7 Free and Affordable Things to Do in Duluth

May 14, 2019

Situated on the picturesque banks of Lake Superior, enjoying a dramatic backdrop of rocky cliffs and verdant forests, Duluth is a jewel in Minnesota’s crown. An outdoor lover’s paradise, the activities you can enjoy in and around the city are almost endless, with exceptional watersports, top class angling and challenging hiking trails ensuring there’s something to suit every taste, from the sedate to the action-packed.

A beautiful sunrise over Duluth and Lake Superior

One of the main benefits of Duluth being such an ‘outdoorsey’ place is that it’s very easy to spend time here without spending much at all. If you’re planning a visit and are keen to be careful with the pennies, we’ve compiled a list of some of the cheapest and most affordable things to see and do in Duluth.

Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum

Perched close to the Duluth shoreline on Lake Superior, the true provenance of this eye-catching concrete structure has been the source of great debate down the years. The most probable version of events is that it served as the foundation of an unloading dock built by a local entrepreneur in the early 20th century, but that an abandoned project to build an adjoining harbour led to it becoming obsolete.

Whatever its real origins, it remains a prominent fixture on Duluth’s topography and during the summer months is a beacon for swimmers who use it to sunbathe or as a makeshift diving post.

Location: The Lake Walk
Hours: Mon–Sun, All day

The old sand and gravel hopper known as Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum

S.S. William A. Irvin

Another notable local landmark with an intriguing story behind it is this large vessel that once served as the flagship of the U.S. Steel company’s Great Lakes fleet. Called the S.S. William A. Irvin, as well as its trading and commercial endeavours, it was also used as a high-end transport ship for company guests who ate gourmet dinners in the opulent dining room.

In the late 1970s the ship was retired and now resides in Duluth Bay as a part of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, where it combines the roles of museum, haunted attraction and theatre venue.

Location: 350 Harbor Drive

Bent Paddle Brewing

The number of independent breweries in Duluth has skyrocketed in recent years and at the vanguard of this trend has been Bent Paddle Brewing. A 30-barrel production craft brewery, Bent Paddle produces a range of flagship beers as well as specialty seasonal offerings, all available to sample in the on-site taproom.

The venue also hosts tours of its premises each Saturday morning for just $5 per person, offering visitors the chance to see up close how craft beer production works and speak with the talented master brewers themselves.

Location: 1832 West Michigan Street
Hours: Tues–Sat 12pm–10pm

The bar area at Bent Paddle Brewing

Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival

Perhaps the stand-out music event on Duluth’s cultural calendar, the Bayfront Reggae & World Music Festival attracts an impressive mix of local and international performers who entertain revellers against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Superior with affordable ticket prices.

Notable musicians to have appeared in recent years include Jamaican dancehall artist Konshens, South African roots reggae star NKulee Dube and DJ Sound of Fujun. The 2019 line-up includes Kymani Marley, the son of Bob Marley, dancehall artist Demarco, Jamaican recording artist Kabaka Pyramid and X Factor Trinidadian soca artist Olatunji.

There’s also plenty of ethnic food, drinks and artisanal crafts to enjoy, and visitors can camp a few miles away if they wish.

Location: Bayfront Festival Park, 5th Avenue West and Railroad Street
Dates: 20 July

Kymani Marley, one of the festival headliners

Park Point Art Fair

Nestled between Lake Superior and the Superior Bay each summer is this hugely popular annual arts fair. Now in its 49th year, the event has grown into one of Minnesota’s most loved cultural events, taking place across a full weekend in the open air to make the most of the idyllic surroundings.

The fair attracts art lovers from across the state and beyond, with more than 120 juried artists showcasing work in clay, photography, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, fibre, jewellery, wood, glass and more.

Visitors can admire or purchase the exhibits on show, making it a great place for gift or souvenir hunting. There are also arts demonstrations and workshops, live music and entertainment, and a wide range of food vendors.

Location: Park Point Recreation Area
Dates: 29–30 June 2019

Artworks for sale at the Park Point Art Fair

Grandma’s Marathon

Whether you’d like to participate or simply spectate, this marathon — the 11th largest in America — is one of the best Duluth events that’s easy on the wallet. First held over four decades ago, the marathon has grown significantly and now takes place over a full three-day festive weekend.

The event includes a variety of race categories, free kids’ races, live entertainment and plenty more, bringing the whole Duluth community together for a fun and action-packed occasion.

Location: Two Harbors to Duluth
Dates: June each year

Children offering refreshments to runners during Grandma’s Marathon

Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

The world’s biggest private collection of original manuscripts and documents resides at this impressive museum, which has venues across America, including one in Duluth.

At the Duluth site visitors can explore a treasure trove of fascinating artifacts, including Egyptian sandstone carvings, ship models, Bob Dylan’s handwritten lyrics and the world’s first ever baseball card.

The museum also hosts a regular program of music concerts and other events.

Location: 902 East 1st Street
Hours: Tues–Fri 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 11am–4pm; Closed Mon

An exterior shot of the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum

By Paul Joseph