tours of duluth mn

THE 5 BEST Duluth Tours & Excursions

Duluth tours.

• Helicopter Tours
• Private Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Self-Guided Tours & Rentals
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 15-Mile Aerial Helicopter Tour over Duluth and Superior

2. 30-Mile North Shore Helicopter Tour

3. 60-Mile Ultimate Helicopter Tour over Duluth and Lake Superior's North Shore

4. Murder Mystery Detective Experience Duluth, MN

5. Self-Guided Audio Tour Lake Superior North Shore

6. Paddleboard Rental in Minnesota

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Kayak Trips on Lake Superior, Two Harbors, MN (Grand Superior)

Riverside Ride UTV and Tubing Experience

Bayfield Ghost Walk

What travelers are saying.

• Murder Mystery Detective Experience Duluth, MN
• 15-Mile Aerial Helicopter Tour over Duluth and Superior
• Self-Guided Audio Tour Lake Superior North Shore
• 60-Mile Ultimate Helicopter Tour over Duluth and Lake Superior's North Shore
• 30-Mile North Shore Helicopter Tour
• North Shore Scenic Railroad
• Day Tripper of Duluth
• Odyssey Guided Experience Program
• Zenith Adventure
• Duluth Glides
• Lake Superior Helicopters
• Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad
• Positive Energy Outdoors
• Vista Fleet
• Lake Country Air & Beaver Air Tours
• Endurance Kennels LLC
• Time Out Sailing

Superior Memories

Lake Superior & Harbor Cruises

Voted Most Scenic Boat Ride in the Midwest

Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises Daily!

Lake Superior’s locally owned original attraction.

While looking for things to do in Duluth MN be sure you Choose Your Cruise; from our sensational sunset dinner cruises catered by Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant in Canal Park, exciting narrated sightseeing tours, relaxing cocktail cruises,  and family friendly cruises with entertainment for the whole family. Experience the wonders of Lake Superior as we cruise next to 1,000-foot lake freighters and oceangoing vessels to take in the activities of the Twin Ports harbor. See lighthouses, ships, beautiful waters and more during your live and engaging tour aboard the Vista Fleet.

Daily Cruises & Tickets Plan Your Event

Sightseeing Cruises

While looking for things to do in Duluth MN, look no further than our fully narrated cruises that offer an abundance of interactive fun and information.

Dinner Cruises

Experience the best table in Duluth with ever-changing 360-degree views combined with delicious food and narrated tour highlights for a perfect night out.

Choose from one of our sightseeing adventures or memorable dinner cruises for your group gathering.

Photo Galleries

Wedding & Events

Daily Cruise

Special Events

Shop zenith adventure marketplace.

Lakes, Lighthouses, Lift Bridge Crewneck

One-of-a-kind crewneck designed in-house and only sold at Zenith Adventure! This soft crewneck is perfect to throw on for an added layer on the lake.

Pines Hand Thrown Mug

Custom-made small batch ceramics that use sustainable and earth-gentle practices. Mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe.

Lift Bridge Freighter Hat

This is the ultimate lake hat! Adjustable snap closure, raised Great Lakes embroidery, and woven rope feature.

Celebrate your new life together on board Duluth's only floating event center.

We leave boring work meetings in our wake. From elegant dinners to casual team outings, the Vista Fleet is your go-to venue for corporate get-togethers.

The Vista Fleet offers an educational narrated harbor tour for your students to experience the Great Lakes and learn the history of our working harbor.

Celebrate all your milestones on Duluth's only floating event center. Multiple vessels and packages are available for all special occasions.

#VistaFleet

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Love It Like We Do

Authentic NOrth Shore experiences

Made in duluth.

When you come to Duluth, you understand what makes it special. From the world-famous lift bridge to charming neighborhoods filled with local breweries and restaurants, Duluth is a true original along the pristine shores of Lake Superior. Part rugged, part refined and 100% one-of-a-kind. You’ll get it when you get here.

the people. the pace. the place.

From fun family attractions and lakeside events to watching the giant ships pass through the canal, there’s always something happening in Duluth. Hop on a train, jump in the lake, grab a pint or just take in the view.

warm welcome

What trails are safe for kids? Where’s the best cup of coffee? Just how big is Lake Superior? If you’ve got questions, we’ve got advice. Gear up for summer fun with these awesome adventure ideas.

