19 Great Things to Do in Duluth, MN in Winter and For the Holidays
Luckily for us, there are endless things to do in Duluth in winter, so even when the cold and snow comes around, we can thrive and have fun.
I love exploring Duluth, and have found so much joy in spending time skiing, hiking the trails, attending events, and more, even in the winter months.
In this post, I’ll share some must-do activities to fill your time visiting Duluth during the winter months. Don’t fret – there’s something for everyone.
Why Trust Us? We’re Tyler and Kassidy, two Minnesota natives who love visiting Duluth for all seasons. We’ve spent countless weekends exploring this beautiful area from top to bottom to find all of the best activities to keep you busy and enjoy your visit.
Things to Do in Duluth in Winter
1. Go Skiing at Spirit Mountain
Despite not being out west, Minnesota actually has some fantastic ski resorts, and Spirit Mountain is one of our favorites!
There are 22 runs over 175 acres with enough space for skiers from beginner to advanced.
Our favorite part is the view that you have from the top, which overlooks Lake Superior and the town of Duluth. It’s just gorgeous, and when paired with the amazing skiing, I know why people come from all over to check out Spirit Mountain.
2. Go Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire biking is a pretty unique activity to check out that you can do at Jay Cooke and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks, or at Spirit Mountain with service lifts.
A fat bike is essentially an off-road bicycle with large tires that are designed for riding through rough terrains such as mud and snow, making it the perfect winter activity.
It’s become increasingly popular in recent years and I’m really excited to give it a try this year!
3. Visit Bentleyville Tour of Lights
Seeing Christmas lights is one of the many joys of December, and Bentleyville really does it best.
There are over 4 million Christmas lights to see as you wander through Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth in all shapes and sizes.
I’d be lieing if I said my favorite part wasn’t the free hot chocolate, cookies, and popcorn or snapping pictures with the characters that wander around.
But be warned that it can get really cold down by the lake, so wear lots of layers and maybe bring a hand warmer or two.
4. Go Skating at Bayfront Festival Park
There are quite a few great places to go ice skating around Duluth, but one of the best is Bayfront Festival Park (same place that Bentleyville takes place!).
There’s a pretty nice sized ice rink and there are also skate rentals so if you don’t have your own, no worries.
I grew up figure skating and getting to skate on a beautiful rink like this one is such a joy, so I highly recommend it! This also makes for a perfect date night in Duluth!
5. Try Out Cross Country Skiing
If you like hiking or snowshoeing, then cross country skiing is another great activity to try out, especially somewhere like Duluth.
There are dozens of miles of trails, but our favorites are found along the Magney-Snively Ski Trail. We also really love Chester Park for something off the beaten path.
These are intermediate level trails, which are perfect, and lead to amazing viewpoints like Ely’s Peak (an amazing hidden gem!).
6. Watch the Christmas City of the North Parade
My family grew up attending the Christmas City of the North Parade every year, and it’s still something that brings me so much happiness every December.
This parade travels through Duluth down Superior Street and you’ll see floats covered in lights, glitter, dancing acts, reindeer, snowmen, and more.
And of course, the parade ends with a Santa Claus appearance.
We’ve gone to this parade every year since I was around 4, and I remember it as such a fond memory of starting the holiday season, since it happens mid-November.
7. Book a Sauna at Cedar and Stone
Let’s be real – Duluth is cold in the winter, and spending some time indoors is sometimes for the best. Which is why booking a sauna at Cedar and Stone may be right up your alley.
You can book a sauna session in Duluth, located right near Bayfront Festival Park, and enjoy the amazing experience in either a private, communal, or floating (yep, you read that right!) sauna.
I won’t lie, this may sound like the best Duluth winter activity on this list.
8. Ride the Christmas City Express
One of my earliest memories was taking the Christmas City Express from Duluth up the North Shore with my family.
This train makes you feel like you’re right on the Polar Express with holiday music, hot cocoa, and cookies.
You’ll even be read the Christmas City Express story before you board. This really is just the perfect activity for kids, but even as an adult, I think it’s the coolest thing ever!
9. Go For a Winter Hike on the North Shore
Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean that you can’t go hiking on the North Shore!
From frozen waterfalls to snow capped trees, the hiking trails are stunning during the winter, and you can choose from so many spots.
I recommend hiking to High Falls, which freezes over and the trail is pretty easy! It’s gorgeous during the fall months and almost better in the winter! Just bring a pair of microspikes or snowshoes to help with traction.
The Superior Hiking Trail along the North Shore also has some pretty epic spots, and many of them are fairly easy to get to, even with snow on the ground.
10. Wander Through the Duluth Winter Village
There’s really nothing that I love more than walking through a Christmas market, and the Duluth Winter Village is the perfect one.
It’s held at the Decc each December and you’ll find all sorts of goodies from local vendors like craft beer, Christmas ornaments, and tasty treats.
I’ve visted this market quite a few times and every year it just seems to get better! My favorite part is how festive all of the booths are decorated, and it really feels like you’ve been transported to a European Christmas Market.
