Big Manitou Falls in Pattison State Park -Photo by Felicity Bosk
Photo by Felicity Bosk
By Liz Carlson
Classes are coming to an end just in time for some beautiful Summer weather. With that being said, some days it’s tough to find something to do especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. I put together a list of indoor, outdoor, and even food places you may enjoy throughout the sunny months.
Indoor Activities:
Bowling at Incline Station Bowling Center– They have a special on Sundays where you can bowl as many games as you like for only $10/person from 7pm-midnight. There Monday special is all day and you can rent an entire lane for $12/hour from 10am-midnight. Shoes are an extra $2.75/person.
Adventure Zone/Vertical Endeavors- At Adventure Zone there is batting cages, a bunch of different arcade games, mini golf, lazer tag, and of course food. They have a special on Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm-11pm where you can play unlimited lazer tag and mini golf, get a $1 worth of arcade tokens and 1 batting cage token. Vertical Endeavors is located inside Adventure Zone and is a place to rock climb and you don’t even need to prior experience! Just show up and the workers will show you the ropes.
World Of Wheels Skate Center- A fun place to roller skate and get your boogie on. Make sure to check their website because they hold special events throughout the months. For example they are holding a Prince tribute night May 23rd from 6pm-9pm. There will be lots of Prince songs played, as well as, trivia, and if that isn’t awesome it’s only $6 plus skate rental fee!
Great Lakes Aquarium- This is a great place to go if you want to see the fish of Lake Superior and boarding Great Lakes. They also have the history of the lakes and a lot more geographical information. Throughout the day they have speakers come in and talk, and even put shows on with their two otters!
Lake Superior Railroad Museum- If you are into giant engines and history this is the place to go. Along with the assortments of trains on display (you can even go inside them) they have ¾ scale recreation of Duluth’s downtown in 1910. The museum works with the North Shore Scenic Railroad tours, so might as well get a tour of the city too!
The Duluth Playhouse- Bummed about not being able to see any of the college’s plays? Well you are in luck, check out the Duluth Playhouse! They have been around for over 100 years and are still going strong with putting on some of the best performances in theatre around.
Renegade Improv- Is held every Friday and Saturday at 10:30, but make sure to get there early because tickets sell out almost every night. Tickets are also $6 at the door and $10 in advance. No matter how many times you go it’s different every time!
Outdoor Activities:
Boardwalk- If for some reason you haven’t been able to walk the boardwalk in canal, put it on your summer list because it is a perfect way to see downtown Duluth and Lake Superior.
Amnicon Falls- Is a state park in Wisconsin, and is one of my favorite parks around the area. The falls are breathtaking and there are plenty of trails to explore. You are able to camp in the park but there are fees for that and for parking.
Pattison Park– Is another state park in Wisconsin that has the tallest waterfall in the State. The huge fall is incredible and is a must see. There are parking fees, but who cares… it’s worth it.
Brule River- There are many places that will take you rafting, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing down the Brule River or they will rent you the equipment. Take a group of friends and enjoy the sun and cool waters!
Movie in the Park- Happen at Leif Erikson Park and are free! Just bring a blanket, friends and snacks and watch the film under the stars. Their website will have a schedule of what movies are playing on what dates, so check it out.
Wisconsin Point Beach- Great place to soak up the sun, take a dip in the lake and actually have a fire on the beach legally! There is also an awesome view of the Duluth lights at night.
Cap’t J’s Miniature Golf- Over by Barker’s Island, and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-10pm. It is only $5 a round. The course will close if the weather is bad.
Glensheen Mansion Tours- Is open daily from 9am-4pm. The last tour starts at 4pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance on their website. Go and see a historical highlight in Duluth that is the most viewed estate in Minnesota. You won’t regret it.
Food Places:
Little Angie’s Cantina And Grill– Is located down in Canal Park and has Tex-Mex food in a very festive environment, decorated with Southwestern artifacts, music and a deck. Also, they have unlimited chips and salsa with a small fee of $1.
Canal Park Brewery- Was inspired by the spirit that occupies the North and South shore of Lake Superior. It’s an industrial-chic microbrewery that serves artisanal beers and area-sourced pub food. You can even take tours of the brewery and gain knowledge in how they create their craft beer.
Pizza Luce- Is a local pizza chain that serves creative recipes for pizzas, pastas, and hoagies. On Fridays and Saturdays they sometimes have local bands playing for your entertainment. They even have local artists’ artwork that decorates the walls and if you find one amazing you can even buy it.
PortLand Malt Shoppe- Is a seasonal ice cream shop by Fitger’s Brewhouse. It’s a nice way to cool down when you are walking the boardwalk and they have delicious malts, sundaes, and cones!
Vitta Pizza- Neapolitan pizza made with Italian tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and of course homemade dough. Vitta Pizza is locally owned and all the pizza are cooked in a wood-fired Italian oven! Everyday they have a special going on whether it is drink specials or food so check out their website and head over.
Northern Waters Smokehaus- Is a unique gourmet specialty market and eatery. The restaurant focuses on dining experience and their secret recipes have got them featured in food magazines and blogs.
OMC Smokehouse- Locally owned and is open from 11am-10pm daily. Serves fresh smoked meats and charcuterie with quality and local flavors. Operated in the Lincoln Park District and is has the same owner of Duluth Grill.
Toasty’s– Healthy, fresh and organic foods. Toasty’s serves only the freshest and ripest to customers because they strive for good tasting and quality foods. Their meat is farm raised and and not overly processed or handled. They encourage customers to suggest variations to their sandwiches they can enjoy the evolving menu.
Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe- Bakes treats and breads, but you can also order soups, sandwiches, salads and breakfast. If you are a coffee addict they also have delicious lattes and regular black brewed.
Duluth Grill- A fresh, local and organic restaurant that believes in the best quality food for their customers. They also believe strongly in sustainability and have a garden outside the building bringing in fresh produce.
Sweeden Sweets- Is a super cute old time candy shop in Superior. It has all the candy you could ever think of and they even make their own sweets! They have tables for playing board games and even a few arcade games.
Most of these places are able to reach by the city bus system, but if you are having trouble with transportation the activities department at University of Wisconsin has events planned throughout the summer. You are able to sign up for them and they provide transportation, so check out their summer schedule! Don’t sit around in the dorms or stay cooped up at your house. Get out and enjoy what Superior and Duluth have to offer!
