Landing at Duluth International Airport in Duluth puts you at the center of a region, where Lake Superior, the North Shore, and the Northwoods are close by. Duluth climbs a steep hillside above the biggest freshwater lake in the world, and giant ore ships still pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge in the middle of downtown. The feel is hardy and outdoorsy, with craft beer, smoked fish, and trail systems that start in the city.

Standout experiences around Duluth: - Watch a 1,000-foot freighter pass under the Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park - Walk or bike the Lakewalk along the Lake Superior shore - Tour Glensheen, a 39-room mansion on a lakeside estate - Climb Enger Tower for a view of the harbor and the Wisconsin shoreline - Learn about shipping at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center - Hike the Superior Hiking Trail, which runs right through the city - Grab a pint at Bent Paddle or another of the local breweries - Ski or ride the Timber Twister alpine coaster at Spirit Mountain - Drive the North Shore to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse - Count migrating hawks and eagles at Hawk Ridge each fall

Duluth is the starting point of the North Shore Scenic Drive, with Two Harbors a half hour away, Gooseberry Falls at 45 minutes, and Split Rock Lighthouse about an hour. Superior, Wisconsin, sits across the harbor, and the lake effect keeps summers cool when the rest of Minnesota is sweating. Grandma's Marathon each June and Bentleyville's holiday lights each winter bring the whole region into town.