Area events

Duluth offers year-round events and festivals featuring music, crafts, arts and sporting events that offer something for everyone

The Faces of duluth

Tony O’Neil

Tony O’Neil is the heart and soul behind  Jamrock Cultural Restaurant in downtown Duluth. Oh, and he’s also the first-ever coach of Duluth’s new arena football team, the Harbor Monsters. Set, hut!

Sarah Herrick-Smíšek

DLTH clothing is one of many businesses behind the maker spirit of Lincoln Park Craft District. Read on for more about their origin story, iconic logo and Sarah’s favorite spots around town.

Eduardo Sandoval Luna

In 2008, Eduardo opened a food truck with the vision of sharing Latino culture, one bite at a time. Now, his first brick and mortar location is serving even more great bites from Lincoln Park.

For more than 24 years, Jay Walker has been sharing his passion for aquatic animals and preservation at Duluth’s Great Lakes Aquarium. Read on to learn what drives his passion, what a typical day is like in his role as Executive Director, and some of his favorite spots in Duluth.

PLACES WE LOVE

For the top of your Duluth-to-do list.

Enger Tower

Aerial Lift Bridge

North Shore Scenic Drive

Tour Options

Classic Tour

See the lower three floors of the mansion (Second Floor, Main Floor, Basement) with the self-guided Classic Tour at Glensheen!

Full Mansion

Tour all five floors on a self-guided Full Mansion tour!

Lock & Key

A guided, unique tour experience for guests to experience the hidden spaces of Glensheen.

Grounds Admission

Explore the 12-acre estate

Virtual Glensheen

Enjoy a guided tour from your couch

Shop the Adventure Marketplace of the North

ALL DULUTH TOURS

Experience Duluth’s waterfront and enjoy the amazing scenery of the water and the cityscape with a relaxing paddle board or kayak tour! If land is more your thing, join us on one of Duluth’s most iconic trails during a guided hike. Book online today.

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• Info Guided Hiking Tours , Sightseeing Tour
• Hour Glass 2 hours
• Users All ages

Duluth Historic Maritime Walk

Immerse yourself in the history of Canal Park and the surrounding maritime industry. Led by knowledgeable local guides, this experience delves into the rich history of the area, covering architecture, maritime history, lighthouses, industry, and more.

• Info Guided Tours

Rise & Ride Sunrise Paddle

Get out on Lake Superior for a true sunrise experience. Welcome the day with a sunrise paddle throughout the Duluth harbor. There is nothing like watching the sky paint itself and the sun burst through the horizon. We get out on the lake AS the sun is rising.

Duluth Harbor Voyage

Learn about the history and best kept secrets of our unique harbor from our experienced local guides. Tandem kayaks allow for comfort and fun while exploring the area waters.

• Hour Glass 1 hour 45 min

Golden Hour Duluth Harbor Voyage

Watch the sky shift colors and different hues as we paddle the harbor inland side of the Aerial Lift Bridge. There is nothing more magical than watching the sun dip behind our skyline view!

• Info Rentals

Paddleboard & Paddleship Rental

Rent an inflatable Paddle North stand up paddleboard or large paddleship for a fun day on your favorite lake or river. These boards are super durable, comfortable, and easy to travel with. We’ll have everything you need packed up so you can grab your bag and get adventuring!

Ely’s Peak Hike

Find tranquility in the woods with a guided picturesque hike of the iconic Ely’s Peak. Our expert guides will provide you with the interesting history of the peak and railroad tunnel as we summit to one of our most spectacular views in Duluth. Ideal for groups or individuals that desire to develop an authentic connection with the area trails.

Park Point Hike

One of the best kept secrets hidden deep into Park Point is this lovely 4.5 mile out and back trail along the shores of Lake Superior. Our expert guides will provide you with the interesting history of the historic abandoned buildings and lighthouses.

• Info Sightseeing Tour
• Hour Glass 75 minutes

Duluth Waterfront Tour

Cruise the scenic harbor on this 75-minute narrated tour and learn all about Duluth’s waterfront! Sights include Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge and Lake Superior.

• Most Popular
• Info Dinner Cruises

Duluth Sunset Dinner Cruise

Get the best table in Duluth with us on the water and enjoy both a stunning sunset and a delicious catered dinner!

Grand Sightseeing Tour

Take in the panoramic views of Duluth’s North Shore, North America’s largest freshwater lake and much more with our grand sightseeing tour!

