day tripper of duluth tours

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Adventures Await with Day Tripper of Duluth

Duluth and the surrounding region are chock-full of natural beauty. And each of our four distinct seasons offers different options when it comes to excursions. Whether by foot, kayak, canoe, bike, snowshoe, or ski, there are adventures to be had - and amazing sights to be seen - around every corner.

But sometimes there are adventures we haven’t tried, for one reason or another. Perhaps we don’t own a kayak or canoe. Or maybe we don’t know how to mountain bike safely. This is where Day Tripper of Duluth comes in. “Our goal is to continue to provide our customers with the safest and best outdoor experience possible,” co-owner Jake Boyce shared.

Day Tripper, which was founded in 2013, describes itself as an “outdoor guiding service,” offering safe, guided adventures of all kinds. All necessary equipment is provided with each package.

The business is owned and operated by two skilled guides, Jake Boyce and Matti Erpestad, who each possess a veritable alphabet of certifications and skills. Interestingly, the two are also brothers-in-law. Together with their team of five additional guides, the Day Tripper team can lead your next expedition or even teach you a specific new skill.

Head guide and co-owner, Matti Erpestad. –Photo submitted.

Day Tripper’s primary demographic is tourists who want to get out on Lake Superior. However, local residents who want to “show our area off” to visitors are another important part of their customer base.

Adventures are open to all ages and abilities, from beginner to advanced. “Our youngest kayaker was two years old, and our oldest was 91,” Boyce noted.

Day Tripper does the majority of its business in the summer. However, they offer cold-weather adventures, too. “We operate by weather, not by the calendar,” Boyce said.

Guided options available through Day Tripper include hiking, private mountain bike lessons and clinics, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, fat-tire biking, and snowshoeing. Boyce explained some of the most popular choices.

“Our most popular, by far, is a kayaking trip on the North Shore by Split Rock . People can choose a 2 or 4-hour excursion, and we see the cliffs, the lighthouse, and a shipwreck as long as the conditions allow. We partner with Split Rock and the Minnesota Historical Society to obtain general admission passes for the museum and grounds.”

Kayaking near Split Rock Lighthouse is the most popular tour Day Tripper of Duluth Offers - Submitted Photo

Another popular choice is the Glensheen mansion paddle , taking place on Lake Superior, on the shores of Glensheen. At 90 minutes long, it’s a great option for beginners.

Private mountain biking lessons are another offering. Each lesson is tailored to the specific rider and the skills that the individual or group wants to learn. Whether you’re just starting out, or have been riding for many years, a lesson may be a great option to make you a happier rider.

Private Mountain Biking excursions for all skill levels are offered with Day Tripper of Duluth. –Submitted .

A voyageur canoe trip is another well-utilized offering. “The boat is a replica of canoes used by voyageurs in the region during the fur trade,” Boyce noted. “It can hold up to ten adults.”

Voyageur canoes can hold up to ten people. –Submitted photo

Day Tripper adventures take place at a variety of locations, but Boyce advised they are always subject to change. “We don’t have any truly set locations for any of our tours,” he noted. “It really depends on the day, since Lake Superior does what it wants.” Exact departure points are emailed at the time of a tour booking but may change based on weather.

Overnight excursions are also available upon request.

Guest safety is of primary concern. “We give our guides complete control of the final say on all tours,” Boyce explained. “They are very skilled and good judges of conditions, approaching weather, and group skill level. It is important to note that we try to see certain highlights on each tour, but sometimes, due to conditions, it may not be possible,” he added. Customers are provided with PFDs (personal flotation devices) for each water-based excursion. Wetsuits are also provided, and on most kayak tours, required – at the guide’s discretion.

Personal Life

Jake Boyce is himself a native Duluthian. He attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, where he earned an undergraduate degree in German with a minor in business. He has always loved the outdoors. “I like to mountain bike, ski - uphill and downhill – and, when conditions allow, surf,” he noted. “I enjoy playing outside in general.” Boyce and his wife, Laura Francis, have two children: Geoffrey (6), and Charlie (4). The family also has a Vizsla named Klaus.

