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Flights
One option is to fly into Duluth's regional airport (DLH). Note that ride share from the airport is sometimes unavailable. DLH has car rentals.
You can also fly into Minneapolis (MSP) and take the Groome Transportation shuttle (roughly three hours drive). The UMD stop takes you straight to campus. Other shuttle/bus options from the Twin Cities include Landline and the Jefferson Lines.
Hotels
We have arranged for a block of rooms at Canal Park Lodge to be kept available until May 17th for $229/night + tax (arrival June 8, departure June 13). To book, contact the hotel directly and mention the group name, "UMD Physics Conference." Another popular option is Fitger's Inn, which offers transportation to/from DLH. Dorms are available at a much cheaper rate of $40/night for single occupancy.
Since Duluth is a popular tourist location in the summer, it is recommended to book your hotels as soon as possible.
Local transportation
DTA is the local bus service. There is a transportation hub on campus (UMD Kirby student center). The Blue Line (101) runs between UMD and the downtown. The 103 is another option, although it takes a detour through the Lakeside neighborhood. Bus fares are $0.75 or $1.50 on peak.
Allied Taxi (218) 722-3311 provides local taxi service. Uber and Lyft are usually (but not always) available.
Food
There are several food options in the Bluestone plaza, a 5 minute walk from campus (there is an outside walkway connecting it to the RSOP/sports area). It has a Starbucks, Qdoba, Crisp & Green (salad chain), and the Tavern on the Hill which is a great place for a sit down dinner/bar. There are several more food options near Mount Royal Market, also in walking distance. The restaurant At Sara's Table is slightly further away, but still walking distance (and near a bus stop). There are plenty of food options downtown (e.g. check out Zeitgeist) and in the Canal Park and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.
For coffee, Northern Shores Coffee is on campus near the Kirby student center (although it is sometimes closed during the summer). City-wide I recommend the Duluth Coffee Company, Wired Whisker cat café, and 190° Coffee and Tea and Dovetail Cafe & Market in West Duluth. There are also many local breweries such as Ursa Minor, Bent Paddle, Fitger's and the Canal Park Brewing Company.
Local attractions
Duluth is known for its outdoor sports and the beautiful Lake Superior. There are many trails winding through the city, you can find a map here. You can rent outdoor equipment at the RSOP on campus.
You can find current city events on the event calendar hosted by the blog https://www.perfectduluthday.com/.
Other popular activities:
The Lakewalk.
Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge.
Fitger's Brewery and shopping complex.
Bagley Nature Area a short walk from campus.
Glensheen Mansion. Owned by the university, open for tours.
Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory for bird watching.
Wired Whisker cat café.
Duluth Depot. Runs events (e.g. coffee festival), check calendar.
DECC. Runs expositions, check calendar.
Shopping/crafts in the Lincoln Park neighborhood in West Duluth (home of the Duluth Folk School and Duluth Fiber Guild).
The North Shore Scenic Drive has a beautiful view of Lake Superior, and the New Scenic Cafe 20 minutes North of Duluth is a great place to stop for lunch along the shore.
Touristing in northern Minnesota
If you're around for a few days longer, the Boundary Waters in northern Minnesota offers canoe routes, hiking trails and is a designated dark sky sanctuary. Do check on permits ahead of time.
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