Fall Getaway to Duluth, Minnesota

If you only ever get to see Duluth once, see it in the fall. Gold and orange and russet foliage drapes the hills and valleys along the Lake Superior shore. It's still warm enough to appreciate how jagged boulders turn the inland sea's waves into a cooling mist and to stand in the shadow of a lighthouse to watch the iconic Aerial Lift Bridge rise to grant passage to freighters. But it's cool enough that the sharp-shinned hawks and peregrine falcons have started their trek south for the winter, pausing in the tree-topped bluffs of Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, where hikers and birders congregate to see nature's splendor.

Duluth's charms make it a popular destination when fall color peaks in late September and early October. Each weekend, hundreds of visitors make their way here to see the colors, shop Canal Park's boutiques, watch the ships come in and dine on whitefish. But you don't have to fight crowds if you have a game plan.

One-Day Fall Itinerary in Duluth

See the Sunrise on the Duluth Lakewalk

It's just you and the early-morning joggers as the sun lights up the lake in sherbet shades of orange and pink. The hour is peaceful and quiet, and getting here now ensures you snag one of the in-demand $1/hour Canal Park public parking spots.

Sip Local Coffee

Head to Duluth Coffee Company downtown for locally brewed, globally sourced coffee. Pastries typically available, too.

Explore Canal Park

Meet freshwater creatures at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Walk to the lighthouse at the end of the North Pier, or tour the William A. Irvin freighter. Sip aquavit and gin at Vikre Distillery. And shop! Duluth Pack sells leather totes and Siiviis curates local art.

Fall Hiking in Duluth

By early afternoon, Canal Park will be packed. Now might be a good time to take in some nature. Four less-than-a-mile hiking trails lead to overlooks and prime spots to watch for migrating birds of prey at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory on the bluffs above Duluth. Nearby, Jay Cooke State Park's 50 miles of trails showcase fall color and a swinging bridge over St. Louis River rapids.

Where to Eat in Duluth in Fall

Lines at the Canal Park eateries, like Canal Park Brewing Company, may be long. But there are off-park options. New Scenic Cafe, 14 miles north of Duluth, serves up rabbit confit with lake views. In town, The Duluth Grill elevates diner food, whipping up salmon hash with eggs. At Fitger's Brewhouse, local bands with national cred, like Trampled by Turtles, play for guests enjoying craft brews and wild rice burgers.

Where to Stay in Duluth in Fall

Duluth has more than a dozen hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts to choose from, with many more scattered all up Minnesota's North Shore, but in September and October, spots go fast. Plan at least two months ahead (some places sell out a year in advance) to get a spot at lakeshore lodging like The Inn on Lake Superior or Beacon Pointe Resort. For last-minute getaways, contact Duluth's convention and visitors bureau. They'll know which places still have rooms, so you don't have to hunt for openings yourself.