Where to Stay in Duluth, MN → 4 Best Areas (+ a Map!)

Duluth is a bustling port city in Minnesota, at the Southernmost tip of the impressive Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes. Surrounded by green spaces and woodlands perfect for many outdoor recreational activities, this is an excellent holiday destination, so you may be wondering where to stay in Duluth. 

My goal is to help you decide quickly, so I compared all the Duluth neighborhoods and selected the 3 best places to stay in Duluth, MN. 

Downtown, the city’s bustling waterfront district, is the best area to stay in Duluth, MN. While staying here, you’ll get access to the top attractions, amazing restaurants, and some of the best hotels in Duluth. 

In addition to highlighting the best neighborhoods for a stay in the city, I also handpicked the top hotels in each of the neighborhoods featured here. There’s something for every budget and travel preference, so I’m sure you’ll find something to your taste. 

Finally, if you’re planning a visit to Duluth, hurry up and book your hotel in advance! This is a popular year-round destination, and the good hotels are quick to sell out! 

Let’s start!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Want to book immediately? Here’s a list of the best hotels in Duluth, MN, all situated Downtown:

Here’s a map to help you visualize the top 3 places to stay in Duluth that I will be talking about in this post:

1. Downtown – where to stay in Duluth for the first time

Downtown Duluth (also called Duluth Waterfront) is the vibrant heart of the city… the ideal spot for any first-time visitor! Other than panoramic strolls along the lakefront, this 90-block area offers unique shopping options, delicious restaurants, and unforgettable sites to visit.

One of the most popular spots in Downtown Duluth is The St. Louis County Depot, a former train station that hosts various exhibitions and events. However, the reason why The Depot is so popular is the fact that this is a departure point for the North Shore Scenic Railroad! 

If you’re visiting Duluth during the summer or autumn, a ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad is an absolute must! This will give you a chance to ride on a historical railcar that will take you through Downtown Duluth, Canal Park, along the shore of Lake Superior and deep into the North woods – a unique way to experience the city!

NOTE: The North Shore Scenic Railroad offers several different tours, including a couple of standard tours, as well as some special excursions. All of these tours are fully narrated, so you’ll be able to learn a lot about the city’s history and culture. 

Another must-visit in Downtown Duluth is the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, boasting a wide selection of historic railcars displayed in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. 

During your stay in Downtown Duluth, you’ll also get a chance to try many different restaurants and bars, and best of all – everything’s within walking distance! However, if you want to get out of Downtown and visit some attractions that are a bit further away, you’ll need a car. 

Unfortunately, Duluth doesn’t have the greatest public transportation, so I suggest either renting a car or relying on ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft. 

Once you have a mode of transport, I highly suggest driving out to the Glensheen Mansion and joining a guided tour or going out to Leif Erikson Park (map) for a relaxing afternoon. 

Now, let’s check out the best hotels in Downtown Duluth! 

Other accommodation options in Downtown

Things to do in Downtown

• Explore the exhibitions at The St. Louis County Depot
• Embark on an unforgettable ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad
• Admire the historic railcars at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum
• Go on a tour of the Glensheen Mansion
• Spend a relaxing afternoon at Leif Erikson Park
• Try your luck at the Fond-du-Luth Casino (map)

2. Canal Park – best area to stay in Duluth, MN, with family

Canal Park is a lively neighborhood situated just a 15-min walk South of Downtown Duluth. Being nestled directly on Lake Superior’s shore, the neighborhood offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as many cool attractions, making it the best place to stay in Duluth, MN, when traveling with family. 

The most notable landmark in Canal Park is the Aerial Lift Bridge (map), an imposing steel bridge that lifts to let large ships pass into the harbor. The bridge also connects Canal Park with Park Point (map), a laid-back neighborhood that’s actually situated on a man-made island. 

Park Point is the ultimate destination if you want to take the kids on a day trip but not somewhere too far. You can spend the day exploring the Park Point Recreation Area (map) or hit the beach and try some cool water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding on the lake. 

Now, back to Canal Park and all it has to offer! If you’re traveling with kids, you cannot miss the Great Lakes Aquarium, housing many different species of fish, reptiles, and birds. And if you need to do some shopping or just want a quick bite to eat, you definitely need to visit the DeWitt–Seitz Marketplace (map). 

The Bayfront Festival Park (map) is the best place to spend a day outdoors! Located on the shores of Lake Superior, the park hosts many events and festivals and provides the best views of the Aerial Lift Bridge! 

Even though Canal Park is super close to the Downtown area, if you’re on a family trip, I highly recommend renting a car so you can take the kids to some cool spots a bit further away. 

My first recommendation is getting a day pass to the Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark, where the kids will have plenty of fun on the water slides and playing in the arcade. I’d also recommend a visit to the Duluth Children’s Museum, offering plenty of interactive exhibitions. 

Last but definitely not least, you need to put a few hours aside and enjoy a long walk along the Lakewalk (map). This lakefront promenade offers the most stunning views of the lake and easy access to many restaurants and cafes – the ideal combo for a special day! 

Other accommodation in Canal Park

Things to do in Canal Park

• Have a fun day with the kids at the Great Lakes Aquarium
• Spend the day exploring the Park Point Recreation Area and lounging on the beach
• Admire the lake and the Aerial Lift Bridge from the Bayfront Festival Park
• See what’s on the schedule at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
• Take the kids on some water adventures at the Edgewater Hotel and Waterpark
• Let the little ones explore the Duluth Children’s Museum
• Enjoy a delicious meal at Grandma’s Saloon & Grill (map)
• Go on a relaxing walk along the Lakewalk

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3. Duluth Heights – where to stay near the airport

If you’re in Duluth for a quick stop or you want to catch your next flight without the stress of being too far from the airport, Duluth Heights is the ultimate place to stay. This quiet residential neighborhood is located a 15-min drive Northwest of Downtown Duluth and checks all the boxes for a relaxing stay. 