Founder and co-owner, Jake Boyce. –Submitted Photo

Boyce juggles working more than full-time with Day Tripper, along with his other careers as a paramedic and working in sales and service at Ski Hut. “I decided I never wanted to sit behind a desk,” he noted with a chuckle, explaining his career choices.

Getting people into the outdoors is a fulfilling endeavor for Boyce and his team. Among other perks, Boyce enjoys watching mountain bikers’ skills progress throughout a lesson, providing employment in the area, and just being outside. “The most fun thing for me is to be able to provide employment for our guides so they too can share their passion of playing outside,” he said. I’m also super proud of our customer reviews on social media, Trip Advisor, and Google.”

Day Tripper of Duluth's April 1 whale-watching post produces smiles as some are fooled into thinking Lake Superior has whales. –Submitted photo

Boyce enjoys keeping a keen sense of humor about his profession. Every year on April 1, they get inquiries about whale-watching on Lake Superior after posting the photo below.

Day Tripper is a home-based business with no public storefront. Therefore, all excursions are booked online. Please visit daytripperofduluth.com to learn more and book an adventure.

Keefography Adventures on the North Shore

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Day Tripper of Duluth

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Duluth, MN 55804

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They cancelled out expensively prepaid trip due to passing weather which we volunteered to wait fo. I drove 3.5 hours 1 way just for this trip. 0/10 wont recommend.

Great experience with a 2 hour cross country ski tour/lesson with Jake. He arrived early and was prepared. He was attentive to my novice skills but also able to balance tips for the more experienced people of the group. We cross country skied Lester Park. Was so fun to try out this new ski area(new to us). The trail was tough for a beginner(only 3 ski sessions under my belt) but with Jake's guidance and reassurance, I was happy we did this trail. Out of our comfort zone but so fun and scenic! I would definitely use this company again for other outdoor activities.

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Enjoy Glensheen and More from the Water

Tour details, see glensheen from lake superior.

The independent tour company, Day Tripper of Duluth, offers kayak tours that start at Glensheen.

This is a one-of-a-kind experience. Have you toured Glensheen before and want that next-level experience? This is it.

Thanks to our friends at Day Tripper of Duluth, you can head out onto the vast waters of Lake Superior from the beautiful shore of Glensheen Mansion and see the estate from a completely new perspective. When conditions permit, you will spot the sunken breakwater and paddle up Tischer Creek nearly to the base of the house while you learn a bit about the natural and cultural history of the estate and area. ⁠

Launching your kayak from Glensheen’s shoreline is only allowed with the approved vendor, Day Tripper of Duluth.

Glensheen has created an agreement with a 3rd party vendor, Day Tripper of Duluth. The University of Minnesota Duluth and Glensheen do not operate or have any responsibility for Day Tripper of Duluth’s kayak tours.

Registration for a kayak tour is through Day Tripper of Duluth:

CLICK HERE to purchase Day Tripper of Duluth’s Kayak Tour at Glensheen

Day Tripper of Duluth is proud to offer Kayak Tours at Glensheen throughout the summer on a variety of days. Dates, times, and prices may vary.

Tours of the mansion can be purchased separately HERE .

Glensheen is owned and operated by the University of Minnesota. This tour does not include a Mansion tour. Tickets for the Mansion tour need to be purchased through Glensheen itself. You may explore the grounds before or after your paddle without the purchase of an additional ticket.

”I have been to Glensheen many times; this was a fabulous way to see it from a new way.“

”I grew up in Duluth and have driven London Road uncountable times, but this was a whole new look at the area.“

”We enjoyed the Glensheen Mansion kayaking tour and would recommend it to anyone! We got to paddle up and down the shore line and learned unique facts we hadn't heard on the the traditional walking tour of the mansion.“

Come see why Glensheen Mansion, perched on the shore of Lake Superior, is the most visited historic home in Minnesota.

3300 London Road Duluth, MN 55804

Minnesota’s Top Railroad Experiences: Scenic Routes That Showcase the North Star State

Minnesota has a long history with the railway. Names like James J. Hill are famous and helped shape our town. As the industry has changed, these train cars could have become relics. Today, the railroad is still very active. These cars have transformed into the best scenic train rides in Minnesota.

