Duluth Heights - Duluth, MN

Although the city of Duluth was explored as early as 1650, the Duluth Heights area remained mostly undeveloped until the mid 20th century. When Miller Hill Mall popped up in 1973, businesses and families swarmed to the area, creating one of Duluth's most modern neighborhoods.

This newer community has few cultural attractions of its own, but residents live just minutes from downtown museums like the Lake Superior Railroad Museum and an energetic arts scene. The neighborhood hosts the Festival 5.1k, an annual run that draws participants from all over Duluth. Don't miss other nearby community events like Downtown Duluth Sidewalk Days and the Duluth Lakewalk Festival for a taste of local culture in every season.

Explore the area around Miller Hill Mall to find an eclectic mix of dining options ranging from popular chains and charming diners to home-town burger joints. Whether you're in the mood for a hot fudge sundae, a hearty breakfast platter or a strong margarita, Duluth Heights' true Minnesotan dining scene has something for every taste and budget.

If you crave a burger, fries and shake, stop by Bridgeman’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour, an old-school diner straight out of the 1950s with some Scandinavian flavor. The all-you-can-eat walleye fry on Friday night never fails to draw a crowd, but breakfast stands as the diner's specialty. Get some Swedish pancakes with lingonberries, a house special that you can order any time of day. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to try the Enger Tower sundae topped with a dollop of whipped cream and served in a glass mug.

For a laid-back lunch, swing by Big Daddy’s Burgers to savor the jalapeño cream cheese burger with piles of fresh-cut fries. Be sure to get some honey mustard for your fries for an unforgettable flavor experience. Big Daddy's may look like a hole-in-the-wall burger place, but this hidden gem serves up huge portions at fair prices.

Skip the pricey Mexican eateries on the lake to visit Azteca's Mexican Grill, a local favorite with some of the best chicken and steak fajitas in town. This place cooks up enchiladas and a burrito Azteca that keep you coming back for more, and the cheap margaritas and sangrias only add to the restaurant's energetic vibes.

Duluth Heights only has a few chain grills to grab a drink at night, so take a short drive to downtown for nightlife or more vibrant nightlife scene ranging from dance clubs and taverns to bars with live music. While you're exploring downtown Duluth, be sure to pay a visit to Black Water Lounge. This place never disappoints with its high-class atmosphere and half-price martinis during happy hour.

If you need to get to downtown, take Central Entrance or Trinity Road to Interstate 93 for a quick commute. While exploring the neighborhood, enjoy free parking even in the retail area. Uber does not service the city, but you can always call Yellow Cab for a quick pick-up.

Feel free to hop on a Duluth Transit bus from a stop on one of the main roads with most concentrated near the mall, but keep in mind that most residents get around by car. During the warmer months, cruise down the bike lane on Palm Street or one of the other bike-friendly roads. This suburban neighborhood's scattered layout makes navigating on foot difficult, especially during the winter months, but you can walk to most of your errands once you park in the mall area.

Whether you're practicing your swing on Enger Park Golf Course or hiking through the woods, this neighborhood has plenty of green space where you can kick back on your day off. Stop by Duluth Heights Park to play on the soccer field or shoot some hoops. This green oasis also hosts a baseball field, a softball field and a fun playground for the kids. Get in touch with nature at Web Woods just across the street from Highland Village Apartments. The Web Woods Trail loop offers a great place to hike or go for a quiet stroll with your pooch.

The overall cost of living in Duluth Heights stands a little above average for the city. If you choose to rent, expect to pay something like $840 a month for a standard one-bedroom apartment. Taking the bus into downtown Duluth costs around $1.50 during peak hours, but you only have to shell out 75 cents during off-peak times. Gas prices hover around 12 percent below the national average, and a beer at one of the neighborhood grills costs $3 to $4.

Duluth Heights' impressive retail scene draws residents from all over. The neighborhood may not host many local shops, but you find tons of fashion mainstays, convenience shops and everything in between. For a long shopping spree, head to Duluth Miller Hill Mall, Duluth's heart of shopping and the largest mall in the state after the Mall of America. Stroll around to find favorite retailers like Victoria's Secret, Coach and Zumiez. For your basic amenities, stop by Stoneridge Shopping Center just across the street with stores like Michael's and Shopko. Whether you're looking for high-end shops or discount havens, Duluth Heights has something for you. With an emphasis on reusing and recycling old instruments, Music Go Round stands as the neighborhood's top pick for getting high-quality guitars, drums and amps at the best prices. Pick up a gently used band instrument for your child, or get a Yamaha keyboard to rock the night away.

Just south of Duluth Heights along the North Shore you find Minnesota Surplus Outfitters, a rustic shop for the outdoorsman in you. Choose from a wide selection of rugged gear, flannel shirts, backpacks and boots. Be sure to check out the military surplus for some useful survivalist finds. This place carries dozens of top brands like Minnetonka Moccasins, Carhartt, and Georgia.

For your weekly groceries, head to the local Cub Foods for all your dinnertime staples, or stop by Sam's Club to buy food in bulk. During the growing season, be sure to check out the Duluth Farmers Market or the Farmer Doug market for some fresh produce.