Are we there yet? A timed walking guide for your conference and events.

DECC to Holiday Inn--17 minutes

DECC to Canal Park Lodge--7 minutes

DECC to Fitger's--21 minutes

Holdiay Inn to Fitger's--15 minutes

Canal Park Lodge to Fitger's--13 minutes

Beer?

I think we know what the answer is! Try one of these fine drinking establishments for some local brew. There's the Dubh Linn Irish Pub and Carmody Irish Pub, both downtown on Superior Street. Further down the street (East) there is Sir Benedicts Tavern on the Lake which is right across from Fitger's Brewhouse. And we have already told you about the Thirsty Pagan over in Superior -- but don't forget your designated driver!

Food over the bridge

For those of you who are adventurous enough to cross the bridge to Superior, Wisconsin, be sure to stop at the Anchor Bar for one of their famous burgers. Thirsty Pagan Brewery is a local microbrewery that serves up great home-made pizzas to go with their brew. They often have live music, too. For  more traditional fare, try the Hammond Steakhouse or the Shack.

Coffee anyone?

Duluth has many coffee establishments walking distance from the DECC and conference hotels..here are some to get you started!

Caribou Coffee

307 Canal Park Dr # 1


Starbucks

331 West Superior Street

Amazing Grace

394 South Lake Avenue

Jitters Coffee and Tea House
102 West Superior Street

A little further away

Dunn's Brothers
2401 London Road

Beaner's Central
324 North Central Avenue


Peet's Coffee and Tea (Great Harvest Bread)
3 S 13th Ave E

Like to shop?

If you want to bring back a little something for your colleagues who couldn't make it to the conference, the DECC is walking distance to many unique, locally-owned shops. The DeWitt Seitz Marketplace is just steps away from the DECC and we guarantee that your coworkers will love you if you bring them something from Hepzibah's Sweet Shoppe. The Downtown area is close, too, and accessible through our Skywalk if you want to avoid a wind off the Lake. However, if you relish a brisk walk along the Lakewalk, you can go to the Fitger's complex which is a little less than a mile away. An Ely, Minnesota - made Wintergreen jacket will keep you warm on the way back.

Take the train!

Take a train ride on the North Shore Scenic Railroad

Tour a Haunted Ship

The S.S. William A. Irvin is a retired ore boat that is now a floating museum docked next to the DECC. Although its regular tour season is over in September, in October it becomes a haunted ship. Tour schedule here.

Outdoor & FREE fun with the kids

  by  ajburcar 

Here in Duluth we spend as much time outside as possible.  Here are my top three outdoor and free places to take the kids. -- Sunshine Carter, UMD, Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian

Playfront Park:  Located near Bayfront Park & the Great Lakes Aquarium.  Offers three areas of play, each geared towards a specific age range.  In 2010 the old wooden structures were removed and replaced with new and accessible equipment. Click here for the location.

Minnesota Point:  All along Minnesota Point (aka Park Point), on the lake side, is a wonderfully soft sanded beach.  Entry points to the beach are near the canal, near the Franklin Tot Lot, at the end of Park Point and at various other poorly marked access points.  A great place to look for sea glass, drift wood or enjoy the lake life. Bathrooms are available at the beach house at the end of Park Point.  The Franklin Tot Lot entrance does have a port-a-potty, a small parking lot and is the most accessible way to the beach.  A favorite of our family in the summer.

Brighton Beach (Kitchi Gammi Park):  A nice little beach park just north of the city on the North Shore.  The highlight of this beach are rocks, rocks, rocks.  From large boulders to smooth pebbles.  Skipping rocks is a must!

Hawk Ridge and 7 Bridges Road

October is a good time to view migrating raptors at Hawk Ridge. Take the scenic 7 Bridges Road  which is part of Skyline Drive to Hawk Ridge.

View from Hawk's Ridge

 One of the Seven Bridges

MLA's Dinner with Colleagues

There is still time to register for Dinner with Colleagues!
Get together with with some of your colleagues and enjoy dinner out in one of Duluth's many restaurants. Groups are based on professional and personal interests, and discussions will be informal. Don't be shy -- make some new friends! Descriptions of the dinner topics and links to the restaurants can be found in the registration form. Everyone is responsible for paying for their own dinner. MLA's Dinner with Colleagues will be held Thursday, October 13th, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Registration is first come, first served.
Please register by Wednesday, October 5, 2011. 
See you there!

Bringing the kids? Here are some local favorites certain to entertain the kids

Are you turning MLA into a family affair?  If so, here are the three places my family visits A LOT during the year.  These three places all charge to enter.  If you plan on making a return trip to Duluth within the next 12 months of your visit, a season pass might be an affordable option for you. -- Sunshine Carter, UMD, Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian

Great Lakes Aquarium:  A little pricey (kids under 3 are free), but a good place to get out of the cold and learn a bit about Lake Superior.  Bring an extra set of clothes for your young lake explorers who will have the opportunity to navigate their own boats through the entire Great Lakes system.

The Duluth Depot:  The Depot (as we Duluthians call it) houses a wide variety of organizations.  Children would be most interested in the Duluth Children's Museum, Lake Superior Railroad Museum and the Duluth Art Institute.  My two year old boys love the train museum with its variety of retired train cars and a large toy train table.  Admission rates include access to all three. Children under 3 are free.

Lake Superior Zoo:  Our zoo is on the upswing.  A very easy zoo to maneuver.  Stroller friendly.  The primate/nocturnal building is a highlight for my family.  Playground equipment in the middle of the zoo offers a break from walking around. Children under 3 are free.

Take a break and clear your head

You don't have to leave Duluth to enjoy nature. Take advantage of one of our beautiful public parks and gardens such as Enger Tower Park. Climb the tower for a spectacular view of the harbor. Or for something close to the DECC, the Rose Garden is just a short stroll up the Lakewalk.

Take a hike!

Chester Creek

Take advantage of our many scenic hiking trails around Duluth.

Looking for a dinner date?

This year we will be offering "Dinner with Colleagues," which will be groups of up to eight people who have some common interest, either professional or personal, getting together at local restaurants to have dinner and conversation. Local conference attendees will be the hosts. The dinners will be on Thursday, October 13th between 6:30 and 8:30 and the sign-up will be posted on July 15th.

Get Ready for MLA Duluth!

Check back regularly to find out what to see and do in Duluth.