Duluth, Minnesota is Ellen’s hometown. Home of the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, the Duluth East High School Greyhounds, hockey legends past and future, host of Grandma’s Marathon and the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, and birthplace of Bob Dylan.

It is a major port city in the U.S. state of Minnesota and the county seat of Saint Louis County. With a population of 86,293 it is the 4th largest city in Minnesota. It is the 2nd largest city on Lake Superior, after Thunder Bay, Ontario. It has the largest metropolitan area on the lake, with a population of 279,771 in 2010, the second-largest in the state.

Situated on the north shore of Lake Superior at the westernmost point of the Great Lakes, Duluth is accessible to oceangoing vessels from the Atlantic Ocean 2,300 miles (3,700 km) away via the Great Lakes Waterway and the Saint Lawrence Seaway.

Duluth forms a metropolitan area with neighboring Superior, Wisconsin; together they are called the Twin Ports. The cities share the Duluth–Superior harbor and together are the Great Lakes’ largest port, transporting coal, iron ore (taconite), and grain.

A tourist destination for the Midwest, Duluth features the United States’ only all-freshwater aquarium, the Great Lakes Aquarium; the Aerial Lift Bridge, which spans the Duluth Ship Canal into the Duluth–Superior Harbor; and Minnesota Point (known locally as Park Point), the world's longest freshwater baymouth bar, spanning 6 miles (10 km). The city is also the starting point for vehicle trips along Minnesota’s North Shore.

The city is named for Daniel Greysolon, Sieur du Lhut, the first known European explorer of the area.

(Thanks Wikipedia)

The New York Times recently named Duluth one of the most “climate-proof” cities in America.

Acclaimed comedienne Maria Bamford pokes fun at Duluth, which is also her hometown. Freshwater Monaco!

Duluth is known for opportunities to get outside and experience nature during all four seasons, and for stunning views of Lake Superior.

We’re spoiled with public parks and nature trails for hiking. There are dozens of small creeks that flow into Lake Superior, forming natural paths.We recommend Chester Park, Congdon Park’s Tischer Creek, Lester Park, or Hartley Nature Center for taking a walk in the woods.

The Spirit Mountain ski area offers numerous summer activities, including camping grounds, and mountain biking… and potentially a Glow Coaster and zip line (still waiting on 2019 dates).

There are also countless ways to experience Lake Superior. We especially recommend taking a stroll on the Lakewalk, a seven-mile trail along the shore. Be aware there may be some restoration work going on, since the Lakewalk recently suffered some storm damage.

Feeling beachy? Head across the Aerial Lift Bridge to the beaches of Minnesota Point, aka Park Point. In midsummer, this sandy lake beach puts any ocean beach on notice! For a rocky shore beach, consider Brighton Beach.

Have time for a drive “up the shore?” Gooseberry Falls State Park is a Maddy family favorite day trip, about an hour’s drive. Want to keep going? The Canadian border is just 150 miles from downtown Duluth!

The Aerial Lift Bridge is an iconic symbol of Duluth. The steel structure connects Canal Park to Park Point, and “lifts” to allow boats and ships into the Duluth harbor. Watching the bridge go up and down for boats can be a surprisingly entertaining activity, especially with kids. Check out the Ship Schedule to see when ships will be coming in.

Bayfront Festival Park is an outdoor concert and event venue on the edge of the lake, just a short walk away from Pier B. This year, the Bayfront Reggae and World Festival is happening on July 20 - if anyone is looking for a way to kill time on Saturday before the wedding.

Enger Tower is a five-story stone structure at the top of Duluth’s hillside, providing stunning views of the city and lake . It also has special significance to the Maddy family, as it is where memorials are located for Ellen’s grandparents Clarence and Jane Maddy.

Leif Erickson Park and Rose Garden are two more great parks to visit to enjoy the view of Lake Superior. The Rose Garden is maintained by volunteers and features thousands of roses in bloom in midsummer.

The Duluth Pack store is a historic brand, they’ve been making handcrafted canvas and leather packs since the Voyageur days. Still very much a favorite for campers, canoers, and Duluth schoolchildren, this store is located in Canal Park. It is not to be confused with the Duluth Trading Company—of “firehose-pants commercials during football games” fame—which has a storefront on Superior Street in downtown Duluth.

In Canal Park, the DeWitt-Seitz Marketplace houses a unique collection of local shops and restaurants, including Hepzibah's sweet shoppe where you can pick up rock candy that looks just like Lake Superior lake rocks—just watch out for pranksters who through a real rock into the candy bowl.

In downtown Duluth, Fitger’s Complex is located on the site of the historic Fitger’s Brewery. It has tons of local shops, several bars and restaurants, and is now operating as a brewery once again.

Over the last decade, Duluth has seen a ton of growth in the brewery and distillery space. Some of our favorites include the Apricot Wheat beer from Fitger’s Brewhouse, the family of Bent Paddle beers, and the Aquavit spirit from Vikre Distillery. Here’s a sample beer tour.

We’ve also got a classic mall, the Miller Hill Mall. Did you know that the world’s first indoor, climate-controlled shopping mall was built in Minnesota? That said, if you’re thinking of buying souvenirs on your trip, please consider shopping local.

A short drive “up the shore,” the New Scenic Cafe is our top recommendation for fine dining in the Duluth area. Foodie friendly—farm-to-table, New American, uses local ingredients, you get it.

For something a little more kitschy and homey, Grandma’s is an institution in Duluth. Known for their marathon spaghetti and cheese-soaked Chicken Tetrazzini, they are also the title sponsor of Duluth’s annual Grandma’s Marathon.

Burrito Union is a tongue-in-cheek homage to Soviet sensibilities, featuring burritos with names like “Happy Worker” or “Fat Capitalist.” A favorite of UMD college students, it serves tons of local beers and can be a fun weeknight hangout in the “neighborhoody” part of Duluth.

Sammy’s Pizza is the Maddy family favorite for ordering in pizza. If you’re having a night in, consider the Sammy’s Special pizza.

The Portland Malt Shoppe is a small storefront selling amazing malts, milkshakes, and ice cream cones—expect 20-30 minute lines! Located next to a staircase leading down to the Lakewalk, the malt shop is a great place to grab ice cream and then take a walk along the lake.

Black Woods, a regional favorite and Duluth-family owned and operated restaurant, will be catering the wedding on Saturday. If you can’t get enough, they also have a location on London Road in east Duluth.

Our wedding, hello!

July 20: Bayfront Reggae and World Festival. A celebration of world music whose artists spread the message of love, hope, and equality for all people worldwide!

July 20-21: Duluth Air and Aviation Show. The United States Navy Blue Angels headline the 2019 Duluth Airshow along with a host of other world class performers!