History, adventure, and hearty living are the robust preferences for residents of Duluth, MN. Fur traders, fishermen, distant voyagers, and trading stations are reminiscent of its beginnings. Positioned at the westernmost tip of sparkling blue Lake Superior, Duluth offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature. There are 23 beautiful parks, a scenic North Shore drive and bird watching at Hawk Ridge.
Historical shipwrecks in the waters include the remains of wharves, docks, and refuse sites associated with fur trading stations, fishing settlements, lumber and mining camps, and vessel salvage activities. They tell much about early inhabitants of Lake Superior.
The fur trade, around in the early 1800’s, saw much activity between the Cree, Dakota, Assiniboine, Ojibwe and the French, British, and Americans.
Accommodations
Numerous accommodations in and around the Duluth Lake Superior area include Best Western Edgewater East and the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites-Waterfront.
Bed and Breakfasts include the Cotton Mansion, Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek and the Olcott, all offering special amenities, history and a personal welcome.
Restaurants
For choices, variety abounds, and many restaurants have water view. A few options include: Thai Krathong, New Scenic Cafe and Lakeview Castle Dining Room. Bennetts on the Lake is a popular seafood and steakhouse with a spectacular view.
Famous for ribs, rotisserie chicken, steaks, fish, pasta and seasonal specialties, the Bluefin Grille on Lake Superior has been rated as a restaurant worth the drive. Fresh, made from scratch breads and desserts are favorites. Entrees include local fish to filets.
The Radisson restaurant on the 16th floor of the hotel provides a complete harbor-city view for diners.
Main Events
Crisp fresh air, watching seagulls soar while walking around the revived waterfront of Duluth is pleasurable. Nearby are a sculpture garden, jazz clubs, coffee shops, motels and restaurants. It is intriguing to stand on the pier and watch huge boats and ships, some from around the world, come and go daily. The maritime museum details the Great Lakes' history and the part they played in the shipping industry.
History and exhibits are the pride of Duluth. They have the only aquarium in the U.S. that focuses on freshwater exhibits. The three-story waterfront structure has ample interactive exhibits and re-creations to explore.
The Fitger's Brewery is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The industrial smokestack and water tower carry the Fitger's name and star logo as regional landmarks. Duluth's first brewery was started by Sidney Luce in 1857.
Written by: Karen J. Lee
