Spring is here, and the Great Lakes area is home to some of the country’s most amazing sights and events of this season. A Vista Fleet tour is one way to experience the beauty and majesty of the Great Lakes. While on one of our tours, you will experience a plethora of Duluth’s best attractions. Your trip will be one of the most memorable you have ever taken, and we hope our attractions inspire you to return for many years to come. Try one of these Spring getaway ideas in Duluth this year if you haven’t already!
Tour the SS William A. Irvin
Located adjacent to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, the William A. Irvin is a historic lake freighter, the flagship of the Great Lakes Fleet for U.S. Steel. Although the ship is known best for its 50 years of carrying U.S. Steel supplies, it also housed guests of U.S. Steel in its luxury cabins. Today’s William A. Irvin visitors may tour its four luxury cabins, lounge, and dining room along with the rest of the ship. When visiting, pay particular attention to the gorgeous oak and walnut fixtures of each cabin.
Visit Canal Park
A gateway to Park Point, Canal Park is one of Duluth’s most frequently visited attractions. It links up with downtown Duluth and the beautiful lakefront. No matter what activities you enjoy – shopping, outdoor events, or taking in a convention center event – Canal Park is a hub for them all. For art lovers, Canal Park is home to several premier art galleries filled with gorgeous paintings, sculptures, and other art forms. Visit the Aerial Lift Bridge for a great view of freighters crossing the lake. If you have young children, take them to Adventure Zone, conveniently located near the park, for a day of fun.
Get a Taste of Elegance at Glensheen
Many states have historic mansions, and the historic Congdon estate of Glensheen is ours. Built between 1905 and 1908, it boasts 39 rooms and gorgeous English-style landscapes, including many terraced gardens. A house tour takes about an hour, and you can take separate tours of the grounds. Get a breath of fresh air as Glensheen is home to several walking and hiking trails, as well as a vintage pier. This is one of the most beautiful Spring getaway ideas in Duluth if you’re having a party, wedding, or formal dinner during your trip. Ask the staff about renting Glensheen or one of the nearby Vista Fleet boats for the day.
Swim With the Fishes
Along with enjoying Duluth’s lakes, get a great look at marine life via the Great Lakes Aquarium. Located on the harbor, the Great Lakes Aquarium is unique in that visitors don’t simply walk through looking at fish. This aquarium is a hands-on discovery center that encourages visitors to learn everything possible about lake life and geologic structures. The Great Lakes Aquarium houses 230 species of animals, from fish and amphibians to reptiles and birds. When visiting, spend plenty of time at the Shipwrecks Alive exhibit, which shows marine life adjusting to shipwrecks as natural habitats. At some exhibits, you can feed and interact with the fish and other animals.
Visit Lake Superior Zoo
Lake Superior Zoo is one of Duluth’s most popular and frequently visited animal attractions. Tourists cite gorgeous scenery and captivating, interesting animals, like snow leopards, as reasons for coming back several times. The zoo is smaller than most in the area, so you can enjoy a more intimate setting. The staff works tirelessly to create comfortable environments that meet the animals’ needs and reflect the unique geological landscape of Northern Minnesota. We recommend visiting during the off-season or late in tourist season when crowds are thinner.
Take a Vista Fleet Cruise
No visit to Duluth would be complete without time spent at Vista. We offer several cruises to meet your needs, whether you’re coming as a couple or bringing the entire family. Our tours include dinner cruises, so we invite you to come hungry. You’ll get unmatched views of Duluth’s lakes and skyline and enjoy some of our best accommodations.