.S. Steel Great Lakes Fleet. Canal Park is where you can see the Aerial Lift Bridge. It lifts straight up to allow ships to pass through the Duluth Ship Channel. South of the bridge is the Great Lakes Aquarium, an unusual freshwater aquarium that is home to 70 species of fish found in the Great Lakes. Interactive exhibits at the the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center explain the lakes' ecology. From the park, there is the opportunity to stroll along the Lakewalk, a waterfront boardwalk.

A walk around Depot Square, reveals a compact re-creation of old Duluth. The model buildings include: a meat market, a barbershop, a bank and other establishments, all in three-quarter scale, and a trolley running through the square. Near Depot Square are the Lake Superior Museum of Transportation (railway buffs will enjoy the collection of antique trains), the Duluth Art Institute, and the Chisholm Museum, which documents the experiences of immigrants to the area. The Fond-du-Luth Gaming Casino is also downtown.

There are so many family oriented attractions in Duluth. Park Point, a 6-mile sandbar at the tip of Minnesota Point, is the site of a beach, picnic facilities, playgrounds, and ball fields. Just outside Duluth is Superior National Forest.

Theater, music and ballet are among the cultural events presented in the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The Port Town Trolley offers tours of the city and harbor front from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

Even during the coldest times, getting around town is easy and pleasant as the result of an extensive, climate-controlled skywalk which connects all of the major downtown facilities.

The historic Glensheen Estate is a must-see while visiting. Glensheen features a 39-room Jacobean style mansion complete with custom designed, original furnishings. The beautifully manicured grounds include formal gardens, a carriage house with carriage collection, gardener's cottage, clay tennis courts, and more. Completed in 1908, Glensheen is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A side trip for the whole family is the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad. You can enjoy an historic 90-minute journey along the scenic St. Louis River and view wildlife in its natural environment amid the majestic beauty of the river and surrounding area. Using vintage equipment as well as an open "Safari Car" on its excursions, the LS&M traces its roots back to 1863 and was the first railroad linking Duluth with the Twin Cities.

Winter is chilly for most people with temperatures often below 0 and plenty of snow. It’s a great time to watch the Sled Dog Marathon, held in February and to attend Winterfest. Spring begins to appear in April with temperatures rising each day. You can expect a little late snow in April, but most days are crisp and pleasant. This is the time of the Homegrown Music Festival, an annual, outdoor spring event.

In the summer, Lake Superior is dotted with boats, and many festivals occur. The Lake Superior Swim and Beach Run takes place in June., followed by the Duluth International Regatta, the Bayfront Blues Festival, and the Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival. Downtown Duluth hosts an annual three day Country Music Festival on the July 4 holiday weekend for visitors who want to experience a departure from the traditional one-day parade and fireworks.

Fall, tends to begin early, bringing with it the colors of the season. A favorite fall pastime is Hawk watching, held at the Nature Reserve each year as well as Quilting on the Waterfront and Adventure Duluth.

Duluth is a destination offering endless variety and enjoyment. It is a site from which to celebrate the natural beauty of our country in every season, throughout the year.

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