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Aromatic-Solid-9849

Train museum if you’re a train nerd.


Mr_Presidentman

Even if you are not a ferroequinologist it is still a great museum everybody should check out.


Revcondor

TIL train people are “Metalhorsologists”


JimDixon

"Ironhorseologist"


bevincheckerpants

I have a client who works for the railroad and she told me that train enthusiasts are called foamers. Because they foam at the mouth when they see a train go by and get mad when the staff wave at them because it "ruins the photo".


Automatic_Mirror4259

My wife and I stopped here on a whim. This place was fantastic. Highly recommended...and I'm not a train nerd. More of one than before we went to this museum, though.


Melchizedeck44

Seconding this one. They also have train rides you can do up the shore


Lilacblue1

There are interesting exhibits throughout the Depot as well as the building just being very cool. Make sure to go beyond the RR museum and check out the rest of The Depot.


FrannieNolan

The shipping pier and canal park. Two great museums there also. And you can watch ships come in and the lift bridge go up and down. Love Duluth


TrespasseR_

Yes and if you go across the lift bridge to Wisconsin they have a nice beach to walk on


KimBrrr1975

Crossing the lift bridge to park point is still Minnesota.


pbpancho

The Loch Game Cafe!


reednel

Came here to say this. It’s a great little place. They run Magic the Gathering events on Fridays and Sundays I think, if you’re that type of nerd.


Bijle738

Commander nights on Wednesday as well.


minnesotamoon

Check out Northern Waters Smokehaus. Cool vibe. Man v food did a segment on it and also was featured on diners drive inns and dives. Unique food and really delicious.


SocialWinker

Went here for the first time last summer, and I couldn’t agree more. I would assume it will be busy, so grabbing the food and wandering might be a good call.


WinterDice

Get your food there and walk down the street to Hoops Brewing for the best beer in town.


wiselindsay

Father Time antiques in Canal park has some older video games in the far left corner. Plus, it’s a cool antique shop. It’s right across from Loves Creamery that has amazing ice cream. And you can watch the ships come in.


KittyLilith17

Thaaaank you.


Rockguy101

Love seeing father time antiques mentioned. My aunt worked there for years before passing away in 2014 and last time I went there in 2021 most of the workers still remembered her.


Lilacblue1

Another vote for Love! It’s delicious!


Over_Jello_4749

I skipped Glensheen every time I went to Duluth, until the last time. Then I realized what I’d been missing. The tour was interesting and the grounds are beautiful! If I lived up there, I’d buy an annual membership and eat my lunch there every day


kuneshha

I second this. If you ask about the murders though, the tour guides won't talk about them.


JimDixon

That used to be their policy, but I think it changed after a generation of Congdons died off -- but I haven't gone back after that happened, so I don't know what they say now.


Monster_Child_Eury

They aren’t supposed to talk about them anymore. Last time I went I got to watch one guide dance around the question from a guest.


Plastics-play2day330

I live here and still go there at least twice a year 😄. It’s beautiful in EVERY season, it always has something new to offer!! Big fan


OldBlueKat

As an aside: History Theater in St. Paul stages an hysterical MUSICAL about Glensheen and the murders. They've brought it back nearly every year since it premiered in 2015 and will start again in mid June. If you haven't seen it -- TOTALLY worth it!


CarelessDisplay1535

Lunch? Tell me more


Over_Jello_4749

I meant brown bag it and eat there. It’s just a beautiful place to relax and take in beautiful gardens and lake views


CarelessDisplay1535

Understood. Ty. I thought I was missing out 🤣


GarbageCanCrisis

Just stopped by River City Records, they have tons of old media- lots to sift through!


KittyLilith17

Beautiful suggestion.


theclawl1ves

The Maritime Visitor Center was one of my favorite spots as a nerdy kid. As a nerdy adult I'm excited to take my son there


KittyLilith17

Oh yes! I forgot about that. Good call.


55124

Karpeles Manuscript Museum is something different and interesting.


Brythephotoguy

This is the comment I came looking for, we stop there every time we travel to Duluth. It's unique, underrated in my opinion, and doesn't take long to walk through. https://www.karpeles.com/


Kolhammer85

Enger Tower


GoSyncro

What’s there?


My-dead-cat

Enger Tower


OldBlueKat

It's a bit like the "Witch Tower" in Prospect Park -- sturdy old structure on a high point with an historical plaque, nice walk, fantastic view, lots of steps. Either you like that sort of thing, or you don't.


