Halfway between Minneapolis and the U.S. – Canadian Border, you will come upon the city on the hill that is Duluth, Minnesota. Located on Lake Superior, the largest fresh body of water by surface area, Duluth is known for its endless outdoor activities, thriving local restaurants and award-winning craft beer scene. If you love a simple way of life surrounded by nature and good-hearted people, Duluth is the city for you!
A Brief History of Duluth
The beautiful City of Duluth is located on the westernmost point of the Great Lakes. The Sioux and Chippewa tribes were the first known inhabitants of the Western Lake Superior Region until around the 1650s when a Frenchman by the name of Pierre Radisson explored the area. The city was named “Duluth'' in 1856 after Daniel Greysolon, Sir du Lhut, arrived in 1679 to set up fur trade routes. Greysolon grew the area to be a well known trading destination for people throughout the midwest. The area experienced a land rush in the 1850’s when government land surveys showed the area was enriched in copper, iron ore, and timber. In the 1900’s Duluth became the busiest port in all of the Great Lakes, in fact, in the 1900’s, Duluth’s port handled more tons yearly than New York City. With this boom, the Aerial Lift Bridge was introduced as a main entrance into the harbor. The Aerial Lift Bridge is the United States’ first transporter bridge but was eventually converted into a vertical lift bridge. The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is a staple in Duluth to this day. Today, Duluth has found a healthy balance in the city’s new role as a tourist destination while staying true to its roots and remaining an essential port for grains, coal, and taconite.
Fun Facts About Duluth
The LGBTQ Community in Duluth
Known as the Twin Ports, Duluth and its neighboring city Superior, Wisconsin have a growing LGBTQ+ community. Located just two and a half hours north from the Minneapolis / Saint Paul metropolitan area, Duluth has proven to be a great city to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Every year Duluth has seen a growing LGBTQ+ city thanks to its progressive political scene and the University of Minnesota-Duluth campus that brings over 30,000 undergraduate students every year. The UMD Queer and Allied Student Union celebrates the diversity and culture of the queer community and creates a great resource for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Gayest Places to support in the Twin Port’s
At Sara's Table Chester Creek Cafe
This neighborhood gem was opened in 2003 by married couple Barbara Newburt and Clara Blumberg. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, this is a go to place for sustainable, delicious, farm to table food.
MUST TRY: Cranberry Wild Rice French Toast
The Duluth Grill found it’s stride in 2008 and has become one of the most popular restaurants in the Twin Ports. Owned and operated by the Hanson family, Duluth Grill is known for its locally sourced produce and inviting atmosphere. Featured on Guy Fieri’s, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” be sure to plan ahead to avoid the long wait on the weekends.
MUST TRY: Wild Rice Melt with homemade onion rings
Located in the Fitger’s complex overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, The Boat Club is a go to place for seafood in Duluth. The restaurant opened in 2017 by Jason Vincent and Jeff Anderson who also own multiple restaurants on the North Shore of Lake Superior.
MUST TRY: The “world famous” lobster bloody mary (Yes, this includes a lobster tail!)
Fun Duluth Events
Grandma’s Marathon (June)
This iconic Duluth tradition highlights the best of the Northland including amazing scenery, unparalleled hospitality and the best community spirit. The annual event offers an experience that runners and their families will remember forever, including an expo, kids races, 5K, half marathon and the renowned marathon along the shores of Lake Superior.
City of Duluth Fourth Fest (July)
The Midwest’s greatest Fourth of July celebration and firework show! Visit Bayfront Festival Park during the Independence Day Celebration! Duluthians and visitors can enjoy this free community celebration. Every year on July 3rdthe city also hosts the popular “Party in the Park with Hairball,” a cover band that celebrates arena rock anthems.
All Pints North Summer Brew Fest (August)
Visit the beautiful shores of Lake Superior to celebrate craft beer from Minnesota breweries and brewpubs of the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, plus select regional craft brands. Meet the brewers and enjoy craft beers, food vendors, live music, craft beer education and much more at Bayfront Festival Park!
Bayfront Blues Festival (August)
The Annual Bayfront Blues Festival is one of the oldest and largest annual outdoor music events held in the upper Midwest. Each year nearly 20,000 fans are treated to 30 different acts on two full-size concert stages featuring the nation’s top names in the blues and blues/rock world.
Duluth Drag Race and Car Show (September)
Unfortunately, this does not have anything to do with the Queen of drag RuPaul. However, the nation’s only legal 1/8 mile takes to the street on Garfield Avenue in Duluth. You don’t want to miss this event as dragsters reach speeds of 200 miles per hour in 660 feet!
Bentleyville Tour of Lights (November-December)
As featured on ABC’s ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight,’ Bentleyville is America’s largest free walkthrough lighting display. This joyful holiday event has something for everyone. Visitors will be amazed by the 6 million+ lights, the 128’ Christmas tree and all the free treats! Children 10 and under can receive a new knit hat and a bag of cookies from Santa.
Duluth-Superior Pride (September)
Celebrate Pride in the Twin Ports. Duluth-Superior Pride serves the Duluth-Superior area’s LGBTQ+ community by celebrating diversity, education, respect, healthy living, and equality. Held at Bayfront Festival Park, this 3 day festival includes drag shows, live music and local vendors that support the LGBTQ+ community throughout northern Minnesota.
For more information on the festival visit the Duluth Superior Pride Facebook Page.
The Best Neighborhoods in Duluth
While there are no “gayborhoods” located in Duluth, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods that you can call home.
Here are the top 3 most gay-friendly neighborhoods in Duluth, Minnesota:
Ready to look at some "for sale" homes in Duluth? Connect with a top Duluth Gay Realtor today!
Duluth Gay Nightlife
"THE FLAME" NIGHTCLUB DULUTH – Opened in July of 2012 The Flame is Duluth’s first gay bar. With weeknight specials like Tequila Tuesday and Karaoke Thursday’s, The Flame is the place to mingle with the LGBTQ+ community. Be aware that Friday night is college night so hundreds of students from across the Twin Ports flock to the club which can create a long line out the door.
BLUSH DULUTH – Blush Duluth is a music venue and queer owned bar located next door to The Flame Nightclub. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and great live music scene, Blush is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a more laid back scene.
The LGBTQ+ community is growing in Duluth and even though there are limited queer owned businesses, Duluth has many allies throughout this beautiful city. For some LGBTQ+ resources see our list below:
The LGBTQ2+ Arrowhead Resource & Community Center
Twin Ports Area LGBTQ+ Directory
Duluth and the greater Duluth area has so much to offer – If you enjoy the four seasons, local restaurants, breweries and endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors, Duluth just may be for you!
