Locals will tell you Duluth is at its most magical in winter. Snow on the hillside, steam rising off Lake Superior and holiday lights along the harbor make it a true Northland getaway. Here are our favorite cold-weather things to do, plus how to warm up afterward.
Holiday season (late November to December)
- Bentleyville Tour of Lights at Bayfront Festival Park, free, with millions of lights, bonfires and Santa. Read our Bentleyville 2026 guide.
- Christmas City of the North Parade, a Duluth tradition on Superior Street the Friday before Thanksgiving week (November 20 in 2026).
- Holiday trains from the historic Duluth Depot on the North Shore Scenic Railroad. Schedules are posted on the railroad’s website each fall.
- Glensheen at Christmas, when the historic lakeside estate is decorated for the holidays.
- Duluth Winter Village, a holiday market at the DECC (December 5–6, 2026).
Snow and ice adventures
- Downhill skiing and snowboarding at Spirit Mountain, right in the city with views over the St. Louis River.
- Snowshoeing on Park Point. The Minnesota Point trail and the quiet winter beach are a few minutes from the cottage, and we leave snowshoes for guests.
- Ice skating. Bring your own or borrow the skates at the cottage when conditions allow.
- Sled dog racing. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon starts in the Duluth area each winter, usually in late January.
- Cold Front Duluth, a free winter festival at Bayfront Festival Park each February.
Lake Superior in winter
- Watch for sea smoke. On frigid mornings, steam rises off the open lake. The Lakewalk and the Lift Bridge pier are great spots for photos.
- See the Aerial Lift Bridge lit up at night from Canal Park, then grab dinner nearby.
- Warm up indoors at the Great Lakes Aquarium, the Lake Superior Railroad Museum or a cozy brewery. Our Duluth brewery list has favorites.
Where to cozy up afterward
After a day in the snow, nothing beats coming home to a fireplace. Bayview Cottage has two gas fireplaces, a reading nook, board games and a full kitchen, with Superior Bay right out the back door. It is the winter base we would want ourselves.
Stay at Bayview Cottage on Park Point
Winter weekends are some of our favorite stays. Check availability and book direct for the best rate, or read guest reviews and see every amenity.