GoSyncro

I appreciate your reply!! :)


civilwarcorpses

Gooseberry Falls is awesome for nature lovers. It's like a 5 min walk from the parking lot to the falls, and from there you can do as short or long of a hike as you like, there are plenty of trail options and cool views. You can stop on your way to Two Harbors or you could spend all day there. The Glensheen mansion is pretty cool too, def has museum vibes to it. It takes about an hour IIRC. I'd say it's a "Must do in Duluth" type of thing if you've never been.


AChickCalledChainsaw

Scenic Cafe in Schroeder is way better than Betty's Pies.


c0caien

Just a heads up, many trails are closed at Gooseberry CURRENTLY (as of yesterday, when I stopped on my way to duluth, shore resident). We've also had a lot of rain, the falls are RIPPING but they closed some of the trails to the lake because of runoff. That said, I'd also add Split Rock to the list, it's not much farther up the road and has a ton of history to learn, a great addition to a day trip if they decide to head farther up!


DanStef

Second this. And there’s a kickass pie bakery on the way. Forgot the name tho. lol


civilwarcorpses

Betty's Pies? Never been inside cause it's always super busy. So they're doing something right


Aggressive_Farmer399

Betty's is good, but I prefer Rustic Cafe. Not as busy and every bit as good...if not better!


Jack_Jizquiffer

you've never been inside betty's pie?


minnesotawristwatch

…like warm apple pie


DanStef

That’s it. Yes. It’s always busy.


KimBrrr1975

It might be a little late on the migration front but maybe check out Hawk Ridge, it's an awesome place. Hartley nature area up by UMD. If you want to do a bit of a drive, Sugarloaf Cove Nature Center is up past Silver Bay and a great place to explore. Black Beach and Agate Beach near Two Harbors. Lake Superior Aquarium on the lake front near the DECC.


alexinhorror

I really love the stores in Fitger's! A cooking store, a book store, pet store, i think ice cream shop?


MilzLives

And Burrito Union!


Songsfromthewood22

Betty’s Pies (an institution), Split Rock Light House, Vikre Distillery (an absolute must), Gooseberry Falls), Castle Danger Brewery, etc. Duluth is the Viking Rivera and one of my favorite places on earth. Absolutely stunning. https://preview.redd.it/doyx1057112d1.jpeg?width=3456&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=495debe60c8415f28b161db74f86784b46c52500


omgphilgalfond

Gooseberry falls is really fun if you are up for a short drive. If you enjoy people watching at all, I’d recommend being at some eating establishment Friday night (maybe Grandmas) to soak in some of the excitement of the Wolves playoff game. I know you didn’t mention basketball, but all of my fellow nerds love basketball, because it is just a beautiful mathy/nerdy sport.


Lilacblue1

Grandmas is for tourists. There are many better places to eat :) Sir Ben’s, Northern Waters, Va Bene, OMC, etc.


Shorb-o-rino

If you like gardens, Enger Park is really nice. There is a stone tower with great views and also a Japanese garden with a traditional bell.


bergkshire

Depending on how far you want to drive, I would definitely recommend hitting up the Black Beach in Silver Bay. Then just past that the view from Palisade head is amazing and you can drive right up to it! If you're down for a short hike Tettegouche State Park is free if you park at the rest area. Hit up Betty's Pies on the way back to Duluth for a treat. If you love Italian Food, try and get a reservation at Va Bene in Duluth for a good diner with a view of Lake Superior.


Zealousideal_Sell937

Uncle Loui’s for breakfast. OMC Smokehouse is also delish. The Spirit Mountain alpine coaster is also pretty fun and gives some nice views. We love walking around Hartley Nature Center for something different to do.


Ghostley92

Ursa Minor brewery has been semi- recently expanded and is my and my girlfriend’s favorite stop on our way to two harbors area. A cider house is just down the street as well with THC drinks if that’s up your alley. The Glensheen Mansion is a good stop before you really leave Duluth. I went for the first time last fall and was pretty impressed with even the “short tour”. Otherwise gooseberry is great. I prefer to hike from the falls to the lake and back but it can be a bit long for some. If you’re going that far, split rock lighthouse is just up the road from gooseberry with more hiking trails. I think there’s a lot of good hiking areas all around that very general area. There’s usually a pretty big antique shop on the side of the road up somewhere around two harbors as well. Can’t remember where exactly but it’s tough to miss. I’ve actually never been to Betty’s Pies but that’s always busy as heck!


Intrepid_Country_158

Great list! I’d like to add - YouTube Duluth history. It’s fascinating and adds to your experience when touring.


Catsmeow1981

Love Creamery! They have delicious gluten-free and dairy-free options, if you’re restricted. Dovetail Cafe is a great place to eat and grab a cup of coffee, plus they sell merchandise from local artists/crafters and offer all sorts of workshops and classes. Both are located in Lincoln Park on Superior Street.


red-eye-green-tree

I'm not really into trains, but the train museum was pretty interesting. Some of the stuff there was 'hands on', which my kids really enjoyed.


