How to Spend the Perfect Fall Weekend in Duluth, Minnesota »

Duluth, Minnesota is one of my favorite places in Minnesota. There’s so much to do, see, and experience here in every single season, but fall seems to be the fan favorite. Can you blame them? Duluth is the start of Minnesota’s North Shore, and as much as you want to continue heading up north, stay in Duluth for once. Most people give suggestions outside of the city limits when referring to what to do near Duluth. As a former local, and frequent visitor, I’m going to share with you the best places to eat, stay and all the fun to be had indoors and outdoors right within Duluth’s city limits! Here’s how to spend the perfect fall weekend in Duluth, Minnesota!

Pro Top: The Minnesota DNR creates a map every year sharing where the fall colors are showing, check it out to plan your trip at peak colors!

Where should I stay in Duluth?

This list could be insanely long, as there are so many great stays within the city. Let’s name a few that are different in many ways, but all great in their own way!

Zenith Base Camp: This is a hostel style hotel, that’s geared to be glamping inspired! It’s perfect for the solo traveler or friend group looking for a social enviornment but private sleeping rooms! They have many different room options based on the size of your party. Within the building they have a kitchenette, 4 single use bathrooms that are shared with all guests, living space with lots of seating, large table, and outdoor room for planning adventueres! You even get your own parking spot not on the street. You can find more visual information in my tiktok post. Also, I loved the location to places and highways from this spot! Book this stay here!
Pier B: Now, this is a place you splurge on to truly enjoy the beauty of Duluth. It’s located near Canal Park with views of the Ariel Lift Bridge, which is an iconic symbol of Duluth. They have a beautiful hot tub overlooking Lake Superior, too! Stay here!
Edgewater Hotel: This is such a fun spot to stay if you have kids. They have an indoor water park, which is great to burn off some energy, as well as a good buffer if there’s bad weather. It’s close to main streets for easy access around town. Book here!
Enger Lofts: Located in a great location within walking distance to many shops, breweries and restaurants. Enger Lofts are apartments that are made for short term and long term rentals. You’ll feel right at home staying here.

Where to Eat:

Breakfast

Dovetail Cafe: One of my favorite hidden gems. They served breakfast and lunch, but I really love their coffee! They have such cute trinkets inside too, great spot to shop for a gift.
Duluth’s Grill: A classic spot offering fresh ingredients grown on site or within the region, you won’t regret eating here.
Social House: A traditional breakfast spot that you can go to for comfort food!

Lunch/Dinner

Corktown Eatery: If you love a good sandwich, this is your new go-to spot. I loved the pulled pork! Plus, they have so many sauces! If the weathers nice, try sit outside on their patio (it’s dog friendly)!
Bali Asian Cuisine: This is going down as one of my favorite spots in Duluth. I loved the ramen, sushi and appetizers. You can’t go wrong with any of the food on the menu of both food and drinks! Great seating for solo travelers, too, at the bar!
OMC Smokehouse: A classic Duluth spot. It’s in the name, looking for good smoked meat? Head here!
Little Angie’s: One of the best spots to grab food in Canal Park. This mexican style restaurant is always a hit, and even better when you can enjoy the patio looking at the Lift Bridge!
Tavern On The Hill: I haven’t had a bad meal here! A huge restaurant with food that packs a punch.
Grandma’s Saloon: I have to add this to this list because it’s a classic spot in Duluth, but it has to be the Canal Park location.

Where to Grab Drinks:

Coffee:

190 Coffee: Located within the same building as Enger Lofts, offering a cozy coffee shop with a garage door open to outside in good weather.
Dovetail Coffee: As mentioned in the food section, a great place for food and even better coffee. Don’t forget to shop around inside!
Backalley Coffee: A cool surf shops meets the back alley garage for a fun bright twist to grab a coffee or breakfast, the vibes are great!
Natralight Coffee & Candles: Just as the name says, it’s a great place to grab coffee and shop for gifts or candles!

Brews:

URSA Minor: Love their outdoor space, but the inside has good seating, too! The beers are good, I always get a flight!
Bent Paddle Brewing: Such good beer, and even better vibes! They often have live music and lots of seating, there is a small area for kids to play!
Wild State Cider: Great ciders, with a huge outdoor patio for dogs (and doggy ice cream!).
HOOPS: If you want food here, you have to order in from the surrounding restaurants in Canal Park. Inside they have huge picnic table style seating, so unless you have a big group, you’ll be sitting with others which can be a negative or positive to you!
Canal Park Brewing: I love recommending this place to those who are already exploring Canal Park, they have good food, and I love the views of Lake Superior!

Drinks:

Rathskeller: This is a “speak easy” located in downtown Duluth. It’s in the location of the old Duluth Courthouse, where they used to hold inmates in the jail cell.
Altitude Cocktails: An affordable fun spot to grab drinks in Duluth – located in the same building at Zenith BaseCamp (bonus if you’re staying there, but you can go without staying at the hotel)!
Dubh Linn Brew Pub: A fun and lively bar with an Irish pub theme located downtown!

What to Do:

Take the North Shore Railroad on a scenic ride
Do a scenic boat tour with Vista Fleet. They are open for tours until late October. If you’re there on a Tuesday, they do tours for $10!
Rent E-Bikes from Zenith Adventures located in Canal Park and ride the Lake Walk from the Lift Bridge to Lief Erickson Park
See aquatic life at Great Lakes Aquarium
Check out the free Maritime Museum
Tour the Glensheen Mansion and see the seasonal decor
Check out the Bird Observatory at Hawks Ridge
Lake Superior Zoo
Take a hike in town! Some of my favorites are:
- Ely’s Peak
- Superior Hiking Trail Loop
- Chester Park Loop
- Hartley Nature Center Loop
- Congdon Park Waterfall
- Duluth Lake Walk
Go for a drive on Skyline Parkway, which is a 25 mile road that runs from Spirit Mountain to Brighton Beach. Some of my favorite sections are:
- Thomson Hill Rest Area to Enger Tower
- Spirit Mountain to the end of the road heading away from Duluth
- Seven Bridges Road through Hawks Ridge

Seasonal Events Happening:

*Be sure to check the websites of events to make sure they are still happening depending on what year/time you’re reading this post!*

Can you tell Duluth, Minnesota is one of my favorite places in the entire world? This is a list of my favorite spots in town, including everything from where to stay, what to eat and drink, and what to do! This is a town that’s worth a visit in any season, but there’s something so magical about spending a fall weekend in Duluth, Minnesota! Eventually, I’ll create a weekend itinerary for every season, but let’s start with the best one; Fall!