Thinking of a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior? Check out where to eat and what to do with our family-friendly Duluth Travel Guide!
As a Duluth, MN native, I can say without a doubt, the North Shore of Lake Superior really hits its stride in summer months! There are tons of family-friendly things to do indoors and out, and temps stay a notch cooler than Southern Minnesota which is a welcomed relief from the Minneapolis heat.
Last month we headed up to Duluth and the North Shore as a family. And while the trip was family-focused, so many of the things we did with the kids, like hiking + rock-hopping at a waterfall, exploring a lighthouse, biking along the lakeshore, we would spring for even if the kids weren’t in tow.
The Duluth area also has several family-friendly dining spots with chef-driven menus parents will love (like the New Scenic Cafe)! My hope is parents will enjoy this Duluth, MN travel guide equally as much, if not more than the kids!
Eats & Treats
- The Portland Malt Shoppe — Originally built in the 1920’s a gas station, and later a couture dress shop, this sweet malt shoppe overlooks Lake Superior and comes with a side of nostalgic charm. I recommend taking your treats down to the Lakewalk (at water level). The stairs are located just to the right of the shoppe.
- Caramel Apples at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – I used to work here in high school, so I may be biased, but try their loaded caramel apples and I think you’ll agree! My favorites are the Apple Pie Caramel Apple and the Peanut Butter Cup Caramel Apple.
- Scenic 61 Mobile Kitchen – We’re always on the lookout for chef-driven places that are also casual enough to take kiddos. The Scenic 61 food truck with their inspired menu is just that place–I had a salmon burger with cucumber and cilantro on a black brioche bun. Yuh-huh-hum! (Don’t worry, they have a kid’s menu too.) The adjacent outdoor dining area makes it a convenient pit stop for lunch.
- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake, known to locals as Sir Ben’s, this laid back pub has great lunch and dinner fare, and a fantastic patio overlooking Lake Superior.
- Amazing Grace Cafe is probably my favorite local spot to grab sandwiches and other picnic fare before heading out for a hike or a picnic on the shore.
- Crank and Dasher Ice Cream, located in the Fitger’s Courtyard that overlooks Lake Superior
- New Scenic Cafe (one of my favorite restaurants on the North Shore Scenic Highway) has re-imagined their offering, and lucky for us, it leans more casual (read: family-friendly) with a “cafeteria-style” setup, outdoor/indoor seating options, and grab-n-go deli.
Activities & Sites
- Explore Canal Park in Duluth, Mn and check out the Aerial Lift Bridge. There are often large ocean-liner ships sailing into the harbor and their massive size never fail to amaze!
- Swim at the Sandy Beaches of Park Point (on hot summer days). There are two beaches: one halfway down Minnesota Avenue on Park Point strip, and the other at the far end of the strip, Park Point Beach House.
- Hunt for mermaid tears (sea glass), agates and grey stacking-rocks on the pebbly stretch of shoreline in Canal Park.
- Great Lakes Aquarium
- North Shore Scenic Railroad Trainride
- Tour William A Irving Ship – An opportunity to tour one of those big ocean-liners you see out on the water!
- Playfront Park Playground at Bayfront Festival Park
- Gooseberry Falls State Park – Our 4 year old had a ton of fun rock-hopping near the falls, and there’s a moderately short hike down to the lake. I suggest packing a picnic to enjoy by the water!
- Splitrock Lighthouse – We had a blast climbing to the top of the lighthouse, learning about the history, and playing in the small, but engaging interactive kids area located inside the visitor center.
- Bring your bikes and burleys! There are lots of bike trails around including Duluth’s Lakewalk and the Gitchi Gami Trail.
Where to Stay?
We rented a cottage at Larsmont Cottages, and it was AWESOME + very family-friendly! The cottages are right on Lake Superior about 15 minutes North of Duluth, so they’re a great home base for exploring both Duluth and the North Shore. They have firepits right on the water, s’more kits, lawn games set up ready for action, an indoor pool, kids coloring contests, bike rental, etc. I could go on and on.
What did I miss?! Drop your favorite Duluth or North Shore spot in comments!
