Things to do in Duluth MN

It’s been 10 years since we’ve been to Duluth, and so much has changed! We were beyond excited for this trip because I partnered with MLJ Vacay to make it all happen. Keep reading for the details of this process, including all the unique things to do in Duluth MN that were planned for us! And see the bottom of this post for a discount code you can use towards a MLJ Vacay fo your own.

MLJ Vacay deets

We’ve been wanting to go to Duluth for a while but I just didn’t have the time to plan out a fun weekend. Melissa from MLJ Vacay was just what I needed! She’s like a modern day travel agent who makes custom itineraries anywhere you’d like to go. From big US cities to small town gems (our favorite, because a vacay doesn’t always mean a a trip on an airplane!). Check out her site for great ideas around the midwest (and beyond) that would make for great destination bachelorette parties or girls weekends!

Prior to our trip, Melissa sent a form for us to fill out so that everything would be customized to what we were looking for. This included price ranges for food and what kind of activities we like to do. She then sent us our itinerary and we had the chance to make any changes. After that, all we had to do was show up!

Here’s a sneak peek into what a MLJ vacay itinerary could look like for you! Spoiler alert, it’s full of fun activities, hidden gems and trendy restaurants!

Things to do in Duluth MN

Where we stayed – Hotel Pikku

 

 

We stayed at the Hotel Pikku which has to be the most adorable hotel in Duluth! While planning our trip, MLJ Vacay sent us a few options of places to stay and we chose Hotel Pikku because of its reasonable price (this hotel was actually booked through AirBnb) and its style. SO CUTE.

Breakfast At Sarah’s Table Chester Creek Cafe

 

MLJ Vacay started our day with one of the hotspots in town, At Sara’s Table Chester Creek Cafe, which is a delicious farm to table restaurant. We were prepared for a little wait, but were seated quickly. We ordered the eggs Benedict with wild rice sausage and the traditional omelet with 3 different kinds of meat! And of course, a mimosa to start the weekend right.

Kombucha at Snooty Fox Tea Shop

 

We had some time before the next item on our itinerary, but MLJ Vacay directed us across the street to Snooty Fox Tea Shop just in case that happened! We didn’t have time for a kombucha flight (which I SO wanted to try) so I settled by trying their draft ginger kombucha. Yum!

Glensheen Mansion tour

 

 

We requested to see some history while in Duluth, so next we took a tour of the Glensheen Mansion. This mansion was build in the early 1900s and was donated to the University of Minnesota in the 1970s. It still has over 90% of the original interior and pieces that make up the mansion’s 39 rooms. It’s like stepping back in time! We took the classic tour and then walked around the grounds. Definitely a trip highlight!

Treats at Lake Superior Bakehouse

 

We love trying food spots while on vacation, so you’ll notice that food and drinks are a big part of our itinerary! For a little afternoon snack we stopped by the Lake Superior Bakehouse for some treats. We could have tried everything, but decided on a scone and their amazing caramel rolls!

Blacklist Artisan Ales

 

We can’t visit a new city and NOT try a brewery. And Duluth is full of them! MLJ Vacay directed us to one of the lesser known breweries in the city, Blacklist Artisan Ales. (At least lesser know to me…it was just the first time I had heard of it!) Cole and I agreed that we had the most fun here during our entire weekend in Duluth. We spent the afternoon trying beer, playing cards, and just enjoying each other’s company (Tip: If you’re looking for a good 2 person card game, try Golf!)

Canal Park

 

 

We took a stroll at Canal Park after the brewery to take in the sites of the city. Duluth is so pretty!!

Drinks at Vikre Distillery

After we checked into our hotel, we stopped for pre-dinner cocktails at Vikre distillery. We each ordered drink and talked about our favorite parts of the day. We loved the atmosphere and ended up staying longer than we had planned!

Dinner at Martha’s Daughter

 

Martha’s Daughter was SUCH a surprise! For some reason I just expected bar food in Duluth, but this spot was far from that! The small restaurant reminded me of something you’d find in NYC, and had the best ramen I’ve had in a long time. We also tried the bison steak and pot stickers. Everything was so flavorful and unique – we will definitely be coming back!

Amity Coffee

 

We fueled up for day two in Duluth with coffee and homemade pop tarts from Amity Coffee. Side note: MLJ Vacay does a great job at plannings stops that are convenient location-wise. This was right on our way out of town as we headed to Gooseberry Falls!

Gooseberry Falls State Park

 

 

It decided to snow a few inches overnight, so we were immersed in a winter wonderland rather than the fall colors we expected on our visit to Gooseberry Falls State Park. This was totally fine by us because the fresh snow made for such a pretty morning! We requested to do some hiking and see a little scenery in Duluth so this was perfect.

Lunch at New Scenic Cafe

 

 

I didn’t think any food could top our experience at Martha’s Daughter the night before, but New Scenic Cafe gave it a run for its money. On our way back from Gooseberry Falls, we stopped here for lunch with amazing views of Lake Superior. We ordered the charcuterie board, the lamb stew, and the salmon burger on the most amazing brioche bun. Some of the best service and best food out there! Definitely worth the 10 minute drive out of Duluth.

Shopping at Hucklebeary

 

MLJ Vacay initially had us on the hunt to find the Duluth Makers Mercantile pop-up. Unfortunately, they weren’t around, but this little refurbished camper sells local goods out of it around the city, so look them up if you’re in the area! Instead, we stumbled into Hucklebeary, which works with similar local vendors and is the cutest little shop.

Drinks at The Boat Club

We wrapped up our weekend with a glass of wine at the Boat Club to cheers to a great two days in Duluth. The Boat Club is located in the lower level of the Fitgers hotel and has beautiful views of the lake. While we were there, we shopped around at the shops that also fill the space – such a great spot in the winter!

Thank you MLJ Vacay for planning such a fun weekend for us! Our style of trip was captured perfectly.

If you want to book a trip with MLJ Vacay, use the code LINDSEY25 for $25 off your oder of $150 or more!

If you’re anything like me, you’re crazy busy. Give yourself the time back and have someone else take care of the details. And support a local, female-owned business while you’re at it!