Duluth, Minnesota

I have never lived in Duluth. But having been born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and having made two to three enjoyable family trips to Duluth per year (for about 18 years), and several since, I figure I might as well have lived there.

We would take highway 61 from the Canadian border, driving along the rugged northwestern shore of Lake Superior, past small, picturesque towns. The 86,918 residents of Duluth can enjoy the scenic ride toward the Canadian border in all seasons, not just for the scenery, but as a day trip or weekend getaway to places like Lutsen Resort or Bluefin Bay. Or they can head up to Thunder Bay. Other options for weekend getaways include heading out to one of the numerous state parks or Voyageurs National Park. And, if you are craving a major urban center, head about 150 miles (241 kilometers) south to the Twin Cities to enjoy a few days of hustle and bustle.

But back to Duluth – as you ride highway 61, which becomes London Road as you approach the city – decide which of the large, historic houses you would like to buy for your new dream home. Just remember, the most spectacular, Glensheen, a Jacobean-style mansion finished in 1908 (courtesy of the mining money of Chester A. Congdon), which was once featured on A&E's "America's Castles" program, is now owned by the University of Minnesota Duluth – so you can't have it. And even if this sort of architecture isn't your thing, there are plenty of other neighborhoods to explore.

While you are getting settled – you'll want to take in all this port city has to offer. Check out Canal Park on the city's waterfront, and see the Lake Superior Marine Museum; explore the shops at Canal Park Square; and stroll the Lakewalk to watch the gulls and see one of the more than 1,000 "lakers" and "salties" pass beneath the famous Aerial Lift Bridge, as they move in and out of the port each year. The kids will also want you to take them to Canal Park's Carnival Thrillz Family Entertainment Center, an indoor complex with attractions like laser tag, miniature golf, and a motion simulators.

The lakeside is also home to the Great Lakes Aquarium, the only freshwater aquarium in the US. Of course, if you've taken the kids to the aquarium, you'll have to take them about six miles (10 kilometers) southwest to the Lake Superior Zoo. You can also take them out to play in one of 150 municipal parks.

Spend the day shopping downtown, up the hill at one of the many outlet and big-box stores, or at the Miller Hill Mall. Later, try out one of the 50 restaurants in the downtown area. At night, if you're feeling lucky, head to the Fond-du-Luth casino. And once you've found a babysitter, ditch the kids and enjoy a weekend of food and entertainment for two in town at Fitger's Inn and Brewery Complex.

Duluth is a Twin Port, meaning the harbor is shared with the smaller city (population 27,368) of Superior, Wisconsin. From the Twin Ports, commodities like lumber, grain, and ore are shipped to elsewhere in the US and across the Atlantic. For maritime history buffs, Superior is the port from which the ill-fated Edmund Fitzgerald set sail in November 1975. Being a port city, it is not surprising that shipping is still a major industry, and, due to its setting, it's also no surprise that tourism – with over 3.5 million visitors per year – is a major industry. Other industry includes healthcare, finance, mining, paper, education, and communications.

Duluth is friendly, attractive, and clean – the "State of the Air 2002" report (based on American Lung Association and EPA Air Quality Index research) places Duluth among the top 10 metro areas with the least smog. See for yourself what this city of good, clean fun can offer you.

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