17 Fun Indoor Things to Do in Duluth, MN to Enjoy a Rainy Day
Although Duluth has tons to do, if you get stuck visiting on a rainy day, it may be a bit more difficult to figure out what to do.
Luckily, there are dozens of great indoor things to do in Duluth that you can fill your day with, so no day goes to waste.
Tyler and I have our fair share of unlucky days getting stuck in the rain, but we’ve made the most of it by planning trips to the aquarium, planetarium, movie theater, and more.
In this post, I’ll share some of the best activities for those rainy days, so you don’t feel as down in the dumps and are able to enjoy your Duluth visit!
Indoor Things to Do in Duluth
1. Visit Adventure Zone
If you’re going to be stuck inside for the day but still want to move your body, or maybe you have some kids that need to get their energy out, head to Adventure Zone.
It’s found in Canal Park and has everything from a rock wall to laser tag, mini golf, a VR arena, and more.
Tyler and I are total kids at heart and have been to Adventure Zone many times when it’s raining in Duluth. I mean, who wouldn’t love it?
2. Take the Kids to the Children’s Museum
If you have kiddos, it can be really hard to be trapped inside all day with nowhere to let their energy out, so another great place to bring them is the Children’s Museum.
They have exhibits that teach about aviation, STEM, and Lake Superior. It’s actually a really cool place and there is tons of space for kids to run around and play.
3. Learn About Marine Life at the Aquarium
The Great Lakes Aquarium is a pretty unique place, being somewhere that you can learn all about Lake Superior and what lives in it.
There are different fish, frogs, and even river otters living at the aquarium that you can learn about. The river otters are our favorites, they’re so cute!
I also love that the aquarium has exhibits for other areas of the world like the oceans, Amazon Rainforest, and even to learn about shipwrecks.
Tyler and I are full adults and love visiting, so don’t be scared to head on in, even if you don’t have kids with.
4. Check Out the Events at the DECC
There are usually tons of events taking place at the DECC, which is the perfect place to spend some time indoors.
From concerts to UMD Bulldog hockey games and conventions, you can check out the events calendar and typically find something fun happening!
5. Watch a Movie at the Duluth Cinema
What’s a more classic way to spend some time indoors in Duluth than to catch the latest movie at the movie theater?
Tyler and I have always loved going to movies – it’s what we did on our first date. So going to a movie is always a go-to for us when it rains!
Plus it gives you an excuse to eat popcorn and grab some snacks.
6. Go Shopping Around Town
One of my favorite parts about small towns or areas (like Canal Park) is all of the local shops, so head in and do some shopping if you need to be indoors!
There are all sorts of boutiques, souvenir shops, and more including candy stores and an ice cream shop (my favorite – Love Creamery).
Even if you’re just window shopping, this can be a good way to kill some time.
7. Go Rock Climbing at Vertical Endeavors
Tyler and I had no idea how exhausting rock climbing was until we tried it out at Vertical Endeavors. So if you’re looking for a good workout, this is it!
There are 75 routes around the rock climbing center, and you don’t have to know how to climb to visit. We actually went without having a clue about it.
Just let them know that you’re a beginner at the front desk, and they’ll set you up with everything you need to know.
8. Tour Glensheen Mansion
Another way to spend some time indoors in Duluth is to take a tour of the Glensheen Mansion.
This historical house sits on a large lot on the shores of Lake Superior, and it’s actually the most visited historic home in the state.
You can wander around the 39 rooms within the mansion, learn about the murders that took place there, see the beautiful decor, and even see the dozens of Christmas Trees if you’re visiting during winter.
9. Visit the William A. Irvin Ship
This large red ship once carried iron ore and coal through the Great Lakes, and did so for 40 years, through all of the rough storms on Superior.
Now it sits near Bayfront Festival Park and is open for tours to see what the life of a crew member was like.
It’s pretty unique to walk through and see all of the equipment, gear, and even where the crew members slept.
And if you visit during October, you can take on the Haunted Ship, as it’s decked out as a haunted house. This is one of my favorite haunted houses in the state! It’s terrifying, but in a good way.
