There is no doubt that Duluth is one of the most famous cities in Minnesota. And I assume that most of you have heard of some famous tourist spots in the city, like the Glensheen Mansion, Aerial Lift Bridge, Great Lakes Aquarium, and many more.
But there is much more to this city than these famous spots. There are a lot of hidden gems in Duluth that are worth visiting, which include scenic spots, different art galleries, restaurants, and museums.
Although they were not easy to find, but I have done the hard part for you. Today, I will share my personal favorite 15 hidden gems in Duluth that won’t disappoint you
Table of Contents
1. Congdon Park
If you like visiting natural, beautiful outdoor surroundings, you should consider heading to the Congdon Park, which is a neighborhood specifically famous for its natural green area.
As you go, you will be stunned by the greenery around you. There is also a hiking trail, which is not difficult and is just about a two-mile loop, which makes it easy for people of almost all ages.
As you go deeper, you will hear the sound of the water, as there are many small waterfalls. And Because this place is not well-known, you will generally find this place quite and less crowded, unlike those places where overcrowding ruins the experience. There are also different bridges, which are preferred photography spots for many visitors and provide beautiful water views as well.
Along the trail, you can sit on different benches and tables for rest or can just find a shady area nearby and sit there to relax. This place is also a preferred location for bird watching, as the whole Park is home to different species of birds.
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2. Lincoln Park
If you want to visit a destination that is suitable for multiple activities like golfing, hiking, or just simply walking around the green area, then you should visit Lincoln Park.
As you enter the Park, you can just start walking around the green area on the walking trails that have made walking easy in this area. After that, you will feel more refreshed.
The most prominent spot here is Miller Creek. This creek flows around the Park, which gives the surroundings a serene look, as there are trees all around. The area of the creek is also ideal for photography.
And it’s not only about the creek and hiking trail, but this Park is also a perfect picnic spot. You will find benches, tables, rentable picnic areas, and you can also book a pavilion as well. Additionally, if you like golfing, there is also a 9-hole disc golf course where you can spend some time golfing.
3. Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium
Address: 1023 University Dr, Duluth, MN 55812
If you are someone who is curious to learn about space and other planets, then the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium at the University of Duluth, should be on your itinerary.
There is an impressive dome theater, which is equipped with cutting-edge digital projection systems and has other state-of-the-art facilities, that are enough to make an individual feel like he is in space.
This planetarium hosts various events and public shows and also covers a wide variety of astronomical topics, with educational and entertaining presentations that make complex topics easily accessible for everyone. They also invite different guest speakers and professionals in this field to various events.
Additionally, because they keep covering new and traditional topics about space in events and shows, it’s best to check the schedule before arriving at the planetarium.
4. Tweed Museum of Art
Address: 1201 Ordean Ct, Duluth, MN 55812,
The Tweed Museum of Art at the University of Duluth, Minnesota, is for those who like art of various kinds and genres. This is a 33,000-square-foot facility with an exhibit space of over 15,000 square feet, which is massive compared to other art museums in the city.
Tweed Museum of Art has an art collection of over 10,000 pieces, including works by artists from all over the world. The art pieces include American art, ceramics, European art, native Indigenous art, photography, and modern-day photo and video art.
The gallery is really big, so take your time to assess each art piece, and don’t be in a hurry. The museum also hosts different events and exhibitions with new perspectives and themes and also includes works of emerging artists. Lastly, for the schedule of events, it’s best to keep an eye on their website and social media pages.
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5. Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge
Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge connects Duluth to Superior in the state of Wisconsin and is also known as the Bong Bridge. It’s estimated to be over 11,800 feet long and almost 8300 feet above St. Louis Bay.
As you go there, you will see that it’s suitable not only for transportation but for scenic views as well, which the majority is sometimes unaware of. The views of St. Louis Bay from the Bong Bridge are stunning, especially at sunrise and sunset, which makes this place a perfect spot for photography.
