South Pier Inn

08/29/2026

Located just a few feet from the Aerial Lift Bridge, South Pier Inn is "The Shipwatcher's Destination!" Ranked the #1 Hotel in Duluth AND Minnesota by Tripadvisor based on reviews. Explore and book at bit.ly/2026SouthPierInn

08/27/2026

Are you looking forward to FALL COLORS?! They’re less than a month away, and the time to plan your Duluth and North Shore fall color tour! NOW is the time to make reservations at destinationduluth.co/SouthPierInn Hurry, as there is very limited availability!

These photos from previous years were taken in late September into mid-October by Schauer Photo Images for the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Dennis O'Hara and Glensheen

08/25/2026

Hollyhock delight at Betty’s gardens at South Pier Inn
Photo by Martha Lind | IG

08/15/2026

What makes South Pier Inn special? Co-owners Rand and Steve Sola share why. Info/Book at bit.ly/2026SouthPierInn

08/08/2026

The arrival of Presque Isle with a beautiful view of South Pier Inn in the bottom left.
Jon Columbus for DRE Designs - Great Lakes Marine Products via Destination Duluth

Located just a few feet from the Aerial Lift Bridge, South Pier Inn is "The Shipwatcher's Destination!" Ranked the #1 Hotel in Duluth AND Minnesota by Tripadvisor based on reviews. Explore and book at bit.ly/2026SouthPierInn

08/07/2026

Your view from the patio of the South Pier Inn.

Listen for the salutes of the “Two-fer” Thursday evening arrival of the 1000-footer Walter McCarthy, and the classic Laker John G Munson.

Video by Jerry Thoreson

08/05/2026

OVERHEARD: “There it is!” “It’s massive!” “I can’t believe it fits!” “Imagine being the captain!” “How does it turn?” “Wave!” “Let’s wait for the bridge to go back down!”
Photographer Kathleen Wolleat enjoyed hearing people react to the Mesabi Miner arrival on Sunday evening.

Photo by Kathleen Wolleat via Destination Duluth | IG | kathleenwolleatphotography.smugmug.com

07/29/2026

Into the Fog
Photo by Bjornberg Photography | IG | BjornbergPhotography.com via Destination Duluth

A rapidly forming fog bank rolled in over Lake Superior during the departure of the Viking Octantis, which provided a great visual of just how quickly conditions can change on the big lake.

Octantis will visit Duluth one more time this season on Monday, August 24. Mark your calendar and come see!

Interested in taking a cruise on Lake Superior? For information on Great Lakes Cruising with Viking, go to destinationduluth.co/VikingCruises2026

About South Pier Inn

Located just a few feet from the Aerial Lift Bridge, South Pier Inn is "The Shipwatcher's Destination!" Ranked the #1 Hotel in Duluth AND Minnesota by Tripadvisor based on reviews. Explore and book at bit.ly/2026SouthPierInn

07/27/2026

The magnificent cruise ship Viking Octantis is in port today on a "turn around" – where the Great Lakes cruise ends for those onboard, and they take a new set of passengers for a cruise.

So, a stay at the South Pier Inn in 2027 could be the start of an incredible Great Lakes cruise! Get info at destinationduluth.co/VikingCruises2026

See The Viking Octantis at the Waterfront Plaza behind the DECC TODAY! The luxury cruise liner arrived very early Monday morning on a “Turn Around” day. It will depart this evening.

Turn Around days are when current guests are departing the ship and will be going home. Then new guests will be boarding the cruise and going through security and customs.

Photo by Jerry Thoreson