A Group Travel Guide to Duluth, Minnesota's Best Destinations

Planning a group trip to Zenith City? You’ve made an excellent choice. Duluth is the crown jewel of the North Shore, offering breathtaking views of Lake Superior, a rich industrial history, and outdoor adventures that span all four seasons. However, navigating the steep hills of downtown Duluth or finding parking in Canal Park during the peak of summer can be a logistical nightmare for multiple cars. That’s where Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth comes in. We provide reliable, comfortable, and customized charter bus rentals in Duluth and the surrounding Arrowhead region.

Whether you are organizing a corporate retreat to the DECC, a wedding shuttle for a ceremony at Glensheen, or a school field trip to the aquarium, we have the perfect vehicle for you. Our fleet ranges from 18-passenger minibuses for intimate tours to 56-passenger full-size charter buses for large groups. With amenities like reclining seats, climate control (essential for Minnesota winters!), and onboard WiFi, your group can relax and enjoy the scenic views of the greatest Great Lake while a driver handles the navigation. Call us today at 701-552-6430 to start planning your North Shore adventure!

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Canal Park & The Aerial Lift Bridge

No trip to Duluth is complete without a visit to the heart of the city’s tourism district: Canal Park. This is where the city meets the lake, offering endless dining, shopping, and sightseeing opportunities. The star of the show is, of course, the Aerial Lift Bridge (601 S Lake Ave, Duluth, MN 55802), a historic landmark that rises to let massive international shipping vessels enter the harbor. Your group can walk the pier to the lighthouses, visit the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, or grab a bite at Grandma's Saloon & Grill.

Why rent a bus here? Parking in Canal Park during the summer or during Grandma's Marathon weekend is notoriously difficult and expensive. Public lots fill up by mid-morning. With a charter bus rental from Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth, your driver can drop your group off right near the Paulucci Building or the Maritime Museum. You can explore the Lakewalk freely, and when you are ready to leave, your bus will be waiting to pick you up, saving you hours of circling for parking spots.

Glensheen Mansion

Step back in time to the Gilded Age with a tour of the Glensheen Mansion (3300 London Rd, Duluth, MN 55804). Situated on a 12-acre estate right on the shores of Lake Superior, this 39-room historic home offers a glimpse into the life of the Congdon family. It is the most visited historic home in the state of Minnesota and offers a variety of tour options, from general admission to extensive "nook and cranny" tours. The grounds are equally impressive, featuring manicured gardens and bridges that are perfect for group photos.

Group Travel Tip: Glensheen is a favorite for school field trips and senior tour groups. When you book a motorcoach with Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth, we can coordinate with the museum’s group sales department to ensure a smooth arrival. Our buses have plenty of undercarriage storage, so if you plan on picnicking on the grounds or buying souvenirs from the gift shop, you won't have to clutter your seat. Plus, the drive down London Road is scenic but can be busy; let a driver handle the traffic while you enjoy the lake views.

Spirit Mountain Adventure Park

Duluth is an outdoor lover's paradise, and Spirit Mountain (9500 Spirit Mountain Pl, Duluth, MN 55810) is the epicenter of the action. In the winter, it offers the best skiing and snowboarding in the region, along with a snow tubing park that is perfect for youth groups. In the summer, the Adventure Park opens up with the Timber Twister alpine coaster, zip lines, and mountain biking trails. It also offers some of the best panoramic views of the St. Louis River and Lake Superior from the top of the hill.

Why a charter bus is essential: Getting to Spirit Mountain requires navigating steep grades, which can be intimidating in winter weather. The drivers know how to handle Minnesota driving conditions and can get your ski club or corporate team up the hill comfortably. A 56-passenger charter bus rental is ideal for ski trips because of the massive under-bus luggage bays—there is plenty of room for skis, snowboards, poles, and heavy winter gear. After a long day on the slopes, your group can warm up in a climate-controlled cabin with plush seating on the ride back to the hotel.

Great Lakes Aquarium

Located right on the waterfront, the Great Lakes Aquarium (353 Harbor Dr, Duluth, MN 55802) is a fantastic destination for educational trips and private events. It is one of the few aquariums in the country that focuses specifically on freshwater ecosystems, showcasing the animals and habitats found in the Lake Superior basin and other rivers around the world. Exhibits include otters, sturgeon, trout, and even a touch pool. The venue also hosts private events and weddings with a stunning backdrop of the harbor.

Bus Rental Benefits: The aquarium is located near Bayfront Festival Park, an area that hosts major concerts and events throughout the year. Traffic can get gridlocked quickly. A private shuttle bus from Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth ensures your group stays together. If you are a teacher planning a field trip, our buses offer a significant upgrade over the traditional yellow school bus. Students can watch educational DVDs on the onboard monitors while en route, and teachers can use the PA system to make announcements before arrival.

North Shore Scenic Railroad

All aboard for a journey through history! The North Shore Scenic Railroad (506 W Michigan St, Duluth, MN 55802) operates out of the historic Duluth Union Depot. They offer a variety of train excursions, ranging from short trips up the shore to full-day adventures to Two Harbors. In the fall, their foliage tours are incredibly popular, and during the holidays, the Christmas City Express is a magical experience for families and kids.