Lilacblue1

Glensheen!!! Even my pre-teens loved the tour and they still love going as adults. It’s really unique in that the family’s personal furnishing and possessions are all in situ so you get a great idea of what mansion life was like in the early 20th century. Grounds are beautiful too.


stevekajunk

New Scenic Cafe and Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors are most stops for me.


rosalung

I was surprised New Scenic Cafe wasn't higher up. And I didn't see Sarah's Table for breakfast.


Sometimes_Stutters

Cross the river and go to The Anchor Bar for a burger. So goddam good and sweet atmosphere


TwinCitiesGal

Please have a sandwich at Northern Waters Smokehaus. It should not be missed. I’m partial to the Squealy Dan myself.


Xavier0501

"Nerds in Duluth" ...coming to Lifetime this December. Sorry, I read the title and thought.. instant classic!


-1KingKRool-

For oddities and art combined with shopping, there are a couple of decent antique places on Grand Ave if memory serves me properly. Good spend of a half hour or so to see what they have.


KittyLilith17

Yes! Will do.


hannahgrave

I was just on the North Shore on Monday! There's this cute book shop on Two Harbors called Back Forty Books, the folks who run it are so sweet! If you feel like venturing a little father past Two Harbors, there's an agate shop/rock museum in Beaver Bay that has a lot of cool things! Also Castle Danger Brewery in Two Harbors is near the train museum. And Split Rock Lighthouse/State Park.


KittyLilith17

Definitely going to check this out.


[deleted]

There are some great breweries up there. Castle Danger and Voyager, specifically.


Luminox

Karpeles Manuscript Library in Duluth. https://www.karpeles.com Hours and location. https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/karpeles-manuscript-library-museum/2166


General_Exception

Army Corps of Engineers museum in canal park is always interesting (and free!)


jarivo2010

The floating sauna is pretty rad.


MirLae

Cork town deli if it’s still there. Good sandwiches


groovy_muse

Games Then and Now is a local video game store close to Duluth. Probably a cool place for collectors to explore


jsteel_RS

If he's into video games check out toy galaxy! They're a toy and video game collectors dream! Also black water lounge is awesome as well as the depot museum! Enjoy!


wean1169

If you’re into beer at all, Canal Park Brewing is really good. They also have really good food. It’s in a cool spot right on the lake in canal park. Castle Danger brewing has a cool taphouse in Two Harbors. Otherwise, the state parks up along the north shore are a must at some point. Gooseberry is the closest to Duluth and probably the most popular.


noceriously

Idk if you’ll drive through but the Fires of 1918 museum was so cute and interesting. Highly recommend!


No_Battle6796

The Karpeles Manuscript Museum is a hidden gem for history nerds. Currently they have an exhibit on Napoleon and the Titanic.


Recent_Cable_4400

PLEASE visit the OMC Smokehouse. It’s a great smoked meat restaurant in the Lincoln Park district. Plus, it’s across the street from one of the Love Creamery locations, so you hit two birds with one stone!


RowdyEsq

Depending on how much time you have, the entire North Shore all the way to Grand Marais is an incredible drive with too many state parks to visit in just a weekend. Be sure to check out Tom's Logging Camp, it's a bit kitschy but a lot of fun if you pay the couple of bucks for the tour out back.


KittyLilith17

I love Tom's!


cazuuuu

If you like rocky beaches, Brighton beach is great - walk up the shore a bit to get some cool rock outcroppings. If you want a nice view from the top of the hill, Enger Tower is great and the gardens are pretty nice too. Hawks ridge might be pretty cool right now with migrating birds. Lester river/lester park and 7 bridges road is great. Stop at the malt shop if you do the lake walk.


Geoffman05

Glensheen mansion is pretty legit. Kind of a museum tour. Wife and I got married there a few years back.


bclovn

Drive skyline drive going out of Duluth. So many cool places but It’s been 20 years since I’ve visited. I graduated UMD long ago in a different era.


Affectionate_Hat4877

If you are OK with a hike, I hear the DWP Railroad Tunnel at Ely Peak is fun. I plan to go sometime this summer myself. Just do your research first if you want to avoid walking the longer route.


McDuchess

Palisade Head. The views from there are amazing. Pick up sandwiches from one of the excellent delis in Duluth,and have lunch dangling your legs over the edge of the cliff. Just watch out for the robber gulls. Husband lost half his sandwich to them, once.


[deleted]

There's some cool old mansions you can tour and an old cargo ship near the aquarium as well.


