The second-largest city in Minnesota, Duluth, is a massive metropolitan area around Lake Superior. It serves as a launching pad for commerce across the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. This picturesque paradise is an ideal retreat for people who want to enjoy nature’s splendor, unique history, culture, and outdoor adventure. There is never a shortage of things to discover, from riverside camping to train trips and boat tours. Exploring the historic shoreline of Lake Superior and the concrete pathways will lead you to Duluth’s hidden gems, including spots for spectacular views, incredible cuisine, and top-notch entertainment. Are you heading this way soon? Read on to learn about the best historic hotels in Duluth, Minnesota, for the perfect vacation experience.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) properties with historic significance, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on February 09, 2024.
1. Fitger's Inn (from USD 178)
The luxurious Fitger’s Inn is the perfect place for visitors who are into historic accommodations. Sitting on the banks of Lake Superior, the hotel is housed in what was once the iconic Fitger’s Brewery, the first brewery in Duluth. Its architecture dates back to the late 1800s, and the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Prepare yourself for the luxury of traditional European-style service, polite hospitality, delectable cuisine, and opulent accommodations. The rooms exude luxury with various amenities, including balconies and skylights. Select units feature separate seating areas and jetted tubs.
The guests can visit the lobby, the brewery’s original board room, to avail themselves of complimentary breakfast, fruits, and coffee. This vast hotel also has a variety of restaurants, nightclubs, and a microbrewery. There is even a salon-slash-spa extra pampering. Moreover, the hotel’s central position provides easy access to the lake and Canal Park.
Fitger's Inn
Address: 600 East Superior Street
3.91 km (2.5 mi) from Glensheen Mansion
Top guest reviews
Host:
great staff and great propertyRead more reviewsLocation:
great location a lot to do without ever leaving if you preferliked waterfront location helpfulness of staff historic features
2. The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza (from USD 102)
The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza is nestled in a late 19th-century structure, once the headquarters of Marshall-Wells in Duluth. During those times, ships used to carry hardware from eastern factories and unload them at this building. After inventory, employees would send off the hardware to the farthest corners of the northwest.
This 132-room hotel features air conditioning in all units and comes with a kitchenette with a stovetop, microwave, and fridge to easily prepare meals. If you’re not keen on cooking, a complimentary hot breakfast awaits. You’ll also find two on-site restaurants, Old Chicago and Red Lobster. Moreover, there’s a swimming pool and a fitness center to stay active.
The Suites Hotel at Waterfront Plaza
Address: 325 Lake Avenue South
4.92 km (3.1 mi) from Glensheen Mansion
Other historic accommodations in Duluth, Minnesota
3. Solglimt Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Do you want to enjoy Lake Superior in its glory? Solglimt Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast is the sole bed and breakfast that lies on the waterfront, a lovely accommodation option for your next vacation in Duluth.
This charming establishment is best for history buffs, built in 1910 as a two-room cabin for guests. The property has since been renovated to mimic the architecture of a late-1800s Victorian seaside cottage.
This hotel provides five unique, well-appointed suites with beautiful views. The suites feature en-suite bathrooms with showers, with select units boasting a Thermomasseur tub. The hosts serve a complimentary breakfast highlighting local produce and a custom blend of Alakef Coffee, only available here.
Award-winning gardens offer you a serene place to unwind as you enjoy incredible views of the lake. A Baby Brand piano is also available for the entertainment of the guests.
Solglimt Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast
Address: 828 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802, United States
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.9 (from 89 reviews)
4. Cotton Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If staying at luxurious mansions is your thing, the Cotton Mansion Bed & Breakfast would be a great option. It is a 16,000-square-foot (1,486.4-square-meter) mansion built in 1908 by Joseph Cotton. The style of architecture belongs to the Italian Renaissance period and exudes luxury from every corner. The attention to detail makes it a beautiful property, with hand-carved stone work, exotic woods, 15th-century Italian marble, and hand-carved plaster ceilings.
Stay here to relive the luxurious life of one of Duluth’s prominent personalities, Joseph Cotton, a corporate attorney for US Steel and independent counsel for John D. Rockefeller. His library and law office can also be accessed by the guests.
Cotton Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Address: 2309 E 1st St, Duluth, MN 55812, United States
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.7 (from 117 reviews)
5. The Ellery House Bed & Breakfast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by The Ellery House on Sunday, September 15, 2019
This cozy bed and breakfast is perfect for people who enjoy staying at houses of a bygone era. Guests will be delighted to find a majestic Victorian mansion with 19-century-style interiors. The innkeepers have been managing the property for 30 years, offering warm hospitality and helping guests find the hidden gems in town. Guests are also pampered with home-cooked breakfasts and their famous Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies, made fresh every day.
All the rooms and suites of this property are elegant, with traditional furnishings and a private bath. The guests also have access to free parking and unlimited d Wi-Fi. Consider booking a stay here to enjoy this historic mansion and beautiful Duluth in all its glory.
The Ellery House Bed & Breakfast
Address: 28 S 21st Ave E, Duluth, MN 55812, United States
Travelers Review: Excellent 4.8 (from 70 reviews)
Duluth: A Beautiful Port City
This cherished location in Minnesota boasts numerous attractions to keep you enthralled, whether it’s gorgeous architecture, the historic shoreline of Lake Superior, or the city’s distinct culture or history. Duluth provides various accommodation options, ranging from vacation rentals to quaint motels. To fully appreciate the area’s picturesque splendor, check out our selection of historic hotels to stay in Duluth, Minnesota.
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