we are thinking about going with my Hubby when he has to go there for work next month. We have a 4 year old and a 5 month old. any suggestions of where to stay or things to do?
thanks!
We went to the Edge Warepark, despite some bad reviews, and enjoyed our stay. It's not a 4 star hotel, it is a family resort. We took snacks and food for lunch. Make sure that you get a room in the main hotel. When you make reservations tell them that you don't want to have to go outside to get to the waterpark. You get a free breakfast, but it is very basic! Cereal, waffles, toast, juice.
It's more expensive, but if it were me I might consider staying in a hotel in Canal Park. That is a fun area for watching boats, gulls and just generally walking around. There are a lot of restaurants within walking distance. Parking can be a challenge. My kids (and husband) used to love the train/transportation museum. We've enjoyed the Great Lakes Aquarium and they have a water play area for kids (be prepared?). Your baby is too young, but if your 4-year-old is adventurous he/she is old enough to ride with a parent on the new alpine coaster at Spirit Mountain. You can control the speed. My kids are older, but we love Duluth. We were just there on Saturday.
I've heard terrible things about the Edgewater Waterpark, but who knows, maybe you may have a better experience??? We usually stay at Beacon Pointe, it is a condo rental right on Lake Superior. Always very nice there.
Your 4 year old might enjoy the Great Lakes Aquarium. There's also a nice playground near it.
We went to the Edgewater earlier this spring and our 4 year old had a blast. The pool area is relatively small if you've ever been to an indoor waterpark in the WI Dells, but there is plenty of stuff to keep her occupied. There isn't really any space for just adults and you do have to watch out that you don't get beaned in the head in the basketball pool.
As far as other stuff to do in that area. We try to go at least one a year and enjoy driving up to Two Harbors to the lighthouse, Buddy's Rice (an old style mercantile/gift store) and Betty's Pies. Sometimes we also go up to Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Light House. In Duluth, we spend quite a bit of time in Canal Park watching the gulls and the boats, visit the Maritime Museum, and eat at Grandmas. In downtown we like the Depot complex with the Train museum and Children's Museum. There is also the Great Lakes Aquarium and the Superior Zoo in the area.
Besides the Edgewater, we've stayed at the Holiday Inn downtown (ok), Comfort Suites in Canal Park (pricey but very nice), and Americinn in a nearby town (frigid cold pool). Have a fun trip!
I just took my kids there last week for 2 days, just to get away (and escape the heat down here) We stayed in the Radisson. We had breakfast in the rooftop restaurant, which my kids loved. It spins as you sit so you can see the whole city. We went to Gooseberry Falls, which was gorgeous, and the kids loved that too. It is shallow enough for the kids to play in. We were there during the government shutdown though, so it was not busy at all. Canal Park was fun. Just a great way to people watch, there is a little beach. If you can time it right (we were lucky enough to) you can see some big ships going under the lift bridge. We did everything outside, because we have been feeling a little trapped lately. There is a nice aquarium though. There is a huge ship that is docked, that is now a floating museum--and kids are free. It is a very nice town just to walk through.
Have Fun!
PS If you do have to book a hotel go through Priceline. The Radisson was 119 through the website. I got it for $50.
I should add also, we did the train ride to Lester Falls. it was 1 1/2 hours and the kids really enjoyed it. If you are there in the evening the do a pizza ride. We werent there on right day but if you google North star train in Duluth you will find all the info on the different rides they offer.
