Six Places to visit in Duluth, Minnesota’s Canal Park
Welcome to Canal Park, a charming waterfront district nestled in the picturesque city of Duluth, Minnesota. Known for its stunning Lake Superior views, vibrant energy, and an abundance of activities, this destination offers the perfect recipe for an unforgettable getaway. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, Duluth specifically, Canal Park has something special for everyone.
Growing up in Minnesota, my family would take a yearly trip to Duluth, specifically Canal Park. As a family of five there was something for everyone and it’s all within walking distance. Park your car for the weekend and lace up your walking shoes because everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Where to Stay in Canal Park: Make it a Duluth a weekend and stay right in Canal Park. Walking distance to all of Canal Park’s attractions The Duluth Airbnb L'Etoile du Nord is the one stop shop for stays in the area.
This oversized Airbnb is located just above Hoops Brewing and is walking distance to all of canal park and has so many amenities in their building so you don’t even need to leave in the bitter winter weather and could have a whole vacation in their building alone.
L'Etoile du Nord is connected to the Stay Bridge suites so you get access to their pool, hot tub, kiddy pool (which is amazing for littles) and sauna.
This vacation rental is three bedrooms, five beds, two bathrooms sleeps 7-10 (any more than seven talk to them first). Owners Tiegen & Keenan created as a space for multigenerational families, friend vacations or even perfect for a bachelor/ette parties or a space to get ready for your north shore wedding!
When they remodeled the space, they pulled out a jacuzzie tub, from the living room. They creativly added a industrial sized Keurig to create fully stocked coffee bar for all your caffine needs.
Hang out on the two couches, or play foosball, darts, ring game, boards games and more for family game and movie nights.
While they’re many resturants both in the building and in Canal park, you can also cook your meals in the oversized kitchen and eat at the island out of my dreams. But if you don’t want to cook there’s two restaurants, a bar and brewery in the same building or many other restaurants within walking distance.
Stop 1: Waterfront Wonders
Upon arriving in Canal Park, the first thing that will catch your eye is the mesmerizing shoreline of Lake Superior. Walk along the new board walk, stroll out to the light house, watch a ship come into the harbor (you can find the full shipping schedule here), or head across the lift bridge to Park Point for a beach day or evening bonfire on the sand while watching the sun set!
Stop 2: Here fishy fishy:
Head over to the Great Lakes Aquarium to explore the wonders of the freshwater ecosystems that surround the region. The aquarium boasts a variety of exhibits featuring local and exotic aquatic species, making it an educational and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Stop Three: Lunch Time
Photo from Winne Lu Wanders, her family joined us for this trip!
For lunch, walk to Chacaos located in the heart of Canal Park. This small hand-made Mexican food taqueria is only open in the summer and is know to sell out on weekends (so get their early!). We tried all the tacos and both the salsa Verde and habanero salsa (the habanero was my fave!). Our daughter was napping when we visited so we walked back to our stay but they also have outdoor seating that is perfect for people watching!
It was so good we went back for burrito bowls later that day for dinner. The phone did not eat first, so I have to give photo credit to my creator in crime for the week, Winnie Lu Wanders for snapping this shot back at the Airbnb.
Stop Four: Beer & Cocktails
Okay this is actually stop four and five but we’ll cheat a little. For the size of town, Duluth has a surplus of both breweries, distilleries and places to grab a drink. In Canal Park alone there a two breweries and a distillery to check out.
Hoops: Hoops Brewing is a destination beer hall located between the harbor, the S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum and the Dairy Queen is a new stop to check out. With between 15-30 beers on tap that are produced in the building. Come check out a game and grab a beer! I loved the champagne beer (sounds like an oxymoron right?)
Pro-tip: You can bring takeout/food into Hoops so grab your tacos from Chacaos and walk over to Hoops. Tacos and beer? Yes please!
Canal Park Brewing: If you’re looking for a beer with water views and closer to the lake walk, Canal Park is for you. This brewery and restaurant is a family favorite with a patio in the summer for our little to move her legs on while we grab a quick drink before heading down to the water to splash around.
VIKRE SUMMER TIP:
Sit outside at their patio overlooking the harbor.
Vikre Distillery: Located right at the base of the lift bridge, Vikre Distillery is a fun way to try something new. The distilled beverages are made from speeciality selected beverages at Vikre. My husband and I loved it becuase they had both Whiskey and Vokda and many liquors in between. Choose from a custom cocktail or a flight to try the flavors on their own. In the summer they offer an outside patio with a select menu of drinks and snacks. In true Minnesota fashion they had midwest sushi (ham, cream cheese & pickles) and Old Dutch potato chips and Top that Tator. It doens’t get better than that!!
Stop 5: I Scream, You Scream
Love Creamery
Located a block from The Duluth Airbnb L'Etoile du Nord Love Creamery is a must stop on your next trip to Duluth. Make sure to leave plenty of time, as they usually have a long line in the summer. We went right when they opened and brought it back to have for dessert after dinner!
End your evening with the best (yes I said it) Salted Caramel Ice Cream I’ve ever had. Love Creamery is located just down the street from the lift bridge and Vikre this is the cherry on top of a great Canal Park day. I have yet to try any other flavors because how can you mess with the best? But they offer some gluten free, dairy free and vegan ice cream options as well!
Bonus #6: Looking for a way to see Canal Park from a unique pov? Check it out from the water with a sunrise paddle board tour. Zenith Adventure offers multiple different paddle board tours around the harbor. I was able to do the sunrise paddle and it was an incredible experience. You get up at 3:30 from your Airbnb, you’ll get suited up take off under the lift bridge on your paddle board or kayak and watch the sun rise over Lake Superior and all of Canal Park.
Tip: Walk around the S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat (don’t go over the blue bridge it isn’t open).
See my full reel from our morning here: Sunrise Paddle with Zenith Adventures.
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