Things to Do in Duluth in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Duluth
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak shipping season means Canal Park comes alive with massive freighter traffic - watch 1,000-foot (305m) vessels navigate the Aerial Lift Bridge daily, with ship schedules posted real-time at duluthshippingnews.com
- Grandma's Marathon weekend (mid-July) transforms the city into a festival atmosphere with 9,000+ runners, live music stages, and extended brewery hours throughout the weekend
- Lake Superior reaches its warmest swimming temperatures of 60-65°F (15-18°C) - locals finally ditch wetsuits for actual swimming at Park Point Beach
- Bayfront Festival Park hosts major outdoor concerts taking advantage of 16+ hours of daylight and minimal chance of weather cancellations
Considerations
- Peak tourist season means Canal Park lodging books solid 6-8 weeks ahead, with rates 40-60% higher than shoulder seasons
- Popular hiking trails like Superior Hiking Trail sections get crowded on weekends - parking fills by 9am at trailheads like Gooseberry Falls
- Downtown restaurant wait times extend 45-90 minutes during dinner rush, especially waterfront establishments during ship-watching peak hours
Best Activities in July
Great Lakes Freighter Watching at Canal Park
July is peak shipping season with 15-20 massive freighters passing through weekly. The 1,000+ foot (305m) vessels create spectacular photo opportunities as they squeeze under the Aerial Lift Bridge with just 138 feet (42m) clearance. Warm July weather means comfortable hours-long watching sessions that would be miserable in winter winds.
Lake Superior Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
July's warmer water temperatures (60-65°F/15-18°C) make capsizing survivable rather than life-threatening. Morning paddle sessions take advantage of typically calm conditions before afternoon winds pick up. The 70% humidity actually feels refreshing on the water compared to inland activities.
Superior Hiking Trail Day Hikes
July's long daylight (16+ hours) allows ambitious day hikes on the 310-mile (499km) trail system. The Gooseberry Falls to Split Rock Lighthouse section offers 8 miles (12.9km) of lakefront views with perfect July conditions - warm enough for stream crossings, cool enough for sustained hiking.
Craft Brewery Tours and Tastings
July's festival atmosphere brings limited beer releases and extended patio hours. Duluth's 12+ breweries capitalize on peak tourist season with special tasting events and live music. The warm but not scorching temperatures make brewery-hopping on foot comfortable along the downtown corridor.
North Shore Scenic Drive Day Trips
July guarantees clear views of waterfalls and Lake Superior vistas that disappear behind winter storms. The 61-mile (98km) drive to Grand Portage showcases 8+ state parks with accessible waterfalls at their most photogenic - streams full but not flooding, vegetation lush but not overgrown.
Lake Superior Fishing Charters
July marks peak season for lake trout and salmon fishing in waters that are finally warm enough for extended boat trips. Charter boats take advantage of calmer summer weather to reach deeper waters where trophy fish run 20+ pounds. Early morning departures avoid afternoon wind buildup.
July Events & Festivals
Grandma's Marathon Weekend
The region's largest sporting event brings 9,000+ runners and 100,000+ spectators for a weekend-long festival. Beyond the marathon, enjoy the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon, live music stages throughout Canal Park, extended brewery hours, and a massive outdoor expo.
Bayfront Blues Festival
Three-day outdoor festival at Bayfront Festival Park featuring regional and national blues acts. The lakefront venue offers perfect July evening conditions with sunset views over Lake Superior as backdrop to performances.