Some associate Duluth with a bygone era of locomotives, lighthouses, and small-but-mighty tugboats, but this quaint, authentic Minnesota town is much more than a journey into the past. The port city, located on the shores of Lake Superior, is the perfect place for those who choose to go a bit off the beaten path when it comes to their stays and vacations. Duluth has a long, fascinating history that is intertwined with the great railroads of the 19th century, and people interested in that once-indomitable industry will find plenty to see and investigate during their visit. Modern-day Duluth has plenty to offer to today’s traveler, with a wealth of secrets, hideouts, shops, and social gathering spots that are well worth seeking out.

If you’re flying into Minnesota for your stay in Duluth, you’re in luck: Duluth International Airport (DLH) is right outside the city’s business district. Apart from DLH, Sky Harbor Regional Airport (KDYT) and Cloquet Carlton County Airport (COQ) are also in the vicinity. You may want to rent a car to get around, but plenty of other transportation options are available. The Duluth Transit Authority provides bus service throughout all of Duluth, and neighboring Proctor, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and many people get around town on a bicycle or scooter during the warmer months. Additionally there is a bevy of ride-share options available, easily requested from your smartphone.

Wintertime in Minnesota and the American Midwest can be downright freezing. But don’t let that dissuade you from a late- or early-year visit: locals tend to wear their winter coats like badges of honor. Duluth turns it up a notch during the holiday season, as the Bentleyville Tour of Lights illuminates a dark winter’s evening. Outside of winter, spring is a frenzy of life and ice-thaw, and summer is a non-stop flurry of outdoor activity, maximum daylight, and minimum sleep. For those looking to rent a cabin in Duluth or take advantage of some vacation rentals, fall might be the finest season weather-wise.

Glensheen Estate

This historic mansion stretches across 20,000 square feet, and its Jacobean architectural style and period furnishings qualify it as a historic house museum, operated by the University of Minnesota Duluth. Tours, events, and concerts are regularly scheduled on the Glensheen grounds.

Take a Train Ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

The great American railroad corporations of the 19th century play a significant role in Duluth’s history, and the North Shore Scenic Railroad serves as a time-traveling portal back into that bygone transportation era. Schedule a trip on a restored, vintage train through downtown Duluth, Canal Park, and Two Harbors and feel the history as you roll over every picturesque bridge and timber trestle.

Canal Park

Canal Park is the centerpiece of Duluth’s downtown revival, and it’s no wonder it has become such a popular gathering spot for locals and out-of-towners alike. Take in the park’s sculpture garden after you hit up one of the many charming coffee shops, then enjoy a late lunch or dinner at the surrounding bistros and eateries. You can peruse the pier and watch the ships come in, then head out to the jazz club for an awesome evening’s entertainment.