If you're planning a trip to Duluth, Minnesota (YAY!), chances are Canal Park is already on your list. Located along the shores of Lake Superior, Canal Park is one of the most popular destinations in northern Minnesota for visitors looking for lake views, local experiences, and unique attractions.
From watching massive ships pass under the famous Lift Bridge to trying your hand at glassblowing, Canal Park offers a mix of outdoor adventure, family-friendly attractions, and unforgettable local experiences.
If you're wondering what to do in Canal Park in Duluth, we have some suggestions for five must-do activities that local Duluthians and visitors alike recommend.
1. Watch Ships Pass Under the Aerial Lift Bridge
No trip to Canal Park is complete without seeing one of Duluth’s most iconic sights: the giant freighters passing beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Several times a day during the shipping season, massive ships travel through the Duluth Ship Canal on their way to and from the Great Lakes. Visitors gather along the canal to watch as the bridge lifts high into the air to let these enormous vessels pass through.
Tips for visitors:
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Walk out to the pier for the best view.
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Check ship schedules and view harbor cams online before visiting.
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Bring a camera — the photo opportunities are incredible!
Watching a 1,000-foot freighter glide past just a few yards away is an unforgettable Duluth experience.
2. Walk or Bike the Lakewalk
The Duluth Lakewalk is one of the most scenic waterfront paths in the Midwest. Stretching for miles along Lake Superior, it’s perfect for walking, jogging, biking, or simply enjoying the lake views. The Lakewalk connects visitors to parks, beaches, and scenic overlooks along the shoreline.
Highlights include:
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Lake Superior viewpoints
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Public art installations
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Access to Brighton Beach and Leif Erikson Park (check out the Rose Garden!)
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Restaurants and coffee shops along the route
Whether you're taking a casual stroll or renting a bike, the Lakewalk is one of the best ways to experience Duluth’s waterfront.
3. Try Glassblowing at Lake Superior Art Glass
Ok, ok. . . we couldn't NOT recommend ourselves. After all, we think we are one of the best storefronts in Canal Park! If you're looking for a unique and memorable thing to do in Canal Park, try glassblowing at Lake Superior Art Glass.
Unlike many art galleries where you simply browse finished pieces, here you can actually participate in the glassblowing process yourself. With guidance from experienced glass artists, visitors can create their own handmade glass piece — from ornaments and paperweights to colorful glass flowers.
Why visitors love it:
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Hands-on glassblowing experiences (there's something for everyone ages 4 and older!)
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Perfect for couples, families, and groups
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Watch live glassblowing demonstrations in either our Hot Shop Studio or Flamework Studio.
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Take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir! Our gallery features the work of over 60 glass artists from around the country.
Even if you don’t make your own piece, watching molten glass transformed into beautiful artwork is fascinating. It’s one of the most unique experiences in Canal Park and a great way to bring home something truly special from your Duluth visit. Yes, we're biased, but our hundreds of 5-star Google reviews also back us up! We'd love to have you take a class with us our browse our gallery during your visit to Duluth.
4. Explore the Great Lakes Aquarium
Just steps from the canal, the Great Lakes Aquarium is one of Duluth’s top family attractions.
The aquarium focuses on freshwater ecosystems, especially the fish and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. Visitors can see everything from lake sturgeon and otters to reptiles, amphibians, and interactive exhibits.
What makes it worth visiting:
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Hands-on exhibits for kids
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Regional wildlife and aquatic life
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Indoor activity perfect for rainy or cold days
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Educational displays about the Great Lakes
If you’re visiting Canal Park with kids or looking for something educational to add to your itinerary, the aquarium is a great stop.
5. Take a Harbor Cruise with Vista Fleet
Want to see Duluth from the water? A harbor cruise with Vista Fleet is one of the best ways to experience Lake Superior and the Duluth harbor.
Departing directly from Canal Park, Vista Fleet offers a variety of sightseeing cruises that take visitors through the harbor, under the Aerial Lift Bridge, and out onto the vast waters of Lake Superior.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy incredible views of the Duluth skyline, passing freighters, and historic waterfront landmarks. Many cruises also include narration about Duluth’s shipping industry and the history of the Great Lakes.
Popular options include:
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Narrated sightseeing cruises
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Dinner cruises on Lake Superior
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Sunset cruises with stunning harbor views
For visitors looking for a relaxing way to see Duluth from a new perspective, a Vista Fleet harbor cruise is a classic Canal Park experience.
Plan Your Canal Park Adventure
Canal Park is the heart of Duluth’s waterfront and one of the most exciting areas to explore in northern Minnesota. Whether you're visiting for a weekend getaway, a summer vacation, or a day trip along the North Shore, there’s no shortage of things to see and do.
To recap, the top things to do in Canal Park include:
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Watching ships pass under the lift bridge
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Walking or biking the scenic Lakewalk
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Trying glassblowing at Lake Superior Art Glass
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Visiting the Great Lakes Aquarium
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Taking a harbor cruise with Vista Fleet
And if you’re looking for a truly memorable Duluth experience, creating your own glass art at Lake Superior Art Glass is something you won’t find anywhere else in Canal Park.
Planning a visit? Stop by Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal Park to watch live glassblowing or book your own hands-on glassblowing experience and create a piece of art you’ll keep forever.