10. Grab Lunch or Dinner at a Local Restaurant
There are dozens (and I mean dozens) of local restaurants around Duluth, and no matter what types of food you like, you’ll find something.
Grabbing lunch or dinner can be an easy way to kill some time. And if it’s been raining for a while, try out Tyler and I’s favorite ‘DIY four-course meal’ that we like to bring out on date nights in Duluth.
It starts by grabbing a drink at one location, appetizer at another, main course at another, and dessert at another. This takes a while to do so it’s a good way to spend the day and try out a ton of new places!
We love OMC Smokehouse and Va Bene for main course and Love Creamery for dessert! And one of my favorite hidden gem restaurants is Northern Waters Smokehaus.
11. Visit the Lake Superior Maritime Museum
Even if you aren’t able to enjoy the views of Lake Superior from the outside, you can still enjoy them from inside the Lake Superior Maritime Museum!
Lake Superior is a pretty mysterious lake, almost playing the role of an ocean in the Midwest, so learning about it can be fascinating.
There’s all sorts of history in this museum about the Great Lakes, Duluth, and more. Plus you can learn about the ships passing through the canal and more about the famous shipwreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.
12. Watch a Play at the Duluth Playhouse
If you’re a lover of theater, then check out what’s on at the Duluth Playhouse to see if any shows catch your eye!
I’ve seen quite a few great ones that I plan to buy tickets for later this year, and my mom and I have gone and seen It’s Christmas Charlie Brown. It was so fun!
This is just a smaller local theater that puts on Broadway adaptations, comedy shows, and other local productions. Shows are happening all the time, and it’s a nice way to spend time on a rainy day and support local.
13. Go Brewery Hopping
Going brewery hopping can mean a few things on a rainy day. Number one, you’ll get to enjoy a drink that was locally brewed. Number two, there’s often live music at breweries!
And since many of them are within walking distance or just a short Uber drive away, this can make for a great rainy day activity in Duluth.
14. Take a Train Ride Up the North Shore
Have you ever taken a ride on a train? You actually can while you’re in Duluth, starting from the Union Depot.
The North Shore Scenic Railroad has train rides that take you for a short ride up the North Shore.
This is a great way to see some of the beautiful sites along Lake Superior without having to get out, since you’ll be riding past on the train.
Plus it’s a unique experience that you really can’t have just anywhere!
15. Catch a Public Show at the Planetarium
If you’re like me and have an amazing fascination with space, then visiting the planetarium on the UMD campus is a great way to spend a rainy day.
There are shows open for the public on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Each night has a different theme, so honestly going more than once isn’t a bad idea! Plus, Wednesday night’s shows are free!
16. Explore the Lake Superior Railroad Museum
If it’s raining in Duluth, heading into the Lake Superior Railroad Museum might not be such a bad idea.
This museum is located in the Duluth Union Depot and you can learn all about the historic railroad and see all sorts of impressive railroad equipment.
There are interactive exhibits as well as different areas to learn about the history of railroads in Duluth.
Plus it makes it easy to hop on a train ride (like I mentioned above) and admission into the museum is half off with a train ride ticket!
17. Grab Ice Cream in Canal Park
If you’re anything like me, then you won’t let a little rain put a damper on your plans to get ice cream.
Especially not if it’s in a place like Canal Park where you can get Love Creamery. The small batch ice cream here is so good, and even on a rainy day.
I love anything chocolate, so I usually get something with that, but the flavors actually change throughout the year, so there’s something different all the time. And don’t forget to get a pup cup for your furry friend (see Bella enjoying hers above).
Conclusion: Duluth, MN Things to Do Inside
Don’t let a little bit of rain put a damper on your plans to enjoy Duluth. There are so many great indoor activities in Duluth to fill your day!
Tyler and I have ended up in Duluth many times when the weather hasn’t been our friend, and we’ve still always found plenty of ways to have fun. And I hope that this list allows you to do the same thing!
