How to Spend a Winter Day in Duluth, Minnesota

When I told people that I was heading to Duluth, Minnesota in the dead of winter, they thought I was insane. “Are you nuts?” “You know how cold it gets there, right?” “You’re crazy.” But I was on the quest for a fun winter weekend and Minnesota seemed like the perfect place to get it! I was pleasantly surprised with how much this little city leans into winter. There really is a lot to do! Sure, I’ll have to come back to visit in the summer where I can experience the state’s 10,000 lakes without a foot of solid ice on them, but for now I’m completely satisfied with my trip. Here’s how to spend a winter day in Duluth, Minnesota!

Breakfast at Bridgeman’s

Don’t let the unassuming exterior deter you- breakfast at the iconic Bridgeman’s is the perfect way to start your day in Duluth! This iconic diner was packed with people all waiting for the doors to open right at 8:00 am – and for a good reason! Everything on the menu sounded incredible, and I had a really, really hard time deciding. I ended up landing on an order of Swedish pancakes. They were thinner than a regular pancake, but not quite as thin as a crepe. It was stuffed to the brim with fresh bananas and gooey Nutella. I was in heaven.

When reading the menu, I was also very intrigued by something I had never seen before- lingonberries. The waiter did his best to describe them to me, but I got an order on the side to see for myself. They were good, but very sour! It really felt like I was taking a bite into a Sweet Tart. Next time I’ll get them in a Swedish pancake to break up the sourness.

Snowshoeing at Hartley Nature Center

After you fuel up with some breakfast, make your way just a few miles out of town to the Hartley Nature Center. There are hundreds of miles of trails for exploring and engaging in all kind of winter fun. You can rent snowshoes, cross country skis, and even kick sleds. I had never been snowshoeing so I was excited to try it out! When I arrived, the visitors center was actually closed (despite it being within their business hours posted on their website). Instead, I drove back into town and rented a pair of snowshoes from Continental Ski & Bike. The process was easy and the staff was very helpful. Not to mention the rental only cost $15 for the day! I loaded them into the trunk and went back to explore the trails. By then, the visitors center had opened which was mildly infuriating.

My favorite trail was a really short one out to Hartley Pond. The pond was completely frozen over and covered in thick snow and ice. I didn’t dare to walk out onto it because I have an irrational fear of falling in no matter how thick the ice is, but others were more brave. Spend an hour or two exploring all the trails and getting your blood pumping in the morning.

Tip: Call ahead to make sure the visitors center will be open when you arrive (even if the website says it will be).

Dogsledding at Positive Energy Outdoors

After a morning of snowshoeing, make your way about 15 minutes outside of town to Positive Energy Outdoors for a dogsledding tour! I opted for their Island Lake Tour, which is about 3 hours from start to finish. When we arrived, we got an overview of the equipment we’ll be using and a safety briefing. We were then able to help harness the dogs and get them hooked onto the sleds. My favorite was Kodak, pictured above. She is the best girl. 12/10.

Once you’re on your way, you’ll ride through the scenic tundra through woods, over fields, and onto frozen lakes. In fact, I didn’t realize we were on top of a frozen lake until my guide told me. I had a slight panic attack learning that, but he assured me that it was 16″ thick and that you could drive a semi truck onto it without it cracking. Still was slightly terrified.

At one point, we entered an open field and my guide even let me drive the sled! It was not nearly as hard as it sounds and was such a blast. I got to test out all the new commands I learned and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Dogsledding was not only the highlight of my day, but likely of my entire winter!

Drive Skyline Parkway

After being out in the cold and wind mushing through the snow, I greeted a warm car with open arms. To try and bring up my body temperature, I figured this would be the perfect time to do a scenic drive. The city of Duluth is located on a huge cliff, which I admit I didn’t know before visiting. Take a cruise along Skyline Parkway to get spectacular views of the city, Lake Superior, and even see into Wisconsin. There is a scenic overlook here where you can get out and snap some pictures.

Walk onto Lake Superior at 12th St. Park

Before the sun sets, make your way to the 12th Street Beach Park. Here, you can walk out onto frozen Lake Superior! Of course the entire lake doesn’t freeze in the winter, but around the coastline the ice gets thick enough to stand on. Again, this was slightly terrifying for me, but such a unique opportunity I couldn’t pass up! Naturally, I let other people walk out ahead of me and stayed directly in their tracks- just to be safe. If you visit slightly before sunset you can catch the colorful sky over the city which is picture-perfect.

Dinner at OMC Smokehouse

When searching up places to eat for dinner, all roads kept leading back to OMC Smokehouse. And let’s be honest, I am never one to turn down BBQ! Make your way into town and try to park on the side streets surrounding- it’s free and a short walk to the restaurant (parking outside on Superior St. is metered). Unsurprising, when I arrived there was a line out out the door and the waiting room was full. Thankfully, because I was traveling solo I was able to walk right in and get a seat at the bar! Another W for solo travel!

Everything on their menu looked phenomenal but I opted for the country fried ribs. Because… how can you go wrong with that?! The ribs were dry rubbed, smoked to perfection, then battered and fried. Literally can’t think of a more perfect food. Their beef fat fries and cornbread were the perfect side dishes and I had fun sampling all their different types of bbq sauce.

Tip: make reservations if you are traveling with a group!

End the night at Canal Park

Wrap up your winter day in Duluth down at Canal Park. This small little district right on the water is home to tons of shops and restaurants. I had fun popping into the (open) stores and window shopping. I was surprised to find that may closed for the day at 5:00 or 6:00 pm. Even on a Saturday! There were still a few that were open but I didn’t get to go into many that I had hoped. If shopping is your priority, you’ll definitely want to move this up earlier in the day. However, I was fine just strolling and – of course – stopping into Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for some treats.

Parking here is also very limited and costly just about everywhere. However, I was able to find free street parking here, just outside of the I Love Duluth store. You may have to circle the block a couple times, but I am cheap so it was worth it to me to save a few bucks on parking!

Traveling soon? Check out my Travel Tips page to help you score good deals on flights, packing tips, tools to help you plan, and more!