13 Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum
902 East 1st Street; 218-728-0630; www.rain.org/~karpeles/dulfrm.html
Established by California businessman and Duluth native David Karpeles, the museum displays rotating exhibitions of historical documents from Karpeles’ private manuscript collection. The collection, one of the largest private collections in the world, preserves original writings of great authors, musicians, scientists, philosophers, statesmen and sovereigns from all periods of history. Notable past exhibitions include original handwritten drafts of the U.S. Bill of Rights, the Emancipation Proclamation and Handel’s Messiah. The museum’s permanent collection includes Egyptian artifacts, and also model ships, including the Titanic. Closed Mondays and holidays.
14 S.S. Meteor Maritime Museum
Berthed on Barker’s Island, WI; 715-394-5712; www.superiorpublicmuseums.org
Launched in Superior in 1896, the S.S. Meteor is the world’s only historic whaleback freighter still in existence. Daily tours mid-May to mid-Oct. Fee charged. Wheelchair accessible only on first floor.
15 S.S. William A. Irvin Ore Boat Museum
350 Harbor Drive; 218-722-7876 or 218-722-5573 (Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center); decc.org/william-a-irvin
A floating museum permanently docked across from the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center, the William A. Irvin was once the flagship of U.S. Steel’s Great Lakes Fleet. It carried ore and coal for 40 years. One-hour guided tour of engine room, staterooms, galley, dining room and pilothouse. Open daily. Fee charged.
OPTION
In October the stately William A. Irvin morphs into a Haunted Ship. Beware—this bone-chilling experience is not for the faint of heart! Call the museum for ticket information, or go to www.duluthhauntedship.com.
16 The Depot
506 West Michigan Street; 218-727-8025 or 888-733-5833; www.duluthdepot.org
A must-see for every museum and art lover! Advertised as “everything under one roof,” the 1892 Chateauesque-style Depot certainly has it all: Art Institute, Lake Superior Railroad Museum, St. Louis County Historical Society, as well as the School of the Minnesota Ballet, Duluth Playhouse, Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, Matinee Musicale, Arrowhead Chorale and Veterans’ Memorial Hall. Open daily. Wheelchair accessible. Fee charged. Ticket price includes admission to all four museums.
17 The Old Firehouse & Police Museum
402 23rd Avenue East (just south of Highways 2 & 53), Superior, WI; 715-394-5712; www.superiorpublicmuseums.org
The 1890s fire station houses vintage fire engines, a unique collection of toy fire engines, police and fire equipment, artifacts and the Wisconsin Fire and Police Hall of Fame. Mid-May to mid-Oct. Wheelchair accessible only on first floor. Free.
18 Tweed Museum of Art
University of Minnesota Duluth Campus, 1201 Ordean Court; 218-726-8222; www.d.umn.edu/tma
Contemporary and historical American, European and American Indian art is displayed in the museum’s 11 galleries. The museum also is home to the Glenn C. Nelson International Ceramics Collection and the Potlatch “Mountie” Illustration Collection. The museum hosts approximately ten exhibitions annually. Gift shop. Open T–Su. Wheelchair accessible. Donation suggested.
19 Waterfront Sculpture Walk
Canal Park—Lakeshore Walk
A series of sculptures representing the social, cultural and historical values of Duluth and cities around the world create an outdoor gallery of international art.
OPTION
Have lunch at Grandma’s Restaurant or, at least, take a peek inside at the interesting paraphernalia hanging from the ceiling and on the walls. Burgers, specialty sandwiches, Marathon Spaghetti, steak and more. Open daily; 522 Lake Avenue South; 218-727-4192; www.grandmasrestaurants.com.
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS
Whether you’ve been together 50 years or are just starting out, Duluth is the place to go with the person you love.
20 Bayfront Carriages
Canal Park across from Grandma’s Restaurant; 218-428-9563; www.bayfrontcarriages.com
Take a romantic carriage ride along the waterfront. Bayfront Carriages (across from Grandma’s Restaurant) offers their horse-drawn service on scheduled days; see website for days and times. Fee charged.
21 Fitger’s Brewery Complex
600 East Superior Street; 218-279-BREW; www.brewhouse.net
Fitger’s was a brewery from 1882 until 1972. Now a shopping complex with elegant dining opportunities and an overnight guest inn, learn about its history in the free museum. Fitger’s Brewhouse Brewery & Grille features its own award-winning handcrafted ales, homemade soups, sandwiches, burgers and more. Wheelchair accessible.
OPTION
Stop by Fitger’s Wine Cellars (within the Fitger’s complex) and choose a favorite wine from their more than 1,000 vintages. • Fifty cents gets you a ride on the Port Town Trolley from the Waterfront to Fitger’s. Wheelchair accessible.
22 Leif Erikson Park & The Greenery Café & Bakery
Leif Erikson Park is north of Fitger’s Complex on London Road. The Greenery Café & Bakery, Holiday Court, 2nd Level, 200 West 1st Street; 218-727-3387
Order a picnic-to-go from The Greenery Café & Bakery and head to the Rose Garden at Leif Erikson Park. One of Minnesota’s prettiest parks, it boasts more than 3,000 rose bushes, a fountain and a gazebo, and many spots to enjoy the incredible views of the lake.
NOTE: Rose-blooming season begins in late June to early July.
23 North Shore Scenic Railroad
The Depot, 506 West Michigan Street; 800-423-1273 or 218-722-1273; www.northshorescenicrailroad.org
The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers a special 2½-hour Elegant Dinner Train excursion hosted by various Duluth restaurants. Restored vintage train rumbles through the city along the rugged shoreline and deep into the North Woods. Trip scheduled for selected weekends only. Limited wheelchair accessibility. Call ahead for reservations, menu