Duluth, Minnesota at a Glance
Location: Approximately 150 miles northeast of Minneapolis
Access: Duluth International Airport; Interstate 35; U.S. highways 2 and 53
Major Meeting Spaces: Duluth Entertainment Convention Cente
Hotel Rooms: 3,000+
Off-Site Venues: Great Lakes Aquarium, Glensheen Mansion, The Depot
Contact Info:
Visit Duluth
218-722-4011
visitduluth.com
Duluth, Minnesota, has a number of appealing assets for meeting planners to ponder. But its location along the northwest shores of mighty Lake Superior is certainly among its leading draws.
“It’s the water,” said Daniel Hartman, executive director of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC). “Many places have fine convention centers, but we are the only one on Lake Superior. Add in our lively convention district with 1,000-foot freighters passing under the lift bridge, and you see why our conferences have greater attendance than anywhere in the state.”
Daniele Villa, president of sales and operations for Visit Duluth, echoed these sentiments while mentioning a few other temptations of Minnesota’s fifth-largest metropolis.
“Whether event planners are drawn to the shimmering waters of Lake Superior, the world-class events and attractions, or the outdoor adventures that await just outside the city, Duluth is a superior destination in any season,” he said. “With a rich history, vibrant cultural scene and unmatched natural beauty, it’s a place where adventure, relaxation and discovery come together — right outside our event venue’s walls.”
That event venue, DECC, is a magnet for meeting planners and attendees. DECC offers waterside vistas and spaces for groups of all sizes. Its nine flexible venues include two convention centers with ballrooms and 60,000 square feet of expo space. Planners can also consider several breakout rooms, an inviting executive boardroom and even a 2,000-person auditorium. Large rooms can be modified into intimate spaces or accommodate bigger groups. An on-site kitchen overseen by an executive chef makes dining events delicious and dependable.
Beyond this multifaceted facility, the city has additional appeal, including a fascinating past: Duluth once served as the busiest port in the U.S. It also has a thriving arts scene and excursions onto majestic Lake Superior. Back on land, attendees will enjoy exploring a lively 90-block waterfront district downtown, loaded with shops, dining spots and brew pubs. And intriguing off-site venues and unique group meal settings help make planners’ jobs a breeze when hosting Duluth events.
Dynamic Dining
Planners creating memorable group dining affairs should definitely consider the Clyde Iron Works, set in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Craft District. The hip historic ironworks setting includes a bar and restaurant serving signature favorites from wood-fired ovens and grills, including numerous meats and Clyde’s hand-made Neapolitan-style pizzas. Scratch-made pasta noodles are another hit. Dining suites are available, and two attractive event spaces help make the iconic venue an unforgettable setting for attendees. For smaller parties seeking something lively and casual, Grandma’s Saloon and Grill serves up reliable pub favorites and provides sweeping views of Lake Superior from its seasonal alfresco dining deck.
Outings and Adventures
Groups heading to the Great Lakes will savor a chance to get out on the water, and the Vista Fleet provides numerous options ranging from guided sightseeing tours of varying lengths to live music performances to floating corporate events with a pair of catering options. These customized outings can include the Vista Queen charter boat for dinner functions of up to 42, and the larger Vista Star can host receptions of up to 220 guests. For a less-structured group escape, Canal Park is a cozy business and entertainment district boasting eclectic shops, global cuisine and a seven-mile nature trail, all nestled on the lakeshore.
Amazing Off-Sites
The Glensheen Mansion is a waterside wonder built in 1908 that will make guests feel like they’ve been transported to an elegant English manor. Its largest event space, the Winter Garden, is open year-round and can host up to 120 guests in an enchanting setting complete with brick walls and marble floors. The handsome Amusement Room can play home to functions ranging from 40 to 80 attendees, and outdoor seasonal options include a sprawling terrace space and private pebble beach. Another portal to the past for groups is at The Depot, a former train station built in 1908 with rental spaces, including a gallery, a boardroom, a classroom and a great hall.
Downtime Diversions
Duluth provides plenty of options for attendees between meetings and events and probably none more popular than the Great Lakes Aquarium. The venue is broken into numerous sections, bringing to life the different ecosystems of the profoundly diverse Great Lakes and well beyond. Meeting attendees can rent portions of the aquarium for off-site events. For evening fun, attendees might consider the high-spirited Fond-Du-Luth Casino downtown. Another favorite spot, the 310 Pub, features 20 flat-screen TVs for sports viewing; shareable tavern fare like pizza and wings; and activities such as pool, shuffleboard, Skee-ball and ping-pong.