Coordinate your trip: If you are planning a one-way train excursion to Two Harbors, Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth can meet you at the destination! We can drop your group off at the depot in Duluth and drive up to Two Harbors to pick you up, allowing you to enjoy the train ride one way and a quick, comfortable bus ride back. This creates a flexible itinerary that maximizes your time sightseeing rather than backtracking on the tracks.

Enger Park and Tower

For the definitive view of the Twin Ports, you have to head to Enger Park (1601 Enger Tower Dr, Duluth, MN 55806). The park features the iconic Enger Tower, a five-story stone observation tower that stands 531 feet above the level of Lake Superior. The park is also home to beautiful Japanese gardens, hiking trails, and picnic areas. It is a popular spot for wedding photos and sunset watching.

Navigating the climb: The road to Enger Park is winding and steep, climbing high above the West End. Maneuvering a caravan of personal vehicles up here can be chaotic, and parking at the top is limited. A minibus rental is the perfect solution. Your driver can navigate the switchbacks effortlessly and drop your group right at the base of the tower. While you climb to the top for the photo op, your bus will be waiting to whisk you away to dinner at a local favorite like the Duluth Grill or Clyde Iron Works.

Lake Superior Zoo

Situated in West Duluth, the Lake Superior Zoo (7210 Fremont St, Duluth, MN 55807) offers a wild adventure for groups of all ages. From the nocturnal animals in the Primate Conservation Center to the brown bears and big cats, there is plenty to see. The zoo focuses on animals from the region as well as exotic species from around the globe. It is a manageable size for younger children, making it a favorite for elementary school field trips and day camps.

Seamless School Travel: When you book a charter bus for your zoo trip, you eliminate the stress of coordinating parent drivers. We can pick up your group directly from your school or community center and provide door-to-door service to the zoo entrance. Our buses come equipped with power outlets, so chaperones can keep their phones charged for taking pictures, and WiFi so students can stay entertained during the drive across town.

Miller Hill Mall & Shopping District

Sometimes, you just need a day of retail therapy. The Miller Hill Mall (1600 Miller Trunk Hwy, Duluth, MN 55811) is the largest shopping destination in the Northland, featuring dozens of major retailers, dining options, and entertainment. Whether you are organizing a holiday shopping trip from the Iron Range or a spouse’s program during a convention, the mall area has something for everyone.

Shop 'til you drop: The best part about a shopping trip with a charter bus? Storage space! You don’t have to worry about fitting all those shopping bags into the trunk of a car. Our charter buses offer ample overhead bins and cavernous undercarriage storage. Your group can shop at the mall, head over to nearby big-box stores, and then relax in a reclining seat on the way home. We can also arrange shuttles between the mall and Canal Park hotels, giving your group the freedom to explore different parts of the city.

Ready to Explore the North Shore? Book Your Duluth Bus Rental Today!

Duluth is a city built on hills, history, and hospitality. Don't let the stress of driving and parking detract from your experience on the shores of Lake Superior. Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth is dedicated to providing the highest quality group transportation in the region. Our reservation specialists are available 24/7/365 to answer your questions, help you build a custom itinerary, and find the bus that fits your budget.

Whether you need a shuttle for a wedding at Spirit Mountain, a team bus for a hockey tournament at the Heritage Center, or a corporate charter for a tour of the harbor, we are here to help. We’d love to earn your business and show you why we are the trusted choice for transportation in the Northland.

Call us today at 701-552-6430 for a free, no-obligation quote!

Frequently Asked Questions About Duluth Group Travel Transportation

Charter bus pricing varies based on several factors, including the size of the bus, the duration of your trip, the time of year, and how far you are traveling. A trip during the peak summer tourist season or Grandma's Marathon weekend may cost more than a mid-week trip in November. We offer transparent pricing with no additional fees. To get the most accurate price for your specific trip, call our team at 701-552-6430 for a free, personalized quote in minutes. You can also use our online quote tool for instant pricing!

Absolutely. Safety is our top priority. We work with designated drivers who are well-versed in navigating Duluth’s unique topography and winter conditions. Our buses are modern and well-equipped to ensure reliability in all seasons. Whether you are heading up the hill to Enger Tower or down to the waterfront in January, you can trust Charter Bus Rental Company Duluth to get you there safely.

We offer a wide range of amenities to ensure your comfort. Most of our full-size charter buses come equipped with reclining seats, ample legroom, climate control, onboard restrooms, TV monitors with DVD players, and PA systems. Many of our modern buses also feature free WiFi and individual power outlets at every seat so you can stay connected. If your group has specific needs, such as ADA accessibility, just let our reservation specialist know when you call, and we will find the perfect vehicle for you.

Yes, we specialize in wedding transportation! We can provide shuttle services for your guests between their hotels and venues like Greysolon Ballroom, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), or Glensheen Mansion. We can also arrange for a compact minibus for your bachelor or bachelorette party or a sleek motorcoach for the wedding party. A wedding shuttle ensures your guests arrive on time and get home safely after a night of celebration. We can even create a custom route to hit photo spots like the Rose Garden or the Lift Bridge.

Duluth is a very popular destination, especially in the summer and fall. We recommend booking your charter bus as soon as your date and venue are confirmed. Ideally, you should book at least 3 to 6 months in advance to ensure the best availability and pricing. For major events like Grandma's Marathon or tall ship festivals, booking 6 to 9 months out is advisable. However, we also do our best to accommodate last-minute requests whenever possible. Call us 24/7 to check availability for your dates.