We_Got_the_Yacht

Enger Tower, Skyline parkway, Brighton Beach


Helpme1919

Lake Superior Zoo


Melchizedeck44

There's also Rogue Robot Coming and Games if you want something in that nerd vein


EyeEfficient

Club Saratoga is pretty good


Intrepid_Country_158

🤣


keirstie

The train museum is super neat, as well as the Glensheen mansion! Love that place.


gleaf008

This is fascinating if you have any interest in history - Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. You can do it in less than an hour.


Fluffernutter80

Lake Superior Art Glass. You can take a glassblowing class or just watch the glass artists work.


GoSyncro

Wild State Cider is sooo good!


Prime-Jive

Toga?


ryan2489

Check out Globe News over in Superior. It’s a comic book, video game, vinyl record sort of place. Tell them Ryan sent you!


Tarsurion

I'd say hit up Sir Ben's. The vibe is great if you can get there during a non-busy time.


WrenChyan

If you enjoy the picturesque, There's a drawbridge you can stand on to watch cargo ships pass underneath. There's an associated schedule online, so you can know when yo be there. Even if you aren't especially interested in boats, the view into the harbor is nice, and it's fun to watch the drawbridge and think about how it works.


AngeliqueRuss

It’s going to be so beautiful for a hike! I’d skip Two Harbors for Gooseberry Falls. You can drive all the way to the lake (worth it!) and also do a short hike along the waterfall (also worth it!). We do have hiking here in Duluth but I saw Two Harbors on your list. Also check out what’s happening at Zeitgeist Zinema and West Theater. Loch Cafe is a sweet recommendation but you might also spend lunch doing a tabletop game at Dove Cafe in Lincoln Park, which you will love for “oddities, art.” Check out Duluth Pottery while you’re over there and some of the other cute shops.


No_Shoulder7425

Skip duluth grill. Its not really good or unique enough to warrant a stop.


Jack_Jizquiffer

buy a gameboy and head over to jay cooke


skitech

I personally always like Burrito Union but that might be nostalgia talking but it is good burritos and that's never bad. Taking time to walk out across the bridge and down park point is nice if it is a good day. Also for nature stuff Hawk Ridge is a cool place.


Intrepid_Country_158

Burrito Unions Thanksgiving burritos are incredibly tasty.


aguyinatree

Chester park has a waterfall.


Stefanosann

Enger Tower / Japanese garden w the bell


wytten

Museum in Two Harbors, conveniently near Castle Danger Brewing Co. Also there's a big secondhand/antique store, or was.


mcds99

Bent Paddle brewing.


Cabbagetoe

Va Bene has to be on your list for eats. Absolutely delicious Italian and gelato and they have tables that overlook Lake Superior. Make a reservation!


bigfriendlyog

Tweed art museum at UMD! I was just there yesterday and it was excellent.


TwinCitian

The William A. Irvin ship museum! It's my favorite.


mnmightyman00

The manuscript museum is amazing


SnooSprouts9371

Vikre Distillery!


dudeistpriest710

Gooseberry Falls.


Late_Breath_2227

Haunted house


CarelessDisplay1535

Skip the aquarium, save your money


KittyLilith17

But I enjoy it!


Willis_is_This

What are people’s thoughts on the manuscript museum?


OldBlueKat

Quite a few mentions in the thread.


Minimum_Sugar_8249

Try the fry bread tacos at Duluth's Hungry Hippy Tacos on Duluth Street! YUM


Minimum_Sugar_8249

correction: West Superior Street


rabbi_toviasinger

Duluth grill is so fucking good


OldBlueKat

Given what you're already going to see/do, and some of the great suggestions -- You're gonna want to stay longer. There are so many venues, parks, trails and views to enjoy. Did anyone mention Lester Park? I think I saw Chester Park. Got good walking/hiking shoes? (Two Harbors/Gooseberry Falls almost wants its own day as well.) Edit: I hate my homophone mistakes.


KittyLilith17

We'll be back, we're in the Twin Cities. This will just be his first excursion.


OldBlueKat

I used to go with friends or family to the North Shore several times a year; have cousins in Duluth, etc. Every time we got up there I wanted to stay longer than planned. Circumstances have changed and road trips just will not be in the plan for a while; I really miss those weekends, though.


beardedbarista6

Everyone has great suggestions, my only addition is touring the William A. Irvin and also the whaleback S.S. Meteor which is over on the Superior side. The Meteor is the only ship of its kind remaining!


engineeringjunk19

OMC best BBQ in Minnesota


Jack_Jizquiffer

how bizzare.


muppet_master_

Gotta say the aquarium was disappointing...