There are so many beautiful places to see fall foliage across the state of Minnesota, and Duluth just so happens to be one of the most spectacular—especially with the impressive expanse of the dark waters of Lake Superior with the pops of fall colors along the shore. Whether driving along the scenic North Shore, hiking through the lush forests of Jay Cooke State Park, or taking a leisurely boat tour on Lake Superior, the golden and fiery hues of the leaves create a stunning backdrop.
Autumn tends to come early to the North Shore—the brilliant colors generally start just after Labor Day and put on a show through October. This schedule varies each year, depending on the weather and rainfall. Temperatures in Duluth continue to be mild until November, and then we feel the shift to cold weather and know that it’s time to break out the winter coats, knit hats, and scarves.
Fall is an exceptionally cozy season in Duluth, and one of the best places to see fall foliage is when you’re warm and comfortable by the fire. As a guest at our lakefront bed and breakfast in Duluth, you’ll have some beautiful views of the autumn scenery from our garden property, rooftop patio, or from the windows of your private guest room. While you’ll want to head to one of the nearby parks and nature areas to be fully immersed in the magic of the changing leaves, our B&B is an excellent homebase for your explorations. Book your lodging today!
Best Places to See Fall Foliage: Scenic Drive, Train, & Boat
The fall colors in the North Shore region are spectacular due to the diverse mix of hardwood trees like maples, aspens, and birches that turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow each autumn. The area’s unique landscape, with its rugged cliffs, dense forests, and proximity to Lake Superior, amplifies the vibrancy of the colors, creating stunning contrasts between the fiery foliage and the deep blues of the lake.
Here are our favorite places to see fall foliage this season:
By Car or Train
- North Shore Scenic Drive: Duluth is a perfect starting point for day trips up the North Shore Scenic Drive, which features 154 miles of breathtaking views of Lake Superior’s rugged shoreline. There are so many fantastic stops off his route, including Gooseberry Falls and the Split Rock Lighthouse.
- Skyline Parkway: Designated as a scenic byway in Minnesota, this 30-mile drive 600 feet above the shoreline offers a stunning view of the fall colors.
- North Shore Scenic Railroad: Riding the Duluth Scenic Railroad is a fantastic fall activity offering a unique and comfortable way to view the stunning autumn colors along the North Shore and surrounding areas.
On Foot in Duluth
- Glensheen Mansion: This iconic landmark in Duluth is a great destination all year long. However, fall is a lovely time to tour the mansion and garden grounds. The forested trails will have pops of fall colors!
- Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory: Fall is a great time to head to this nature preserve; it’s not only one of the best places to see fall foliage, but you’ll also witness the migration of approximately 76,000 raptors.
- Enger Park Tower: Set atop a hill, Enger Tower offers panoramic views of Duluth, the harbor, and the endless horizon of Lake Superior—especially beautiful when awash in autumnal hues.
From the Water or Beach:
- Vista Fleet: Always one of the best sightseeing options, head out on a sailing with Vista Fleet to see the fall colors! They have three curated tours, including the Coffee & Colors Sunrise Cruise, Lunch & Leaves, and Harvest Dinner Cruise.
- Kayaking Tour with Day Tripper: While the weather is still warm enough, book a kayaking tour with this local company, offering paddling tips, the history of Duluth, and some of the most picturesque vistas from the water.
- Park Point Beach: Pack a picnic and head down the sandy stretch from our bed and breakfast to Park Point Beach, named one of the top 25 beaches in the United States by Travel + Leisure Magazine.
Visit our Beautiful Bed and Breakfast in Duluth, MN, this Fall
After an adventure to the best places to see fall foliage in Duluth, you’ll be ready to retreat to our bed and breakfast on the shores of Lake Superior. Our cozy inn is the perfect location to relax and refresh, especially after an invigorating day on the trails or the water. Your Innkeepers are long-time hospitality professionals, so every detail will be attended to, and you’ll enjoy their personalized service.
This caliber of hospitality will be apparent in so many ways during your stay at our B&B! Your morning will start with a lovely cup of freshly brewed coffee (our very own blend, locally roasted) and a wholesome breakfast made from scratch with seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible. Throughout the day, you’ll find beverages (hot and cold) available, as well as freshly baked treats!
Each of our five guest rooms offers a restful retreat for couples or solo travelers. All rooms have beautifully equipped en suite bathrooms, some with Thermomasseur tubs with air jets, others with steam showers, and all with soothing Aveda bath products. Our comfortable king and queen-size beds are always dressed in fine linens and cozy bedding. We can’t wait to be your hosts this fall; book your lodging today!
