Minnesota author provides bucket list in ‘100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die’
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While visitors to Duluth are naturally attracted to the star destination that is Lake Superior, there are plenty more sights, eats and events to enjoy in the Zenith City of the Unsalted Seas.
Jay Gabler, arts and entertainment reporter at the Duluth News Tribune, details how to enjoy the best of the city’s rich history in his book, “100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die.”
Gabler, a Twin Cities native, told MPR News host Cathy Wurzer he “was really pleased to discover how eager Duluthians are to help newcomers discover the city” on Morning Edition Thursday.
There are the old standards and favorites, like a sandwich from Northern Waters Smokehaus, checking out the Aerial Lift Bridge or taking a train along the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
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“But then there's a next layer of things that aren't necessarily on people's short lists that I like to point them to and go beyond and try some things that maybe not everybody does every time,” Gabler said.
Enger Tower is an example.
“Everybody can see it, but a lot of people actually don't bother to go up there, climb the tower, experience the beauty of the park and the trails around there,” he said.
The Lake Superior Zoo, too, is “an absolutely beautiful attraction out in the west part of Duluth, so a little off the beaten path compared to where you might typically be as a tourist, but absolutely just a gorgeous amenity,” Gabler continued.
As for the more random and unique landmarks, Gabler included the Duluth neighborhood that still has the first concrete pavement ever installed in Minnesota — Granitoid Memorial Park.
The park pays tribute to a stretch of pavement designed to accommodate both vehicle and horse traffic.
“When it came time for the city to renew that pavement, the neighbors actually organized and said, ‘No, wait, this is history here under our feet. Let's keep it,’” Gabler explained. So, the city left a few blocks and pulled up the rest, which the neighbors made into a park honoring the historic street surface.
Gabler admits he hasn’t done all 100 things in his book, meaning he’s got some personal bucket list items to check off, like surfing. He has, however, tried indoor white-water kayaking.
He’s doing a series of presentations and book signings starting in April. “100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die” is available now through Reedy Press.
Correction (March 14, 2025): A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the Aerial Lift Bridge. The story has been updated.