I’ve gotten the opportunities to ride on both the Osceola & St Croix Valley Railway and the Duluth Railway. And I had so much fun on these adventures.

Instead of stressing about catching the green light, you can relax and enjoy the view outside the window and the company of those around you. Thankfully, both trains have some of the best scenic views in Minnesota.

This post was hosted by the Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway and the Saint Croix Valley . As always, my opinions are my own.

Scenic Train Rides in Minnesota

Osceola and st. croix valley railway.

The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway is the closest recreational train to the Twin Cities. The Osceola & St. Croix Valley Railway, run by the Minnesota Transportation Museum, has a range of unique cars, each with its own story and personality.

The train travels round trip from Osceola, Wisconsin to Marine on St Croix in Minnesota. A ride lasting 90 mins, and it just flies by. The train will reach top speeds of 25mph.

TIP: Book your tickets in advance . Fall Colors and Pizza Trains fill up!

The Osceola train has a variety of unique events, like a Fall Colors Trip, Music and Pizza Train, and Pumpkin Express. The Pizza Train can accommodate both gluten and dairy dietary restrictions as long as you order ahead of time.

If you miss out on the Pizza Train or just want to sit in coach, you can still get pizza too. Just bring some extra cash with you.

The Fall Colors trip is a great way to see a lot of the foliage along the river. Even if it’s not Fall yet, they still have a superb view. They are also running a Pumpkin Express train up to Dresser, WI.

It’s a little shorter of a trip, making it ideal for younger kids, plus there will be music, games, food, and pumpkins!

Spend the whole day in Taylor’s Falls if you can. There are tons of fun things to do! Find all the fun things to do in the area by clicking here !

The Duluth Scenic Railroad

Taking off right out of the heart of Duluth, the Duluth Scenic Railroad , also known as the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been transporting passengers since 1990.

They have a variety of different cars and will accommodate both First-Class and coach passengers.

On this trip, I recommend arriving early because people will start lining up 30 minutes early to get some of the best seats.

All the Duluth Scenic Railroad rides are round trips. Their most popular trip is a 90-minute ride on the Duluth Zephyr.

It travels along the North Shoreline and through the Congdon Neighborhood before making its return trip back. If your kids get bored on the way back, just hand them the Famous Trains Coloring Book .

They also have a 2.5hr North Shore trip that includes a Pizza and live musical entertainment. If you want to make a full day excursion, I recommend going on a Two Harbors tour.

It’s a half-day, 6hr trip up the North Shore with a layover stop in Two Harbors. You’ll shop and have a great lunch before returning home.

One of the most impressive parts of their operations is their connection to the Duluth Depot Museum. It costs additional to go in, but it’s an experience you will not forget.

Both trips on the scenic railway will give you views of the shore of Lake Superior and downtown Duluth.

Show up for this adventure an hour early, so you can visit the Lake Superior Railroad Museum before. You can climb aboard locomotives throughout history. Find out how they remove snow from a track or sit in the engineer’s seat. It’s perfect for any historic train lover.

Duluth is another great town with fun things to do. 28 Amazing Family-Friendly Things to do in Duluth MN | The Perfect Getaway Make sure to Book your trip before you leave. Fall colors fill up in advance. They also have Christmas Trains to do!

The Zephyr Route

In the Fall, the Zephyr Route appears in Minnesota. Picking one of the best views in MN, you can travel in style while getting some breathing scenic views of the most popular locations around the state.

The train ride reminisces of the 1950s travel in a domed car. Tours typically include food and accommodations.

*Not Running in 2023

Friends of the 261

The Railroading Association of the Midwest is the official name of the Friends of the 261. The steam engine based in Minneapolis has a fleet of cars and is a premier railroad in the cities.

Using refurbished cars, they travel about once a month with routes taking passengers to Chicago, Hudson Bay, or Manitoba.

They have various levels of tickets to purchase anywhere from coach to presidential, depending on the experience you want. Keep an eye out at the 261 websites for tickets.

With a new express route added to Chicago, the Amtrack is becoming more and more popular. Leaving out of Union Depot in St Paul, you will also make stops to Red Wing or Winona .