Beneath the Duluth side of the bridge, there is an area on both sides that is covered with trees and grass and is a nice little spot for some time. This bridge is also an engineering masterclass because of its unique design.
6. Lester Park
Lester Park is an ideal place for outdoor adventure lovers, which is a vast neighborhood full of hiking, biking, and the opportunity to be on the green side of Duluth.
The Park has different natural reserves, with Amity Creek flowing all along and ending in Lake Superior. The lake is near the residential side, but you will reach the shore if you follow the creek through Seven Bridges Road, which is perfect for a peaceful scenic drive.
The park is more than 9 miles long. Inside, there is a walking trail alongside different benches and tables. There is also a biking trail, so you can also come here for biking.
During your hike, you will see different wildlife animals and birds alongside some small and medium-range bridges, which most tourists prefer as photography spots.
7. Stoney Point
Just 25 minutes away from Duluth, Stoney Point is an underrated scenic spot in Duluth Township along Superior Lake that often goes unnoticed by many tourists.
There are countless ways to explore this area. First, you can spend some time on the rocky coastline with views of the Superior Lake or can just walk along the shore for an even better experience. At the same time, you can just visit the green side of the area, where you will see an abundance of trees and grass, and it is a perfect spot to rest for some time.
Another way to experience this place is to drive along Stoney Point Drive. Along the drive, you will see greenery (trees and grass) on one side and views of Lake Superior on the other. For the best experience, I would recommend you to come here in a car.
8. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
Address: 902 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55805,
Karpeles Manuscript Library is a unique, rare museum where you will see historical manuscripts on various historical events, including literature, science, political history, art, and much more. Entry to this museum is free, as it runs on donations.
The diversity and rarity of the manuscripts in this museum is what makes it unique. In a fixed and rotating exhibit, you will see different historic treaties and letters of well-known personalities that will keep you engaged.
It’s not only about manuscripts, you will also see different artwork and sculptures, like the statue of Abraham Lincoln and replicas of modern and historical ships. Some of the most prominent manuscripts in this museum are:
Joseph Stalin’s arrest record, Graham Bell’s early diagrams for the telephone, the document where Einstein wrote down his famous equation, E=MC2, a document written by Galileo in 1638, the peace treaty of the War of 1812, a handwritten document of Christopher Columbus, flight data documents of the Appolo 13 mission, and many more.
9. Western Waterfront Trail
Address: 7011, 7009 Pulaski St, Duluth, MN 55807
Western Waterfront Trail, situated along the seashore of the St. Louis River, is a 3-mile trail that offers a nice escape from everyday routine life. The best thing about this place is that it usually remain less-crowded.
The trails are well-maintained and easy for the majority of visitors. You can walk along the trail and go deep or just sit around in a shady spot, the decision is yours. However, if you decide to follow the trail, you will see different species of flowers, birds, and benches where you can sit and observe nature around you.
Additionally, if you don’t like to walk a lot, you can just sit and enjoy the views of the St. Louis River. It’s also a perfect place to read a book or snap some pictures.
10. French River Wayside
Address: 5350 N Shore Dr, Duluth, MN 55804
14 miles away from Duluth, French River Wayside often goes unnoticed by many visitors but is a perfect hidden gem near Duluth for even families as well, where you can view Lake Superior peacefully.
As you go, you will see the whole area is open towards Lake Superior; there is also a small shelter where you can view the Lake. However, if you like going to the shore, you will find small rocks and a shore with grass where you can sit and enjoy your visit.
Most people forget that this place is also an ideal for fishing, especially in the spring and fall seasons. You will also see different freights and ships from the Lake.
Additionally, you can walk around the shore or on the opposite side, there is a green area with different trees and grass, which is also a nice place to walk.
11. Lake Superior Art Glass
Address: 357 Canal Park Dr, Duluth, MN 55802,
If you love glass art, you should definitely visit Lake Superior Art Glass for modern and handcrafted art pieces. This gallery stands out for showcasing local talent in Northland.