Pair this with a visit to Bentleyville (right across the street) for a perfect Duluth winter night out.
11. Go on a Dog Sled Tour
While most people think that you have to go to Alaska to take a dog sled ride, you can actually do it right here in Duluth.
Positive Energy Outdoors has some incredible adventures where you can learn about dog sledding, how it works, and even take a ride for yourself. There are shorter or full day packages!
You can also attend the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, which takes place each January in Duluth, giving you another way to learn about these amazing dogs.
12. Snowshoe the Superior Hiking Trail
If you aren’t really up for hiking but still want to get out, try snowshoeing along the Superior Hiking Trail.
Snowshoeing can be done on almost any trail along the North Shore, but many people enjoy doing it on parts of the Superior Hiking Trail.
There are tons of beautiful spots but a few favorites are Oberg Mountain, Carlton Peak, and High Falls.
Just remember to stay off of trails groomed for cross country skiing. Snowshoes can actually be taken ‘off-roading’ so you don’t necessarily have to stay on trail.
13. Go Snowmobiling
Tyler and I are huge fans of snowmobiling, and getting out on the trails near Duluth and the North Shore give you a whole new love for it.
Hundreds of miles of trails line Lake Superior and wind through the area, specifically the North Shore State Trail which stretches from Duluth to Grand Marais.
If you don’t have your own snowmobile, you can rent from a few places like Pequaywan Inn in Duluth or the Gunflint Lodge on the Gunflint Trail.
14. Visit Canal Park
While Canal Park is extremely busy during the summer, it’s pretty calm and quiet during winter, which makes it the perfect time to visit.
You can watch as the huge waves crash in to the shore and maybe even see the ice stacks that form on the shoreline.
Plus most places are still open, so you can grab a bite to eat, check out the local shops, or just wander! Just remember to dress warm – it’s cold down there.
15. Take a Christmas Tour of Glensheen Mansion
While the Glensheen Mansion is beautiful year-round, it becomes its most beautiful during the winter months when it’s decked out for the holidays.
It’s actually decorated with over 20 Christmas trees and there are thousands of lights strung around the mansion.
You can take a tour through the building or wander around the outside and see the outdoor light display, Spirit of the Lights, which is free.
16. Go Snow Tubing
Spirit Mountain isn’t only known for skiing – it also has snow tubing which is one of the most fun things that I’ve ever done in Duluth in winter.
Spirit Mountain has a lift that brings you right back to the top after you’ve tubed down, and of course, the views from the top are amazing.
Don’t let this feeling like a “kids activity” scare you away, because I’ve gone snow tubing many times as an adult!
17. Visit Zoo Lights at Lake Superior Zoo
Another pretty epic spot to see Christmas lights in Duluth is right at the Lake Superior Zoo, where they have Zoo Lights each December.
There are tons of giant animal inflatables surrounded by holiday lights, free s’mores, and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
This is a pretty great event to check out for the kids for things to do in Duluth in December!
18. Watch a Show at the Duluth Playhouse
If the weather is too cold (I don’t blame you), head indoors to the Duluth Playhouse and watch a show!
Last year, my mom and I went to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas and it was so cute! We actually want to go back again this year!
There are a variety of shows on throughout the winter season, so you can pick one that suits you best and enjoy the indoors, rather than freeze outdoors.
19. Check Out the Lake Superior Ice Festival
The Lake Superior Ice Festival is a pretty unique event happening in Superior, right across the Wisconsin border from Duluth.
You’ll find dozens of sculptures carved out of ice right on the shore of Lake Superior, which is just so cool to see.
There are also fireworks and other activities like disc golf and cornhole during the festival, so it’s really a great time for anyone.
What to Wear in Duluth in Winter
One of the most important parts about being outdoors in Minnesota in the winter is dressing appropriately, because it gets COLD!
And that’s especially true when it comes to Duluth, because the wind off of the lake is really brutal at times.
When you’re visiting, here are a few things to remember to wear:
- Warm Boots: Having warm boots is going to change your life while exploring Duluth. If there’s one thing to have, it’s these to keep your toes warm!
- Thick, Puffy Jacket: Of course, have a warm, puffy jacket on top of base layers to hold in the heat.
- Snowpants: If you’ll be outside for a while, I also recommend snowpants to keep cold air out and warm air in.
- Merino Wool Base Layers: I always recommend merino wool base layers because they wick sweat and moisture away and keep you warm.
- Gloves or Mittens: Protect your fingers and hands from frostbite by wearing gloves! Touchscreen compatible are even better!
- Hat: Wear a hat to keep your hot air in and avoid frostbite on the ears.
- Hand Warmers: I always pack hand warmers because my fingers are the first to get cold.
Conclusion: Duluth, MN Winter Activities
If you’re visiting Duluth in winter, don’t worry about not having enough to do, because there are enough activities to fill a month long trip!
Tyler and I have explored Duluth from top to bottom, and some of our favorite activities are in the winter months. From skiing to relaxing in a sauna, I hope that you find this post helpful in finding your own amazing things to do!
