Things To Do in the Twin Ports

So, you’ve crossed the finish line, savored that post-race beverage, joined the celebration down at Bayfront Park, and taken the well-deserved nap. Now it’s time to explore what else this vibrant port city has to offer.

From breathtaking outdoor adventures to family-friendly activities, hidden foodie gems, and budget-friendly options, the Duluth/Superior area has something for everyone.

Here’s a list (by no means exhaustive) of activities, broken into categories, to help you experience the best of what we have to offer—pre and post Grandma’s Marathon!

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Shake-Out Runs with Local Run Groups

If you’re looking to loosen up before or after Grandma’s Marathon, Duluth’s welcoming running community has plenty of options to join a group run. Whether you’re visiting solo or with friends, these organized runs are a great way to meet locals, explore the city, and enjoy a sense of camaraderie.

• Hoops Run Club: Meet at Hoops Brewing at 6:00 PM on the Thursday before Grandma’s for a fun group run along the Lakewalk. Stick around afterward  for great beer ($2.00 off if you ran) and some camaraderie. 
• Tortoise and the Hare Run Club: If you came in to enjoy a few days in the area before Grandma’s meet at Dovetail Cafe on Wednesday at 6:00 PM for a casual, social run. It’s a great way to explore the area with like-minded runners.
• Pop-Up Running Events: Throughout the week, you’ll find some other running meetups organized by the local community. Keep an eye on social media or ask around for details.

Pro Tip: Check out the websites or social media pages of Duluth’s local running stores—Duluth Running Company, Austin Jarrow, and Tortoise and the Hare Footwear—for updates on group runs, weekly schedules, and special events. These stores are also excellent spots to pick up some last minute gear or chat with staff to get insider tips on the best local routes.

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Outdoor Activities (Pre & Post Marathon) My personal favorite way to explore a city. Luckily, Duluth’s parks and trails offer endless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and see a lot of Duluth on your own two feet.

• • Canal Park & Lakewalk: Stroll or bike along the Lakewalk, soaking in the views of Lake Superior and the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge.
  • Enger Tower & Park: Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city and harbor, or enjoy a peaceful picnic in the surrounding gardens (walk out past the gazebo and sit on a rock and watch the hustle and bustle from above).
  • Lester Park: Hike or bike through this wooded park with trails that follow Amity Creek and Lester River. There’s quite a bit of trail here, some beautiful waterfalls, spots for swimming, and even a playground for the kiddos.
  • Chester Park: Located in the heart of Duluth, this park offers trails, a cascading creek, and some beautiful hiking trails.
  • Quarry Park: This lesser-known park has some gorgeous cliffs, a disc golf course, and some fun trails.
  • Park Point Beach and Point Pine: drive to the end of park point and relax on the longest freshwater sandbar in the world. Perfect for a cooldown after the race. Or take a hike through some old growth forest with the lake on either side. It’s an easy, gorgeous hike. 
  • Leif Erikson Park & Rose Garden: A relaxing stop with beautiful gardens and lake views. 
  • Jay Cooke State Park: Just south of Duluth, this park features rugged hiking trails, the St. Louis river, and the iconic Swinging Bridge.
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park: An easy drive up the North Shore, this park offers spectacular waterfalls and family-friendly trails. Forewarning, it’s a very frequented park, if you’re up for the adventure and the drive, you can head north to Tettegouche, Temperance, or several other parks up the shore that are equally beautiful.

• Duluth Trails: We are lucky enough to have over 150 miles of hiking trails, within Duluth. These trails range from urban park paths to rugged forest routes and include parts of the SHT (Superior Hiking Trail), which runs through the city. If you’re looking for a shakeout run or post run hike to loosen the legs, find a trailhead and escape into the woods. 

Family Activities

Did your kids come to cheer you on? Keep the whole family entertained with these fun and interactive attractions:

• • Great Lakes Aquarium: A hands-on experience where kids can learn about local freshwater animals, see the native species, and even touch a sturgeon.
  • Lake Superior Railroad Museum & North Shore Scenic Railroad: Explore historic trains or take a scenic ride along the lake.
  • Lake Superior Zoo: A family favorite, the zoo features animals from around the world and a beautiful setting over in West Duluth.

• Spirit Mountain Adventure Park: unwind by riding the Timbercoaster, flying down the zipline, playing a round of mini golf, or bounce (probably not that appealing post marathon, but good for the kids) on the jumping pad.

• Duluth Children’s Museum: In the Lester Park neighborhood, this is perfect for younger kids, with plenty of interactive exhibits and activities.

Sightseeing Activities

These iconic spots are must-visits for first-timers:

• Glensheen Mansion: Tour the historic Congdon estate and its beautiful gardens at a very popular Duluth attraction.
• Duluth Depot: Home to several museums, including the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.
• William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum: Step aboard this retired ore ship to learn about Duluth’s industrial history.
• Two Harbors Lighthouse: Drive north to visit Minnesota’s oldest operating lighthouse and explore Two Harbors while you’re at it. 

Across the Bridge (Superior, WI activities)

Cross the bridge over into Superior for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience:

• • Shopping on Tower Avenue: Explore local shops, boutiques, and antique stores for unique finds.
  • Amnicon Falls State Park: A hidden gem with serene waterfalls and peaceful hiking trails about 15 minutes out of Superior on Highway 2. 

• Pattison State Park: Wisconsin’s largest waterfall is just a short trip out of Superior. The park also features a serene lake, various hiking trails, and more waterfalls.

• Wisconsin Point: Enjoy the same sandy beach vibes as Park Point, but with fewer crowds. 
• Billings Park: A scenic spot on the St. Louis River with picnic areas, trails, and a beautiful path along the water. Bring some peanuts (unsalted of course) to feed some friendly chipmunks (they’ll take it straight out of your hand).

Duluth and Superior offer an incredible variety of activities and experiences that go far beyond the racecourse. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, enjoy family-friendly attractions, or see our most popular destinations there’s something for everyone. From the stunning shores of Lake Superior to the quiet beauty of our miles of trails,  and the bustling charm of Duluth’s Canal Park, you’ll find countless ways to make your visit memorable. So, round up the family, grab your camera, and take in our little city—before and after Grandma’s Marathon!

If you’d like some more specific destination ideas or have any questions, reach out @superiorsingletrack and I’d be happy to help!