Amtrak Empire Builder Train runs to Seattle in the other direction, making stops at Red Wing, Winona, St Paul, St Cloud , Staples, and Detroit Lakes MN.

My favorite route is from St Paul to Red Wing. Everything is within walking distance of downtown, and you’ll get views of the Mississippi River. You can also bring your bike with you to help you get around.

You can jump on a train and enjoy a Day Trip to one of these great small towns before making your way back home. The train leaves out of Union Depot in St Paul.

Need more inspiration on what to do in these small towns? Check it out! 19 Things To Do in Red Wing MN: A Complete Guide 22 Fun Things to do in Winona Minnesota 11 Top Things to do in St Cloud MN: Fun Day Trip

Excelsior Street Car

If you are looking for a quick sampler train ride, check out the Excelsior Streetcar . They run two demonstration railways, the Como-Harriet Streetcar Line and the Excelsior Streetcar line.

The trips are short, with only a half-mile of track. At the end of the track, you’ll stop at their car barn, so passengers can see some of their restoration projects, before returning you back.

The tours are run by the Minnesota Streetcar Museum. This is a short ride in the Metro Area, perfect for younger kids.

While it’s not a big trip, it’s enough of one to whet your appetite.

Stick around in Excelsior for more fun things to do: Over 20 Things to do in Excelsior MN: A lake lover’s dream

Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroad

The Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad take riders on a ride from Duluth to Oliver MN twice a day on weekends. 2 Coaches, Safari Car, and, of course, the Switch Engine.

They offer charters for events. One of the coolest things they do is the Choo Choo Paddle . This is where you paddle down, and take the train back! Seriously, it’s genius!

Tips for Scenic Train Rides in Minnesota

Don’t be afraid to move around.

The first time I took a train ride, I was so concerned that I would lose my seat if I wandered around. Chances are the train isn’t that full. And if you lose your seat, oh well. The next one you see may be even better.

Also, each car is different. They have their own feel, history, seating, and accommodations. Look at all the cars before committing to some of the best cars. It usually ends up being the one at the back of the train.

Speaking of the back of the train, it changes. One of the best parts about round-trip rides is when the engine stops to hook up to the other side. You’ll have time to wave at the engineer, and those at the front of the train, now get to be in the caboose!

Talk to the Conductors

The conductors have such a wealth of information. They know the trains inside and out. The Osceola Scenic Train, after the engine moved, we stood on the back of the train the entire time.

Not only did we get to watch the tracks and the world go by, but we also got to have amazing conversations with the Conductors. He was a wealth of information about train life.

Fun Fact, if you are playing around train tracks, you can have up to three different police coming after you. One was even Canadian.

Bring Snacks

Most trains have cash-only snack cars. If you are traveling with little ones, they will probably love something to munch on. Just remember that these are historic trains, so bring things in your Tote Bag that aren’t messy.

You be the judge of what your kids can eat. I have a chronic problem of never carrying cash; otherwise, I would have gotten some of their delicious treats onboard the train.

Reservations

Reserve your specialty trips ahead of time. Fall Colors trips will sell out fast. You can make reservations ahead of time online.

Depending on the train, length, and specialty rides, you can expect to pay anywhere from $12-36 per ride. Kids 2 and under are free.

Don’t Miss Out on these fun Scenic Train Rides

Getting to ride on these trains can seem like a novelty. But with the costs associated with running a train and creating an unforgettable experience, we need to get on them before they go away.

They are at risk of becoming a thing of the past. I for one, do not want to see that happen. To make sure you get on one of these trains, reserve your tickets and enjoy this forgotten treasure.

These scenic Minnesota train rides will create memories that last a lifetime, but the trains won’t. Make sure to plan your train excursions this summer!

Pin it for Later

Minnesota native and Midwest travel expert Jennifer provides insider tips and budget-friendly trip ideas for families looking to explore the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Through her travel blog DayTripper28, she draws on first-hand experience to recommend the best hidden gems, outdoor adventures, road trips, and weekend getaways around Minnesota and the Midwest. With her passion for uncovering local flavors and culture along the backroads, Jennifer shares affordable itineraries for creating memorable experiences across the region.

