100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die

by Jay Gabler

Duluth is Minnesota's world port and “the Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas.” The vast expanse of Lake Superior is the city’s star attraction, but Duluth is also a city on a hill—with picturesque creeks, thrilling slopes, and extraordinary views. It’s a perfect vacation spot (bring your swimsuit), but it’s also an industrial powerhouse (take a harbor cruise to see why).

See the city’s rich history on display at landmarks like the NorShor Theatre, and watch Duluth's makers and artists design the future in places like the Lincoln Park Craft District. Witness transportation wonders such as massive freighters passing beside the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, the gorgeous route of the North Shore Scenic Railroad, and the innovative airplanes manufactured by Cirrus. Sample breweries like Bent Paddle, eat at a revolving restaurant, and don’t miss the must-see shops in Canal Park.

Jay Gabler is an experienced writer who's trusted by readers of Duluth's daily newspaper to tell them what they need to know about the city's arts and entertainment scene. He's curated a Head of the Lakes bucket list like none other, with recommendations almost as fun to read as they are to follow.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 5, 2025

About the author

I'm a writer and editor living in Duluth, Minnesota, where I write about arts and entertainment for the Duluth News Tribune. From 2013 to 2022, I was a digital producer at Minnesota Public Radio's The Current, where among other projects I hosted/wrote our Rock and Roll Book Club feature. I'm also a co-founder of The Tangential and a member of the National Book Critics Circle. Recent books I've written or co-written include 100 Things To Do In Duluth Before You Die (2025), Sociology for Dummies (second edition, 2021), and Robots and Foundation (2020). I'm on Bluesky, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, TikTok, and Letterboxd. Gmail: jaygabler.

Reviews

[Ashley]

As a Duluth native, this was a cute read about the area. I was surprised that Hartley Nature Center wasn't mentioned in the outdoor section. Duluthmn.gov has an event section just in case any future reader of this comment is curious about my beautiful city.

[Jay Gabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

That florid book description! What can I say? It's all true.