As you enter the gallery, you will surely love the glass art pieces on display, which include jewelry, birds, wedding glass, vases, sculptures, and figurines.
They offer various options, like jewelry, birds, wedding glass, vases, sculptures, and figurines. They also have custom options available, so if you like their work, you can order any kind of design.
But the best thing about this place is the live classes. They charge a fee, and a professional glass artist will guide you in making glass art. This is a wonderful experience and worth the time and money you spend here.
They also have a custom design facility, where you will give them a design, and they will make the art piece for your liking,
12. Clayton, Jackson, Mcghie Memorial
Address: E 1st St & N 2nd Ave E
This memorial is a tribute to Clayton, Jackson, and Mcghie, three black men who were brutally lynched by white residents in 1920. This place holds a significant value, which most people seem to forget nowadays.
As you go there, you will see bronze plaques mounted on a granite base. Each plaque bears the names of Clayton Jackson and McGhie. This site is specially designed for self-reflection and to send a message to society that racism can never be accepted. Along the statues are various quotes from individuals like Martin Luther King Jr., Elie Weisel, and others who raised their voices and played an important role in ending racism in society.
The location of this place is chosen carefully, as it often hosts small events in which many locals participate.
13. Jamrock Cultural Restaurant
Address: 319 W 1st St, Duluth, MN 55802
Jamrock Cultural Restaurant should be on your list of restaurants to visit in Duluth if you ever want to try Jamaican food. The owner of this restaurant is their chef, who has over 25 years of experience making Caribbean dishes.
As you enter, you will be greeted in a traditional Jamaican way. The restaurant has a stylish interior and a truly aesthetic seating area in a cozy environment. Although its menu is not extensive, the quality of what it serves is top-notch.
This place’s specialty is its portion sizes, they fill up your plate like crazy. Visitors love their jerk chicken and seafood options, like lobster and shrimp po’boy.
14. Taste of Saigon
Address: 394 S Lake Ave #105, Duluth, MN 55802,
If you ever crave Vietnamese or Chinese food in Duluth, head to the Taste of Saigon restaurant. It is a takeout restaurant, but the dining area is still there, so you need to pick your food, and then you can either use the dining area or take it out.
The food portion is quite good, with traditional Chinese and Vietnamese options like soup and pho, fried rice, chicken, and beef available. However, their primary specialty is their combination of platters, like shrimp with vegetables, beef with vegetables, and chicken with vegetables. They also offer vegan options like Spicy Mockduck Lemongrass and fried tofu and vegetables.
15. Trophy Cafe
Address: 1314 Commonwealth Ave, Duluth, MN 55808
For breakfast, lunch, and brunch, Trophy Cafe is a lovely little privately owned cafe. They offer generous portions, and prices are also fair.
As you enter, you will be delighted by the neat and clean place, which has the warm atmosphere of a traditional cafe. The staff is also friendly, and you won’t need to wait long for an order either.
Their menu style is also unique, especially their combination platters for breakfast, like Trophy 1 and Trophy 2. For lunch, you can have different vegetarian and non-veg sandwiches, soups, and salads. However, they also have a separate kid’s menu.
FAQ’s
1. What is unique about Duluth?
The geographical location is what makes Duluth unique. With beaches, forests, hiking trails, museums, and lakes, Duluth has everything a tourist expects.
2. Why do people visit Duluth, MN?
As for the locations I’ve mentioned above, it is very clear that people visit Duluth because of the diverse options it provides to tourists.
3. Is Duluth worth visiting?
Yes, Duluth is 100% worth giving a try. You won’t regret visiting this beautiful city.
4. What are the best months to visit Duluth, MN?
It depends on your priority destinations. July to September is an ideal time to visit the beaches, hike, and do other adventurous activities. However, visiting Duluth from November to March is perfect if you want to enjoy snowfall.
5. Are these places free to visit?
It depends on location to location. Public areas are generally free to visit, while some museums often charge entry fees. That’s why it’s best always to check the website and social media pages of the destination you are planning to visit (if available).
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