If you have been in Duluth, Minnesota for any period of time you may learn that it’s a cool city. With much to do, lots of history, and great people the city offers a ton for any visitor or local alike. Unfortunately, Duluth is also a cool city regarding the temperature, and many winters will see way below 0. Even with the freezing temperatures, Duluthians have figured out a way to get out and experience the winter season. Our blog today is to showcase those experiences and tell our top 9 Duluth winter activities that you have to try this year. This list is catered to outdoor activities and focuses on big events that happen across the North Shore. So without further ado, here are our Duluth winter activities.
1) Skiing at Spirit Mountain
Hit the slopes on one of northern Minnesota’s best ski hills. Spirit Mountain is a fantastic winter activity for all ages and offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. They have slopes for all ages, and rentals for beginners allowing anyone that’s interested to enjoy the beauty that is Duluth winters. When hitting the slopes skiers can get majestic views of the lake superior adding to the experience of being outdoors. Check out what they have to offer by clicking the link below.
For more information on Spirit Mountain: https://www.spiritmt.com/
2) A tour at Glensheen Christmas
Glensheen Mansion is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city of Duluth. During Christmas time, however, there is even more of a reason to visit. What was once home to the second richest family in Minnesota goes all out for the Christmas season. The house and grounds are fully decorated for the holidays touting both an indoor and outdoor display giving you hours of fun. There are also several different tours you can go on throughout the property. These tours include the classic, full, and even self-guided candlelit tour. Throughout the tour, keep an eye out for the 25 naughty elves and the 25 nice elves. There will be a special prize for those who find them all! This is one of our team’s favorite of the Duluth winter activities.
Learn more about Glensheen Mansion: www.glensheen.org
3) Check out the Duluth Winter Village
The Duluth Winter Village has been a hallmark of Christmas festivities in Duluth for years! Created by the owner of a popular Instagram page, @duluthloveslocal, the Duluth Winter Village has been a ‘must see’ for as long as it has existed. The Duluth Winter Village was previously held at the Glensheen Mansion but has relocated to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. This new location offers scenic views of Lake Superior and the famous Duluth lift bridge. Besides shopping at all the amazing local vendors, there is plenty of fun to be had. A petting zoo, ice skating, and a wide assortment of delicious food are just a handful of things you can expect to find at this festive event. This event is usually held around the first weekend in December with 2022 dates being announced soon. Check out their website for up-to-date information on the event.
Get some more information: https://duluthwintervillage.com/
4) Going to one of Duluth’s many ice rinks
Duluth boasts over a dozen outdoor ice rinks that are open to the public all winter long. These ice rinks bring back vibes of the olden days and offer a perfect date for any bored couples during the winter months. Some rinks like the Bayfront ice rink offer skate rentals allowing new skaters the ability to learn without having to buy their own. They have a wide range of sizes including adults and children so it’s never too early or late to learn how to skate. A lot of the rinks also offer pickup hockey games, hot chocolate, and much more. So make sure to grab some friends, some skates, and make a lifelong memory with these Duluth winter activities.
5) Ice-climbing on the North Shore
The North Shore has quickly become a hub for winter rock climbers (also known as ice climbers). Enthusiasts come from across the country to compete in local tournaments and get out to climb our routes. To learn more on how you can start ice climbing click the link below:
To learn more about North Shore ice climbing: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/article/go-ice-climbing-minnesota
6) Watching the Christmas City of the North Parade
The Duluth’s Christmas City of the North Parade is considered to many the start of the holiday season. This event (which has been held since 1957) goes from the start of Leif Erickson Park and winds its way throughout downtown Duluth. Held on the Friday before Thanksgiving this event brings in thousands of twin porters to watch the big displays, listen to the bands, and get some festive cheer. This is one of THE best family-friendly events in Duluth and is a great way to get out of the house on a cold November night. The Christmas City of the North Parade is also the unofficial start to Bentleyville.
7) Saying hi to Santa at Bentleyville
What Duluth Christmas list would be complete without Bentleyville? This iconic Duluth light show is a must-see holiday attraction! What started as one family’s holiday lights has transformed into one of the most visited Christmas attractions in the state of Minnesota! This is a free event that lasts from the end of November through just after Christmas. Bentleyville is completely free and accepts donations/toys which they donate to those in need. This is an event that you really must see in person to understand. The lights paired with the free snacks and cocoa make for a magical evening. You can even meet Santa! This event is perfect for young families and offers a wide arrange of activities to keep your young ones busy. We recommend avoiding Fridays & Saturdays as that is always the busiest time for their event.
8) Joining the Santa troops for the Wild Santa Run
The Wild Santa Run is one of Duluth, Minnesota’s most unique fun runs. Last year their event had over 400 people dress up as Santa and journey throughout Lincoln Park in this wacky fun race. Competitors get a free Santa suit, cider, chilly, and an amazing race for less than $40. If you love doing things that get people talking you have to sign up for next year’s race.
For more information: https://www.wildsantarun.com/
9) Take a ride on the Christmas City Express
If your kids love trains as much as ours do the Christmas City Express is a must. The Christmas City Express is an interactive ride along the north shore in a Christmas-themed train. The performance of the Christmas City Express begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where you’ll be treated to a reading of the story of the Christmas City Express, enjoy carolers, and a visit from a special guest! Then climb aboard the train for a 30-minute ride up to Lake Superior. Onboard, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday tunes. This is a great family-friendly event that anyone can enjoy! Make sure to sign up ASAP as their tickets tend to sell out.
Check out their website: https://duluthtrains.com/event/christmascityexpress/
So that was our list of the top nine Duluth winter activities that you have to do. This is definitely not a full list, but will give almost anyone something to do when the Christmas city of the north starts to get chilly.
Finden Marketing is Duluth, Minnesota’s leading Gen Z & Millennial marketing agency. With years of experience, over a million dollars of ads managed, and a dedicated team we can help grow your business to its true potential. Our team offers a wide range of services, including PR, Branding, Content Creation, Paid Media, Graphic Design, and Web Development. With over 50 projects in the bag, Finden Marketing is becoming a staple marketing agency in Duluth, Minnesota. With awards including the Duluth News Tribune Best of the Best and Upcity’s top digital marketing agencies. Finden also is listed in Goodfirms top 10 ad agencies in Minnesota and Designrush’s top SEO agency in Minnesota.
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