What to See & Do

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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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES & EXPLORATION

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!

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.

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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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HISTORY & CULTURE

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 (Glensheen Mansion) in 1977.

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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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RECREATION & ENTERTAINMENT

Looking for a great night out during your your time in Duluth? 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.

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DULUTH PACK
We handcraft the highest-quality premium American made canvas and leather outdoor gear, packs, bags, and hunting equipment that is guaranteed for life on all craftsmanship and hardware. We stand behind our products that stand the test of time. Buy it once. Have it for life.
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DULUTH CANDY COMPANY
A locally-owned and operated candy shop specializing in fresh, homemade gourmet popcorn along with truffles, fine chocolates, and much more.
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MILLER HILL MALL
Miller Hill Mall’s indoor venue offers over 100 stores featuring women’s apparel, jewelry and sporting goods. Whether you are a fashionista, searching for the perfect gift or checking out the sales – your shopping experience will be a happy one!
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FITGER'S MALL
The historic Fitger's mall in Duluth offers visitors a intimate shopping and dining experience. With 15 shops and 5 dining and nightlife options we are sure to have you covered.
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LAKE SUPERIOR ART GLASS
A complete glassblowing studio and gallery, we feature artwork of all types from more than 60 artists around the Midwest and a knowledgeable staff to make custom pieces.
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LIZZARDS ART GALLERY
Our collection includes local and regional artists featuring oil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel paintings, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, sculpture, wooden vessels, and photography.
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NUMMI JEWELERS
A family-owned and operated business since 1951, our staff specializes in repair and engraving and our store carries many different lines of gold, white gold and sterling silver.
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SHOPPING

Make sure you pick up your Grandma’s Marathon merchandise on race weekend at Bayfront Festival Park, but there’s plenty of other places to bring a piece of Duluth home with you.

Check out some of our best local shopping options, and get your Christmas shopping done in June!

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Grandmas Marathon Duluth-Inc.
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