Duluth Tourist Attractions
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The life of Duluth, at the western tip of Lake Superior, centres on the world's largest inland port, which ocean-going vessels can reach via the St Lawrence Seaway, with the help of a lift bridge that can be raised within a minute from 155 ft to 225 ft. At the bridge is a museum on the history of shipping on Lake Superior. The old Union Railroad depot now houses a museum, with old steam locomotives and a street of shops in the style of 1910.
The Depot (St Louis County Heritage and Arts Center)
The Depot in Duluth is home to the Saint Louis County Heritage and Arts Center. This former Union Railroad Depot, built in 1892 in French Norman architectural style, houses exhibits by four different museums and a theater for performing arts. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum features a collection of railroad cars and locomotives from 1860-1960. The Duluth Children's Museum has hands-on exhibits to explore foreign cultures. The Depot Square is a re-creation of Duluth during 1910 to 1920.
North Shore Scenic Railroad
The North Shore Scenic Railroad in Duluth departs from The Depot for narrated sightseeing tours offered along Lake Superior and through the surrounding woodlands.
Aerial Lift Bridge
The Aerial Lift Bridge in Duluth began as an aerial transfer bridge. The bridge, built in 1905, has a huge gondola that could carries more than 60 tons of traffic, from pedestrians and horse-drawn wagons to automobiles. The bridge allows residents of Minnesota Point to reach the mainland. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Glensheen Historic Estate
The Glensheen Estate was built between 1905-08 by Chester A Congdon. The mansion resembles an English, early 17th C country estate with formal gardens. Most of the furnishings are original to the time the estate was first occupied. Glensheen is on the National Register of Historic Buildings.
Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center
The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Duluth presents exhibits that portray the history of Lake Superior shipping and the Army of Corps Engineers. Displays include replicas of ship cabins and scale models of ships. Science exhibits are also included at the museum.
Great Lakes Aquarium
The Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth is an all-freshwater aquarium that features creatures that live in and near Lake Superior. Interactive exhibits, aquariums and 70 species of fish as well as birds and river otters are featured.
Lake Superior Zoo
The Lake Superior Zoo in Duluth features hundreds of animals from around the world in their natural habitats. The Australian Outback, Northern Territory, Polar Shores and Asian Caravan are a few of the exhibits.
Minnesota Point
Minnesota Point between Lake Superior and western Superior Bay is a freshwater baymouth bar with swimming, boating, a seaplane base and views of the harbor available.
Tom's Logging Camp and Trading Post
Tom's Logging Camp and Trading Post in Duluth is a recreation of a 19th C logging camp with ten buildings furnished in period and a museum with authentic relics on display. A nature trail winds through scenic woodlands.
Tweed Museum of Art
The Tweed Museum of Art is located on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Duluth. The museum houses nine galleries with a collection of more than 4,000 artworks from the 15th century to the present.
Duluth Children's Museum
The Duluth Children's Museum has an area for toddlers, an international market place, the children's tree and an area for exploration.
Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
The Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum in Duluth is located in a former Christian Scientist Church building built in 1912.
North Shore Drive
North Shore Drive near Duluth follows the north shore of Lake Superior from Duluth to Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Skyline Parkway
The Skyline Parkway near Duluth is a 16mi/26km scenic byway located above the city that offers views of Lake Superior, the harbors, docks and city.
