The Best College Town In Minnesota

Duluth, located on the shores of Lake Superior, is well-known across Minnesota and the Midwest for its academic excellence. Established in the mid-19th century, the town grew quickly from a modest trading post to a key shipping port that handled iron ore and grain, facilitating commerce throughout the Great Lakes region and beyond. By the late 1800s, the prosperity that came with this progress gave rise to a growing desire among Duluth’s residents to establish itself as an educational center. Fast-forward to today, and that desire has become a reality, with the continued success of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) cementing the community’s reputation as the best college town in Minnesota.

The History Of The University Of Minnesota Duluth

UMD’s story began in 1895 with the founding of the Duluth Normal School by the Minnesota State Legislature. In its first year, the institution welcomed around 30 students, focusing on training the teachers needed to serve northeastern Minnesota’s fast-growing population. The choice of Duluth as the school’s location was certainly no accident; by the late 19th century, the town was well-established as a prosperous port city with leaders who recognized the need for a well-educated workforce.

Over the next few decades, the Duluth Normal School evolved into the Duluth State Teachers College, reflecting an expanded curriculum in liberal arts and sciences. A pivotal milestone was reached in 1947 when the college became part of the University of Minnesota system that included the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as campuses in Crookston, Morris, and Rochester. Renamed the University of Minnesota Duluth, these days UMD offers degrees in business, engineering, natural sciences, education, and liberal arts, among other fields, and as of 2025, ranks number four among the top Regional Universities in the Midwest (it takes the spot for Minnesota).

As for notable alumni, several accomplished individuals have walked UMD’s hallways. Don Ness, Duluth’s mayor from 2008 to 2016, used his background in business and public administration to foster initiatives that encouraged students and young citizens to get involved in the community. Hockey Hall of Famer Brett Hull, who played for the UMD Bulldogs in the mid-1980s before launching his NHL career, is another notable alumnus, as is Caroline Ouellette, an Olympic hockey gold medalist for Team Canada and a former UMD player.

The University’s Impact On Duluth

From its humble beginnings, UMD now has a student body of close to 10,000, a figure that includes undergraduate, graduate, and non-traditional learners. This influx has, of course, had a major economic impact on Duluth, contributing significant revenue to local businesses and service providers. Taking into account direct spending by students, faculty, and staff, as well as related investments and spinoff activities, it’s estimated that in 2020 alone the community benefitted from more than $581 million in UMD-related spending, while also adding along with over 4,100 jobs spread across the community.

Local organizations have also benefitted from partnerships with academic departments, leading to collaborative efforts in environmental science, healthcare, and engineering. Civic projects like water quality initiatives around Lake Superior have also solidified its reputation, while programs like those offered by the UMD Center for Economic Development help local entrepreneurs and small businesses with workshops on marketing, finance, and operational strategies.

Money aside, there’s also a cultural and civic dimension to UMD’s presence in Duluth, with concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical performances, and sporting events attracting students, staff, and residents. Longstanding traditions that link Duluth to its university include ice hockey, with games drawing crowds out to support the Bulldogs, as well as September’s Homecoming Parad,e which spills out from campus across town. The university also hosts conferences, workshops, and speaker series featuring academics, business leaders, and public figures that are open to the public.

Must-See Campus Attractions

One of the best ways to appreciate UMD’s attractive setting is to take a walk through its main campus. Located two miles north of downtown Duluth, the Kirby Student Center, a social hub for students, is a great place to start exploring and features meeting rooms, lounges, and dining options, and serves as a central spot for campus tours. The nearby Tweed Museum of Art is worth popping into and displays a range of pieces from classical works to contemporary exhibits.

Interested in performance and design? Weber Music Hall's superb acoustics are cherished by musicians and audiences alike, and the venue regularly hosts a diverse array of performances, from classical recitals to jazz ensembles. If you enjoy being outdoors, Bagley Nature Area is a short walk away and features 40 acres of trails and woodland that are fun to explore, with a chance to spot wildlife including birds and the occasional fox (nature programs are also offered).

No visit to UMD is complete without stopping at James S. Malosky Stadium. Home to the Bulldogs’ football and track teams, on game days, this 4,500-capacity stadium literally buzzes with local fans and student supporters. For hockey fans, the AMSOIL Arena is where the UMD Men's and women's hockey teams lace up their skates.

Exploring Duluth’s Attractions

Duluth itself offers many interesting things to do for visitors, locals, and students. Its connection to Lake Superior runs deep, with related landmarks like Canal Park being must-visits. Set adjacent to the Duluth Ship Canal and an easy walk from downtown Duluth, this waterfront oasis is where you can get the best views of the Aerial Lift Bridge. This iconic structure was built in 1905 and is still raised every time a large ship needs to pass to or from the city’s harbor... so have your camera ready.

From here, you can also hike or bike along the Lakewalk, a paved pathway that stretches for eight miles along the lakeshore. Other things to do in Duluth’s Canal Park include paying a visit to the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center with its interactive exhibits detailing the history of Great Lakes shipping and the workings of the bridge, or even joining a boat tour. It’s also a short stroll from the Great Lakes Aquarium with its fascinating displays of regional marine life.

Set atop Observation Hill, Enger Park is where you’ll find some of the best views over Duluth and Lake Superior. Built in 1939 and named after a local philanthropist, the historic Enger Tower stands 80 feet tall and is surrounded by attractive gardens, making it a great spot to watch the world go by. Another historic structure, Glensheen Mansion, is set on a magnificent waterfront property just north of town and offers guided.

From Duluth, you can also pick up the 310-mile long Superior Hiking Trail, which threads its way through forests and along ridges overlooking the lake (keep going, and you’ll end up in Canada). And when the snow flies, skiers and snowboarders flock to Spirit Mountain, a few miles southwest of campus, to hit the same slopes they may have hiked or mountain-biked down in summer.

If You Visit: Where to Stay and Dine

When it comes to accommodations, there are a number of first-rate hotels within walking distance or a short drive from UMD. The Inn on Lake Superior and Fitger’s Inn are both popular choices and are located in the Canal Park area, just a short drive from campus. For those who prefer to stay closer to campus, there are budget-friendly options also within driving distance including Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Duluth and Beacon Pointe on Lake Superior.

Dining choices are also plentiful, with the neighborhoods around UMD featuring casual cafés that serve coffee and sandwiches, as well as family-owned restaurants offering comfort food and international menus. Burrito Union is a frequent student hangout just a few blocks from campus, while Sara's Table Chester Creek Café, a bit farther downhill, caters to both locals and university crowds with its fresh soups, sandwiches, and daily specials.

The Final Word

As you can see, it’s nigh impossible separating Duluth from the university that has so shaped its identity. UMD contributes not only to the community’s economy, but it has also greatly impacted the town’s social fabric, bringing energy, curiosity, and fresh perspectives with each wave of new and returning students. In fact, it is this unique interweaving of academic and local life that has ensured Duluth stands out as Minnesota’s best college town.