DULUTHGLIDES is under new ownership as of July 27. Stay tuned for tour updates as we make the transition..

Advance purchase required. Trips often sell out!

See The Lakeshore

Early on the tour visit Duluth’s famous Rose Garden. Set on Duluth’s Upper Lakewalk, it is the site of 3,000 rose bushes and 12,000 non-rose plantings. It is perched on top of the I-35 freeway tunnel and hosts beautiful views of Lake Superior. Pictured behind the Segway Gliders, is the Rose Garden gazebo, a popular place for summer weddings. All tours share the Rose Garden experience.

Unique Experience

What a great riding experience gliding on your own Segway PT. Come learn more about Duluth or take a ride just for fun. You will go places and see things you have never seen before. Our tour guides will share interesting facts and information on our tour. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about Duluth, gliding through the Historic Homes Tour, our Brief Experience Tour, the popular Lakeside Tour, the Segway to Glensheen Mansion Tour, or our newest in 2016, the Downtown Historic Segway Tour, it will be a new and unique experience, even for a local.

Maritime Tradition

Located at the end the North Breakwater, the lighthouse started operation in 1909, helping to guide ships as they “thread the needle” of the 300 foot wide opening to enter Duluth’s Harbor. On the Lakeside Tour we will glide the length of the North Breakwater along the ship canal out to the lighthouse for a great photo opportunity.

StarTribune

Minnesota tourism rebounds: here's where people visited.

Minnesota tourism continued its recovery in 2023 as the industry returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections released by the state's tourism agency.

Explore Minnesota tracked about 77 million trips throughout the state in 2019. After a drastic pandemic drop and slow but steady recovery, officials counted about 76.6 million visits in 2022. The numbers represent trips taken by both Minnesotans and out-of-state visitors.

Explore Minnesota projects a 2% increase in the number of trips taken in 2023 over the previous year. The agency's estimates show a modest increase in the number of visitors who traveled to and through central and southern Minnesota during the year and a slight decrease in the number of folks visiting the seven-county metro area and its northwest reaches.

The new study Explore Minnesota commissioned used geolocation data collected from smartphone apps between June 2022 and May 2023 — weeks before Taylor Swift drew tens of thousands to downtown Minneapolis and months before Caitlin Clark fever helped lead the Big Ten women's basketball tournament to sell out for the first time in its history.

"We're really excited," Explore Minnesota Communications and Media Relations Manager Chris Morgan said. "We definitely anticipate and are hopeful to see a year-to-year rise."

The Grand Casino in Mille Lacs County and Gull Lake were the top destinations for visitors to central Minnesota — each accounting for about 1 in 8 trips to the region. And in the metro area, nearly one-third of visitors went to the Mall of America.

The top destination in northeast Minnesota was Duluth and the Canal and Lincoln park areas. In northwest Minnesota, Lake of the Woods and Leech Lake drew the most visitors, while downtown Rochester and Treasure Island Casino were the largest draws in the southern region.

"We want people to not only visit one place in Minnesota but also to see the whole state," Morgan said. "One of our missions is to bring eyes and tourists to all destinations."

While the agency doesn't control when major pop stars or blockbuster sporting events take over the metro, Morgan said Explore Minnesota mostly concerns itself over how to get folks to stay in the state once they're already here.

"We know that events bring tourism," he said. "We want to elongate those stays."

Northeast Minnesota, which includes the North Shore and surrounding areas, saw a drop in traffic of about 6.4%.

Morgan hopes Explore Minnesota's new " Star of the North " campaign will lead to further boosts in tourism across the state and for some of the regions that saw a downturn in travel. The state Legislature set aside $25 million for the effort, which Morgan said is meant to draw tourists to every region in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Explore Minnesota also estimates that people of color only account for about 11% of the trips taken in 2023. Black and brown vacationers have long worked to diversify outdoor spaces , regularly citing a lack of comfort in predominantly white and rural regions of the state .

That's why Morgan said the agency's latest ad blitz is looking to make sure it "celebrates all of Minnesota's diversity, cultures and its many heritages and communities."

After all, Morgan said, the more people travel, the more money flows through local economies.

"When we have more visitors, the local businesses benefit, the bigger businesses benefit," Morgan said. "The citizens of Minnesota benefit."

Eder Campuzano is a general assignment reporter for the Star Tribune.

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© 2024 StarTribune. All rights reserved.

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