What to See & Do

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & EXPLORATION

AERIAL LIFT BRIDGE
Don't miss the big ships coming in or going out of the Duluth Harbor and passing under the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge, just steps from the Grandma's Marathon finish line.
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GOOSEBERRY FALLS
Take a day trip up the shore, just north of Two Harbors, to this popular state park featuring spectacular waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and superb trout fishing.
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SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL
An explorer's dream, the SHT is 300+ mile footpath that follows the rocky ridgeline above Lake Superior from the Wisconsin-Minnesota border to the Canadian border.
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Grandma’s Marathon weekend falls each year near the start of summer in northern Minnesota, meaning there’s plenty of opprtunity for our participants and visitors to explore the natural beauty of the North Shore!

Situated on the pristine shores of Lake Superior, Duluth is an outdoor lover’s paradise with more than 9,168 acres of parks and natural areas and 178 miles of wooded trails all within the city limits.

Take some time away from preparing for or recovering from your race to take in all our area has to offer in the great outdoors — we’ve got everything from iconic and scenic hiking trails to wonderful sightseeing, overlooks, and lake views.

HISTORY & CULTURE

GLENSHEEN MANSION
The 12-acre estate tells a unique story of Duluth, featuring gardens, bridges, and the famous 39-room mansion built with remarkable 20th-century craftsmanship.
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NORTH SHORE SCENIC RAILROAD
History comes alive on the Lakefront Line during a Duluth summer. Trains depart the historic Duluth Depot each day for trips along Lake Superior and through the majestic north woods of Minnesota.
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VISTA FLEET
Experience the wonders of Lake Superior as you get a new perspective of Duluth, sailing the open waters next to 1,000-foot freighters during your narrated sightseeing tour or nighttime cocktail cruise.
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LAKE SUPERIOR MARITIME VISITOR CENTER
Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center features three replica cabins, a two-story steam engine, a 50-fot scale model and plenty more interactive displays.
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The Duluth arts and entertainment scene is booming with a robust lineup of local artists. From featured art in local galleries to live music on a patio, the offerings are extraordinary.

Duluth was incorporated in 1857 and has long been known as one of the busiest ports on the Great Lakes system, with shipping and the railroad still playing integral roles in the area’s economy.

Take time during your stay to learn the rich and unique history of the city, which includes the now infamous and sensationalized murder of Elizabeth Congdon at her lakeside estate (now named Glensheen Mansion) in 1977 – the same year as the start of Grandma’s Marathon.

RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

GRAND CASINO HINCKLEY
As the exclusive gaming casino of Grandma's Marathon, Grand Casino Hinckley invites race participants and spectators 60 minutes south of Duluth to enjoy great gambling and comfortable accommodations.
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SKYLINE SOCIAL & GAMES
Looking for a fun night out with the family and friends? Take a break and enjoy bowling, duckpin, virtual reality, or arcade games. Plenty of good food and cold drinks as well, making this the perfect pre- or post-race hangout.
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Whether you’re after live music, comedy or an exciting bar scene, you’ll find plenty of reasons to burn the midnight oil in Duluth.

Looking for a great night out during marathon weekend, specifically? We’ve got you covered on Friday and Saturday night of race weekend with great live music and entertainment at Bayfront Festival Park!

Past that, Duluth and the surrounding communities have plenty of fun options perfect for the whole family to make your race weekend experience memorable.