Duluth (Winter)

While Duluth is known in summertime for events such as Granny’s Marathon and concerts at historic Glensheen Mansion, it’s also a sparkling wintertime destination. Snow covers the ground during normal winters from October to April. January is the coldest month with an average minimum temperature of 1 degree F. Although the city hugs the North Shore of Lake Superior, the world’s biggest freshwater lake never freezes over into a giant skating rink. However, winter sports venues aren’t far away. More than a half dozen ice arenas in the city are home to the teams of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association. Downhill skiing at nearby Spirit ...

While Duluth is known in summertime for events such as Granny’s Marathon and concerts at historic Glensheen Mansion, it’s also a sparkling wintertime destination. Snow covers the ground during normal winters from October to April. January is the coldest month with an average minimum temperature of 1 degree F. Although the city hugs the North Shore of Lake Superior, the world’s biggest freshwater lake never freezes over into a giant skating rink. However, winter sports venues aren’t far away. More than a half dozen ice arenas in the city are home to the teams of the Duluth Amateur Hockey Association. Downhill skiing at nearby Spirit Mountain offers 22 runs and nine lifts. Snowshoeing the hiking trails is another wintertime activity, as is dashing through the white stuff along snowmobiling paths all along the north shore. Cross country skiers glide over trails in the state parks and national forests. And there’s ice fishing on area lakes. A half-dozen major winter festivals begin in late November when the Polar Express takes passengers for holiday rides on the North Shore Scenic Railroad and include the longest dogsled race in the lower 48 states as well as a candlelight snowshoe walk to an icicle-adorned waterfall.

About the Expert

Connie Emerson is the author of more than a dozen books, including The Cheapskate's Guide to Branson, Missouri and Eyewitness Top Ten Travel Guide – Las Vegas.