series of sculptures representing the social, cultural and historical values of Duluth and cities around the world create an outdoor gallery of international art.
OPTION
Have lunch at Grandma’s Restaurant or, at least, take a peek inside at the interesting paraphernalia hanging from the ceiling and on the walls. Burgers, specialty sandwiches, Marathon Spaghetti, steak and more. Open daily; 522 Lake Avenue South; 218-727-4192; www.grandmasrestaurants.com.
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
Whether you’ve been together 50 years or are just starting out, Duluth is the place to go with the person you love.
20 Bayfront Carriages
Canal Park across from Grandma’s Restaurant; 218-428-9563; www.bayfrontcarriages.com
Take a romantic carriage ride along the waterfront. Bayfront Carriages (across from Grandma’s Restaurant) offers their horse-drawn service on scheduled days; see website for days and times. Fee charged.
21 Fitger’s Brewery Complex
600 East Superior Street; 218-279-BREW; www.brewhouse.net
Fitger’s was a brewery from 1882 until 1972. Now a shopping complex with elegant dining opportunities and an overnight guest inn, learn about its history in the free museum. Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery & Grille features its own award-winning handcrafted ales, homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers and more. Wheelchair accessible.
OPTION
Stop by Fitger’s Wine Cellars (within the Fitger’s complex) and choose a favorite wine from their more than 1,000 vintages. • Fifty cents gets you a ride on the Port Town Trolley from the Waterfront to Fitger’s. Wheelchair accessible.
22 Leif Erikson Park & The Greenery Café & Bakery
Leif Erikson Park is north of Fitger’s Complex on London Road. The Greenery Café & Bakery, Holiday Court, 2nd Level, 200 West 1st Street; 218-727-3387
Order a picnic-to-go from The Greenery Café & Bakery and head to the Rose Garden at Leif Erikson Park. One of Minnesota’s prettiest parks, it boasts more than 3,000 rose bushes, a fountain and a gazebo, and many spots to enjoy the incredible views of the lake.
NOTE: Rose-blooming season begins in late June to early July.
23 North Shore Scenic Railroad
The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street; 800-423-1273 or 218-722-1273; www.northshorescenicrailroad.org
The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a special 2½-hour Elegant Dinner Train excursion hosted by various Duluth restaurants. Restored vintage train rumbles through the city along the rugged shoreline and deep into the North Woods. Trip scheduled for selected weekends only. Limited wheelchair accessibility. Call ahead for reservations, menu and dates.
24 Olcott House Bed & Breakfast Inn
2316 East 1st Street; 800-715-1339 or 218-728-1339; www.olcotthouse.com Also see www.duluthbandb.com for more information on Duluth’s historic inns.
A 1904 “Gone With the Wind” historic grand mansion, the Olcott House offers a choice of six romantic suites with working fireplaces and private baths or a carriage house hideaway complete with kitchen and living room. Sip a glass of iced tea on the Grand Porch before going out for dinner or stroll the manicured grounds in the company of your sweetheart. Wonderful two-course candlelight breakfast served in your suite.
25 Radisson Hotel Duluth—Harborview
505 West Superior Street; 800-333-3333 or 218-727-8981; www.radisson.com/duluthmn
Make dinner reservations at Radisson’s JJ Astor Restaurant and Lounge. Located on the 16th floor, the revolving restaurant offers a spectacular harbor and city view. Full revolution every 72 minutes. American cuisine. Wheelchair accessible. Dinner served daily.
26 Renegade Theater Company
Teatro Zuccone, 222 East Superior Street; 218-336-1414; www.renegadetheatercompany.org
Top off your evening with a show. The Renegade Theater Company offers mainstage productions as well as hilarious improv performances every Friday and Saturday nights. Call for reservations and ticket prices.
27 Skyline Parkway
Take Highway 53 north off of I-35. Skyline Parkway crosses Highway 53.
This dramatic, 30-mile drive 600 feet above the shoreline is one long, breathtaking view of Lake Superior and the harbor.
OPTION
There are frequent observation points and markers, including the tower at Enger Park. Seven Bridges Road winds through forested hillsides and over seven stone bridges. Explore caverns, waterfalls and the Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, which is rated one of the nation’s top ten viewing spots for hawks; www.hawkridge.org.
28 Vista Fleet Harbor Cruises
323 Harbor Drive; 218-722-6218 or 877-883-4002; www.vistafleet.com
Enjoy scenic Lake Superior and the international harbor aboard the Vista Star. The 2-hour dinner cruise is especially popular. Wheelchair accessible. Call for hours. Reservations required.
Enger Tower
Voyageurs National Park
Minnesota’s diverse landscapes and ever-changing seasons are not only breathtakingly beautiful, but they provide great opportunities for the adventure seeker as well.
For all of you who hunger for a different kind of a vacation—one that caters to your free spirit—this chapter is for you. From dairy farming, to mushing a dog team, to renting a houseboat, Minnesota is your vacationland for adventure!
