Spread out along the hilly north shore of Lake Superior, Duluth lies amid some of the most scenic country in Minnesota. This northern Minnesota city is located at the westernmost tip of Lake Superior, halfway between Minneapolis/St. Paul and the Canadian border. Spend a few days in Duluth, and discover why over 3.5 million tourists visit there each year.

Duluth is known in Minnesota as a gateway to the wilderness. The Superior Hiking Trail, the Munger Trail and Spirit Mountain beckon adventurers, while birdwatchers travel to Hawk Ridge to watch raptors and other species migrate. The Great Lakes Aquarium offers views of freshwater fish and wildlife.

One of the best times to visit is autumn, when leaves on the hardwoods turn brilliant colors. Along the St. Louis River, hikers and bicyclists greet spring and summer as they enjoy Western Waterfront Trail, a 5-mile path with picnic areas and access sites for boats. Winter is welcomed by skiers and snowmobilers eager to glide along the 45 miles of snowmobile trails, and over 30 miles of cross-country ski trails.

Duluth is a popular base for chartered fishing expeditions on Lake Superior, where anglers can hook steelhead, Chinook, Coho, Atlantic salmon, and trout. Sightseeing cruises are another way to get onto the water. They run from June-September and usually last about two hours.

Canal Park is the centerpiece of the city's waterfront. The Canal Park Marine Museum includes the William A. Irvin, the 610-foot flagship of the old U.S. Steel Great Lakes Fleet. Canal Park is where you can see the Aerial Lift Bridge. It lifts straight up to allow ships to pass through the Duluth Ship Channel. South of the bridge is the Great Lakes Aquarium, an unusual freshwater aquarium that is home to 70 species of fish found in the Great Lakes. Interactive exhibits at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center explain the lakes' ecology.