Getting There
Practical info for the day
Travel to Duluth
By car from the Twin Cities

I-35 North — about 2.5 hours from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

GPS destination: Canal Park, Duluth, MN 55802.

By car from other directions

From the east (Wisconsin / UP Michigan): US-2 West or WI-35 North into Superior, then cross into Duluth via the Bong Bridge or High Bridge.

From the Iron Range and points north: US-53 South into Duluth.

Canal Park & Vista Fleet
Parking in Canal Park

The Canal Park Parking Ramp on Canal Park Drive or street parking on S Lake Ave both work. Expect roughly $10–15 for a summer Saturday.

The Fitger’s ramp (near dinner) is free with dinner validation.

Vista Fleet dock

At the end of Canal Park Drive, right on the harbor — a short walk from most Canal Park hotels. Board by 5:10 pm for the 5:25 departure.

Note: the Vista Queen is not wheelchair accessible.
Little Manitou Falls — Pattison State Park
Driving from Canal Park

I-35 South to WI-35 South, about 13 miles south of Superior.

GPS: 6294 S State Rd 35, Superior, WI 54880. Park entry is roughly $8 for an out-of-state day pass.

There’s a small lot near the south entrance — you can hear the falls from the lot. It’s a short, steep walk down to the water.
Hiking option — Big Manitou Falls loop

Drive down to the same south-entrance lot as the rest of the group, then hike north along the Black River to Big Manitou Falls — at 165 feet, the tallest waterfall in Wisconsin — and loop back. About 4 miles, ~2 hours. Well-maintained and wide; sturdy shoes recommended. Pack snacks and water.

Depart Canal Park by 11:00 am to meet the group at Little Manitou Falls by 1:30 pm.

Hikers may end up with muddy shoes by the time they’re back in Canal Park — factor that into pre-cruise freshening up.