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Review: earth, wind & fire and chicago make st. paul fans feel the love.

"Don't go nowhere," Earth Wind & Fire lead singer Philip Bailey urged the jubilant crowd at the end of his group's terrific set Saturday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. "Don't go nowhere. Don't go nowhere."

That's because something special was about to happen. Chicago, the night's opening act on the Heart & Soul 2024 Tour, was set to join EWF for an extended encore that would culminate in a knockout version of "25 or 6 to 4."

You know "25 or 6 to 4," that song that every high school and college marching band has been playing for decades. Chicago has been performing it since 1970 when it became a hit off their second album. But not quite the way they played it Saturday.

Chicago's Tony Obrohta kicked it off with buzzsaw guitar as EWF's Verdine White added some funky bass before the Chicago three-man horn section stepped forward to deliver that familiar flourish. Neil Donell, Chicago's vocalist since 2018, offered his best impersonation of a soaring Peter Cetera. EWF's Bailey took the second verse, feathering it with his falsetto at just the right moment.

This nearly seven-minute reading of "25 or 6 to 4″ took on a slightly faster tempo and more surging intensity. Three guitarists — one from Chicago, two from EWF — traded solos midsong with EWF's Serg Dimitrijevic rocketing into outer space and bandmate Myron McKinley adding spikey filigree. Then the Chicago horns launched the tune into a new universe, echoing Donell's high-pitched tenor voice. Time for the bands to groove — all 23 musicians.

This horn-propelled rouser ended with EWF cofounder White, 72, and Chicago cofounding trombonist James Pankow, 76 — the most wired performers in their respective groups — front and center for a very physical and musical punctuation mark.

While that number may have been the climax of the encore, the preceding 25 minutes featured an exciting, seamless medley as the two Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bands alternated tunes, with all musicians on every selection. In the middle of Chicago's "Free" with its Latin percussion groove, a James Brown concert suddenly broke out with funky horns and EWF singer B. David Whitworth essaying fancy dance moves reminiscent of the Godfather of Soul.

The Heart & Soul Tour marked the first time these two groups — both started out in the Windy City in the 1960s — have toured together since 2018. Each played for 75 minutes before the encore. Despite having several radio hits in the '70s and '80s, these ensembles pride themselves on intricate, often jazzy musicality between singalong choruses.

Chicago did a nifty job turning a medley of "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World" into an engrossing classical-tinged suite. The group gained momentum on "Only the Beginning," the best vocal by keyboardist and original member Robert Lamm, and "I'm a Man," which crescendoed with a drums-and-percussion duet.

As for Donell, the veteran Canadian studio singer, 68, hit those Cetera high notes, but his head voice sounded strained. Moreover, it seemed awkward for the ostensible lead singer to stand at the far right or far left of the stage, not in the center. And neither Donell nor Lamm bothered to introduce the 11 members of Chicago.

By contrast, EWF's set was undeniable. More energetic than last year's St. Paul show with Lionel Richie, the veteran R&B ensemble started with a bang, "Shining Star," got jazzy with the instrumental "Sun Goddess," slow jammed with the cuddly "Reasons" and "After the Love Has Gone," and then closed with a dance barrage of the falsetto-fueled "Fantasy," a funky remix of "Boogie Wonderland," the groovy "Let's Groove" and "September," which found a crowd of mostly baby boomers getting about as celebrative as they get these days.

Then Bailey, 73, implored the crowd not to leave. And all 12,000 fans stayed for the encore. He was right.

At the end of the fulfilling and exhausting 3½-hour program, Bailey piped up again: "I got one question to ask: Can you feel the love?"

That said, the six original members — three from each band — took a bow. And White and Pankow walked off together, an arm around each other.

Jon Bream has been a music critic at the Star Tribune since 1975, making him the longest tenured pop critic at a U.S. daily newspaper. He has attended more than 8,000 concerts and written four books (on Prince, Led Zeppelin, Neil Diamond and Bob Dylan). Thus far, he has ignored readers’ suggestions that he take a music-appreciation class.

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