Duluth, Minnesota is an iconic city up on the North Shore. Thousands of tourists flock to the city in the summer months to see and enjoy all of the famous sites that the city has to offer. While guests of the city only get to experience everything in Duluth, Minnesota from A to Z only once a year, locals are lucky enough to get to live and breathe the charm of the city every single day. Here are nine perfect moments that “Duluthians” live for all year round.
1. Getting the warm fuzzies in your stomach when you see Lake Superior in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
Whether it be in the soft glow of the morning sunrise, the stark blue that appears in the afternoon rays, or it’s mysterious, velvet-like appearance in the late hours of the night, every Duluthian still feels the euphoria of Lake Superior’s waves even though they see it every day. The majesty of Lake Superior will always be too hard for locals to comprehend, leaving them in awe each and every time they glance at the beautiful lake.
2. When your tongue tastes its first Portland Malt Shoppe malt of the year.
This scrumptious eatery is only open in the summer months when the weather (and your belly) calls for a delicious, frozen, creamy dessert to satisfy your needs. Whenever one of these malts cross the threshold of my lips, it feels like fireworks are going off in my belly. Locals count down the days until the Malt Shoppe is officially open for the summer, as they are just itching to devour the perfection that is a Portland Malt Shoppe malt.
3. Getting spooked by the whistle of the North Shore Scenic Railroad train.
The North Shore Scenic Railroad is popular among both tourists and locals alike for their scenic trips through the city of Duluth Minnesota and up the North Shore. Given that the train does travel through some of the most populated neighborhoods and areas of Duluth Minnesota, and the train travels on a tight schedule, it is natural that any local will hear the whistles of the large train at the same times each day as the travel through railroad crossings. Despite the normality of these whistles sounding, residents of Duluth Minnesota still jump out of their skin, and maybe lose a couple of minutes off their lives, whenever the North Shore Scenic Railroad “sneaks up on them” when they least expect it.
4. When Canal Park is completely empty.
While this is an oddity in its own right, (given that Canal Park is one of the most popular destinations in the city), seeing Canal Park completely empty at the peak of summer is something that only happens every few years or so. Being able to stroll by the lake and listen to its waves without the sounds of others getting in the way is a dream that has Duluthians sighing in pleasure.
5. When you find a parking spot in Canal Park in the peak of summer.
As I said before, Canal Park is the busiest part of the whole city of Duluth Minnesota, and this is even more apparent as the summer tourist season begins. When any local wants to attempt to venture out into this section of Duluth Minnesota, they will feel like they just simultaneously won the Super Bowl and the Nobel Prize after they finally come across a coveted parking spot.
6. Getting "bridged" at the worst possible time.
Duluth Minnesota is home to several famous bridges that rise up when boats pass through Canal Park, including the ever-so-famous Aerial Lift Bridge, and the Richard I. Bong Memorial Bridge that connects the city of Duluth Minnesota to neighbor Superior Wisconsin. These bridges are beautiful to cross when the conditions are just right, but when the Aerial Lift Bridge goes up for 20 minutes to let a fleet of boats pass through, or there is a large traffic jam on the Bong Bridge because it's covered in a thick sheet of ice, locals can proclaim that they have been “bridged” and can proceed to scream in utter agony.
7. When the first day you can officially wear sandals after Winter finally comes.
This is like a second Christmas for all Duluth Minnesota Residents. When the thermometers hit 50 degrees, and there isn’t the chance of a random snow storm in the forecast, I bet your bottom dollar that all Duluthians like myself are jumping for joy breaking out their flip-flops and crocs and happily stowing away their boots and goulashes for another year. Your feet are finally free of their furry jails for hopefully another year. Let's just hope a surprise blizzard doesn't pop its way into the forecast and ruin your joy.
8. Eating a warm slice of Sammy's Pizza on a cold night.
Sammy’s Pizza is a staple in Duluth Minnesota and its neighboring towns. I mean, what is there not to love with its gooey cheese, perfectly-spiced pepperoni, and robust tomato sauce. While this pizza really is tasty all year round, there is nothing more pleasurable than sinking your teeth into a hot slice when the temperature outside is way below freezing. The pizza will warm your body and your heart right away so you can go back to your winter time activities.
9. When Santa makes his appearance in the Christmas City of the North Parade
The Christmas City of the North Parade is a must-see for all Duluthians in November when the weather starts to become frostier. People spend hours waiting in their perfect spots to witness the spectacular floats, dancers, and other entertainment that march down the streets of Downtown Duluth. While watching all of the other dancers and floats is fun, the highlight of the show is when Santa himself closes out the parade. Watching the big man himself wave from his float while you are sipping hot chocolate and feeling the falling snow sprinkle on your shoulders.