One of the best ways to spend your time in Duluth Heights is by doing some shopping! The Miller Hill Mall (map) hosts all the main brand stores, as well as quite a few eateries that are a great choice for a quick and affordable meal. 

If you prefer to spend time outdoors, there’s no better place for it than Enger Park (map)! The park features many walking paths, a Japanese garden, and the Enger Tower – you can go up to the top floor of the tower for incredible panoramic views over the city. 

The park also hosts a golf course – the Enger Park Golf Course (map) is a great spot to spend a relaxing afternoon while practicing your swing. 

Finally, if you want to enjoy a delicious meal, you don’t have to drive all the way Downtown! Duluth Heights has a good selection of restaurants – I particularly recommend the Texas Roadhouse (map) for a delicious steak and Bridgeman’s (map) for its vintage atmosphere and top-notch ice cream. 

The airport is just a 10-min drive from Duluth Heights, so you can drive or take an Uber. However, if you want to keep exploring, I recommend making the 15-min drive to the Hartley Nature Center (map). Here, you can spend the day hiking, cycling, fishing, and even skiing in winter, so it’s the perfect spot for all the outdoor enthusiasts. 

Let’s take a look at the best accommodations in Duluth Heights! 

Other accommodation options in Duluth Heights

Things to do in Duluth Heights

• Hit the shops at the Miller Hill Mall
• Go for a walk in Enger Park and go up to the top of Enger Tower to enjoy the view
• Book a tee time at the Enger Park Golf Course
• Embark on a helicopter tour over Duluth and Lake Superior
• Enjoy a delicious dinner at the Texas Roadhouse and dessert at Bridgeman’s
• Spend an active day outdoors at the Hartley Nature Center

👑 Luxury price:	US$250
💵 Mid-Range:	US$200
🛏️ Budget:	US$130
📍 Best area:	Downtown Duluth
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Pier B Resort
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Fitger’s Inn
👛 Best budget hotel:	Hostel du Nord

BONUS: Best cabins in Duluth, MN

Have you considered renting a cabin for your holiday to really get into the outdoor spirit? Cabin rentals offer a tranquil atmosphere that you don’t always find in hotels. Hidden away from busy roads and highways, these accommodations will ensure peaceful nights of sleep with no noise except the pleasant sounds of nature and wildlife. 

If that sounds like the perfect holiday for you, take a look at the top cabins in Duluth for a relaxing and peaceful stay – featured below! But if you want to see some more awesome options, check out our full guide on the ultimate Duluth cabin rentals. 

• Modern Outdoor Oasis – bright, modern home with all the amenities for a great getaway. Immerse yourself in the outdoor hot tub and enjoy the natural surroundings in a quiet country setting
• Hillside Home – within walking distance of Lake Superior, this quaint wooden house features 3 bedrooms, a spacious and functional kitchen, and a yard with BBQ facilities and an outdoor dining area
• Off Grid Cabin – Unique cedar log cabin where you can enjoy a steamy wood-fired sauna before snuggling into your comfortable bed. In the evenings, you can relax on the sofa in front of the indoor fireplace
• Enjoy Duluth’s Best Trails – this modern and cozy cabin has 3 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 6 people. It also has a lovely patio where you can sip your coffee and enjoy the surrounding nature

BONUS 2: Where to stay near Spirit Mountain

Spirit Mountain is a popular skiing area in Duluth, which also hosts a cool adventure park, making it a desirable destination all year round. So, if your main reason for visiting Duluth is enjoying Spirit Mountain, you’ll probably want to stay somewhere nearby. 

Below, you’ll find my top picks for staying near Spirit Mountain – they’re all great choices, but keep in mind that they are all in the budget category. So, if you want to enjoy some luxurious amenities on your Duluth trip, you’ll have to stay Downtown and make a longer drive to the mountain. 

Let’s find you a hotel in Duluth near Spirit Mountain: 

• AmericInn by Wyndham Duluth South Proctor – just a short drive away from Spirit Mountain, this hotel features an indoor swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar, plus free parking
• The Willard Munger Inn – a quaint inn situated just an 8-min drive away from Spirit Mountain, offering guests ski-in/ski-out access, free bicycle rentals, and a children’s playground
• Duluth Inn & Suites Near Spirit Mountain – within walking distance of Spirit Mountain, this hotel boasts an indoor pool, a hot tub, and a fitness center, and it also offers a complimentary daily breakfast
• Americas Best Value Inn – this budget-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Spirit Mountain and offers an indoor heated pool, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast free of charge 

TIP: While staying in this area, don’t miss a chance to visit the Lake Superior Zoo; it’s just a 10-min ride from Spirit Mountain and houses over 300 different animal species. 

FAQs about where to stay in Duluth

Final words on the best places to stay in Duluth, MN

We made it to the end of this guide on where to stay in Duluth! Hopefully, now you will have a better idea of the top places to stay in Duluth, MN, so you can figure out which one is the best fit for you. 

However, if you still have a tough time deciding on lodging in Duluth, MN, here are my 2 favorite hotels in Downtown Duluth: 

• Pier B Resort – a 5-star hotel with a fitness room, indoor pool, and 2 on-site restaurants
• Fitger’s Inn – centrally located hotel with an on-site nightclub and coffee shop, offering free airport transfers

Don’t forget that these are the best hotels in Duluth, so make sure you book them far in advance to secure a spot and get the best deal!

If you have any questions about Duluth or the places to stay, feel free to leave me a comment – I’ll get back to you ASAP! 

Have a good trip,

Hristina

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