There’s something unmistakably Duluth about pancakes under a pavilion while the scent of syrup and sausages dances on the breeze. Every August, Spirit Valley Days kicks off with a good old-fashioned pancake breakfast—and it’s not just about the flapjacks. It’s about building a memory that lingers long after the syrup’s gone.
Here’s how to turn a simple breakfast into a full day (and weekend) you’ll want to repeat year after year:
1. Arrive Early for the Good Stuff
The best mornings start slow and sweet. Doors open early, and the locals know to line up before the crowd hits. Grab a table under the big pavilion, sip your coffee, and enjoy the smell of sizzling griddles and summer grass.
2. Try the Northland Syrup Bar
You haven’t really done Spirit Valley Days until you’ve hit the syrup station. Wild berry blends, local maple tapped just up the shore, and even a few cinnamon-spiced surprises—it’s a choose-your-own-drizzle adventure made for second helpings.
3. Join or Cheer on the Kids’ Bike Parade
Tiny helmets, glitter streamers, and sidewalk chalk stations—kids can deck out their bikes and ride the park loop while parents snap photos and clap along. It’s one of those small-town traditions that reminds you why you brought the family north in the first place.
4. Catch a Hayride Through History
After plates are cleared, hop aboard a tractor-pulled wagon for a ride past Duluth’s western neighborhoods and historic farmlands. You’ll get a little breeze, a few facts, and maybe a chance to wave at some local goats along the way.
The Gitche Gumee Way to Wrap It All Up
After pancakes, parades, and hayrides, there’s only one thing left to do: return to your porch at The Inn on Gitche Gumee, pour a glass of lemonade, and let the ceiling fan lull you into a slow afternoon nap. That’s what summer in Duluth is all about—big events, small joys, and porches that catch the breeze just right.
