Minnesota Day Trips by Theme. Mary M. Bauer

FAMILY DAYS

      More than a shipping port or honeymoon retreat, Duluth is a great place for families. Kids and parents alike will love these fun and educational attractions.

1 Duluth Huskies Baseball

      Wade Stadium, 101 North 35th Avenue West; 218-786-9909; northwoodsleague.com/duluth-huskies

      Take in a ball game at the historic Wade Stadium, home to the Duluth Huskies. The team plays 36 regular season home games, facing tough opponents like the La Crosse Loggers. Jun–Aug. Wheelchair accessible. Call for season schedule and ticket prices.

2 Great Lakes Aquarium

      353 Harbor Drive; 218-740-3474; www.glaquarium.org

      The Great Lakes Aquarium features a unique 120,000-gallon display. Captain an ore freighter and learn about the unpredictable weather patterns responsible for sinking ships. Experience over 30 interactive exhibits including glaciers, lava flows and wave creation. Otters, frogs, fish, birds and mammals throughout. Changing exhibits and special programs. Open daily. Fee charged. Children 2 and under free.

      NOTE: Separate fee for parking.

3 Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

      On the waterfront in Canal Park next to the Aerial Lift Bridge; 218-720-5260, ext. 1; www.lsmma.com

      The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center features full-scale replicas of ship cabins, recovered artifacts from sunken ships, film presentations, sightseeing information and posted arrival and departure times of huge 1,000-foot freighters that pass within yards of the building. Open daily. Wheelchair accessible. Free.

      NOTE: For more shipping information, call the Boatwatcher’s Hotline at 218-722-6489 (closed February to mid-March), or the Duluth Shipping News at 218-722-3119; www.duluthshippingnews.com.

4 Lake Superior Zoo

      7210 Fremont Street; 218-730-4500; www.lszooduluth.org

      More than 25 endangered and threatened species from around the world live at the zoo, including Snow Leopards, Black-Footed Ferrets, Bald Eagles, and an Amur Tiger. Primate Conservation Center, gift shop and cafe. Open year-round. Check website for days and hours. Wheelchair accessible. Fee charged. Children 2 and under free.

5 Minnesota Whitewater

      3212 River Gate Avenue, Scanlon. Located 18 miles south of Duluth on the St. Louis River in Scanlon; 218-522-4446; www.minnesotawhitewater.com

      Does your family crave action-packed adventure? Then take them whitewater rafting. Minnesota Whitewater supplies the equipment, shuttle service and guides you need for a wet and wild ride down 4 miles of the St. Louis River. No experience necessary, but must be age 12 or older. Daily May–Sep. Fee charged. Call ahead for a list of recommended clothing and gear.

      OPTION

      Jay Cooke State Park, 780 Highway 210, Carlton (eastern edge of town); 218-384-4610. More than 14 miles of scenic biking and hiking from Carlton to Duluth. The park’s focal point is a swinging suspension bridge overlooking an awesome gorge. Keep in mind that the bike or hike back is uphill!

6 North Shore Scenic Railroad—Pizza Train

      The Depot (downtown Duluth), 506 West Michigan Street; 218-722-1273 or 800-423-1273; www.northshorescenicrailroad.org

      Enjoy a 2½-hour trip aboard a vintage train as it rumbles over tall trestles spanning deep river gorges, but you won’t have to ride on an empty stomach. This adventure includes Domino’s Pizza and fun! Check website for days and hours. Wheelchair accessible. Reservations required by 2 p.m. the day of the excursion. Fee charged.

7 Playfront Park

      Bayfront Festival Park at the base of 5th Avenue West (on the waterfront by the Great Lakes Aquarium)

      Take a picnic lunch to the Playfront at Bayfront Festival Park and let the kids run wild. They’ll have a blast on all the cool playground equipment, giving you a chance to put your feet up and relax. By the way, you’re in a perfect position for watching giant ore freighters cruise into the harbor.