As the leaves change and the air crisps this fall, Duluth has many ways to immerse yourself into the autumnal spirit. Here are five activities to welcome fall.

Lutsen 

Two hours up the North Shore Line is Lutsen, a city engulfed in trees and small mountains. The Summit Express gondola ride overlooks a landscape of vibrant trees that goes farther than the naked eye can see. 

Scared of heights? No worries, Lutsen is also home to the Cascade River and several hiking trails for all skill levels. For someone up for more of a challenge, The Superior Hiking Trail’s highest point is 1,829 ft. 

According to Cook County, the Lusten mountains attract 120,000 skiers annually. With winter approaching, locals should keep this mountain on their radar. Lutsen is a great way to experience Northern Minnesota outside of Duluth. 

North Shore scenic drive 

The drive to Lutsen is part of the North Shore Scenic Drive, but there is plenty to do along the way. The North Shore scenic drive starts in Duluth and stretches 154 miles along the shore ending in Grand Portage. 

Along the way are popular outdoor destinations, including: Gooseberry Falls, Tettegouche State Park, Black Sand Beach and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. For a bite to eat, Betty Pies and New Scenic Cafe won’t be out of the way. 

Grab a few friends, a freshly filled gas tank, and to explore outside the city. 

Haunted ship 

The haunted William A. Irvin ship, located across Marcus Movie Theater downtown, is now open every Thursday-Saturday through October 31. Tickets are $10 with a student ID. 

Although there are actors in this haunted attraction, there have been real paranormal sightings on the ship. William A Irvin, the man the ship is named after, is rumored to haunt the ship alongside other fallen sailors. Three paranormal investigation groups have visited the ship to investigate anyone else aboard. 

If working behind the scenes seems more interesting, actors, makeup artists, and costume designs take volunteers. Either way, this is an option to celebrate the spooky season.

Spirit Mountain Adventure Park

The outdoor adventure park at Spirit Mountain offers a wide variety of activities. The Timber Flyer zipline takes the rider 700 feet above tree tops. To keep the thrill going, the elevated track on the alpine coaster goes up to 26 mph. For the calmer person, the scenic chairlift rides are less intense with the same views. 

The adventure park is open every weekend until October 20, hours may vary. Price varies based on activity, but an all day pass is $50.  During the fall, Spirit Mountain also has a bike park, a few bars and grills, and disc golf.

Spirit Mountain is a twenty minute drive from campus and offers several winter activities as well. For the snowboarders and skiers on campus, there is a close option when the snow starts to fall. 

Depot Haunted History Tours 

The Depot is a historic railroad station, built in 1892. The Depot offers tours all year round, but during Halloween season they offer their exclusive haunted history tours. Guests learn about the building's history as well as ghost stories from staff. 

There is a popular photo that circulates of a young girl at a couples wedding at The Depot. There is rumored to be a little handprint in an area that has not been accessible since the 1970s. Could it belong to a ghost girl?

Haunted tours are available Oct. 23, 24, 25, 29 and  30. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online via The Depot.