Lake Superior · Summer (dates vary; not annual)

Duluth Tall Ships

A harbor gathering celebrating sailing and maritime heritage on Lake Superior.

Plan a trip around it

Plan ahead

About Duluth Tall Ships

When the tall ships come to Duluth, a fleet of square-riggers and schooners sails beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge in a Parade of Sail, then ties up around the harbor for several days. Crowds tour the decks and a lucky few book short sail-aways. The festival is not annual — recent editions have come every few years — so check whether it runs this year.

Tall ship visits are scheduled periodically, not necessarily every year. Confirm dates with local organizers.

Typical timingSummer (dates vary; not annual)
RegionMinnesota
LakeLake Superior
Nearby townDuluth

Highlights

What draws the crowds.

  • Watch the Parade of Sail as the fleet glides beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge into Duluth Harbor.
  • Climb aboard visiting ships for deck tours and conversations with their crews.
  • Book a ticketed sail-away, when offered, for a few hours under canvas on Lake Superior.
  • Find a spot along the ship canal piers or the Lakewalk for close-up views of rigging and sails.

Know before you go

Make the day easier.

  • Check whether the festival runs this year; recent editions have come roughly every three years.
  • Hotels near Canal Park fill quickly for festival weekends, so book as soon as dates are announced.
  • Sail-away tickets are limited and often sell out well in advance.
Great for Festivals & events Shipwrecks & maritime history Cities & culture

Dates, venues and programs may change. Check with the event organizer before making travel plans.

Nearby

Pair it with.

Minnesota · Lake Superior

Two Harbors

Ore docks, a historic lighthouse and a working Lake Superior waterfront.

Explore place

Minnesota · Lake Superior

Gooseberry Falls State Park

Waterfalls, river trails and a rocky Lake Superior shore on Minnesota's North Shore.

Explore place

Minnesota · Lake Superior

Split Rock Lighthouse

An iconic beacon perched above Minnesota's rugged North Shore.

Explore place

Plan the trip

Make a visit out of it.

Stay for the shoreline.

The event is only the beginning. Explore the towns, parks and maritime stories around Lake Superior.

Places on this lake

Build a trip around it.

Tell the trip planner what you love and when you can travel, and it will suggest a route that fits around the event.

Start planning

Think beyond the date.

Confirm venues, tickets, parking, access needs and weather plans with the organizer before booking.

Before you leave