South Pier Inn
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South Pier Inn
Experience our award-winning Canal Park hotel, located at the foot of the renowned Aerial Lift Bridge on Park Point, our family-owned boutique hotel offers a truly memorable Duluth lodging experience. Book here for our lowest standard rates! Start your day with a stroll along the seven miles of beautiful sandy beaches of Park Point, the world's longest freshwater sandbar.

Explore Canal Park's many unique shops, restaurants and attractions. Discover a variety of delightful museums throughout our beautiful port city. Marvel at the natural beauty of Duluth's endless City parks, scenic byways, Lake Superior and the St. Louis River valley. Unwind at the end of your day watching amazing sunsets from our 400 feet of private shoreline, overlooking the vast Duluth harbor.
Services
Following its grand opening, the South Pier Inn received national acclaim, drawing media attention from such notable sources as the Minneapolis Star Tribune and the New York Post. To date, the South Pier Inn is the only Duluth hotel to receive this award. We look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence and providing our guests with a truly unique waterfront lodging experience.
If you have a preference of room size or view, feel free to use our helpful sorting tool to the right, otherwise, select "Show All" to browse through our accommodations below. If you have a larger group of up to eight guests, consider our townhouse accommodations, a combination of a Balcony Guest Room, One Room Waterfront Suite, and Deluxe Waterfront Suite, with common access.
First floor suite includes master bedroom with king bed and pull-out queen sofa sleeper in the living room. Two-person whirlpool, gas fireplace, private balcony overlooking the water. Amazing Canal/Bridge view. Convenience center with microwave, refrigerator, sink and coffee maker. Plush bathrobes and binoculars provided for our guests' comfort.
For the convenience of our guests, we offer the following special discounted admission to area attractions. Admission tickets may be requested at check in. St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center (The Depot) Admission to All Exhibits - $9/ticket (adult). Check back with us to learn more about seasonal attractions, such as the Vista Fleet Sightseeing Cruises and the North Shore Scenic Railroad.
Reviews (24)
Adrienne Rempel
Adrienne Rempel
Jan 05, 2022
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This is my daughter's and my favorite place to stay. We love the rooms, we always face the canal. The breakfast is perfect for us. The location makes it easy to walk anywhere in Canal Park, and farther into Duluth. Summer and winter we've loved it. Next up is spring and fall. We'll be back!
Kathryn Hashem
Kathryn Hashem
Dec 26, 2021
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It was a bucket list stay in my hometown. Everything about it was magical and perfect, the sound of the ships and the bridge saying hi, the view of the stacks peeking over the top of the inn as they glided past, then the ding ding ding as the bridge lowers its deck into place. Lovely.
Good room, nice and cozy, great staff, fireplace all night, snacks and beverages all day all night, a real treat!
J. K.
J. K.
Dec 19, 2021
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Very good rooms, cozy, pretty, neat and tidy. nice little balcony. light on breakfast, but the reception is nice
Nicole P.
Nicole P.
Dec 13, 2021
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Nice place, didn't have a water view room but could still see the bridge which was nice! Light breakfast available (perfect for us, not huge breakfast people), room had a lot of nice amenities that aren't common (umbrella, 4 charging cords on the phone, etc.). Location is great, we had a 2nd floor room and the neighbors were noisy coming in and out of our stairwell but it was quiet at night. Parking lot is tight so don't drive a huge vehicle. Watched other cars getting hit with people carelessly opening their doors too wide. Decorated nice for Christmas!
Dianne Cole
Dianne Cole
Nov 27, 2021
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Gorgeous, comfortable room looking over the canal. Watched the ships and boats go by. Met the owner and couldn't ask for a nicer person. We'll definitely be back
Kevin Wojahn
Kevin Wojahn
Nov 19, 2021
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What an amazing place. Panoramic views of Duluth Harbor and the iconic Lift Bridge. Got to see several ships come into and go out of the harbor. Totally worth the splurge.
Robert H.
Robert H.
Nov 06, 2021
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Alway had a fascination of large ships. This hotel did not disappoint. We had a room with a whirlpool tub and a view looking over bay. Staff was friendly and helpful. Room was clean and well stocked. We took several day trips visiting area and on return room was always spotless.
Loved watching and listening to ships maneuver the channel. Look forward to are next visit.
Chris Otto
Chris Otto
Sep 20, 2021
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This was a great stay! The staff was friendly and very respectful. Room was clean and good amount of space. It was also quiet in the room and I slept well. This may be my go to for Duluth trips going forward.
S. Red
S. Red
Sep 07, 2021
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This hotel is the perfect place in Duluth!
This was my second stay and it just got better! Its quiet but right next to the lift bridge to enjoy the sounds of the canal (if that’s what you love like me!) I had the pleasure to meet the owners and they are such nice, friendly people. Thanked me for staying with them!
I’ll return when I’m able to get another reservation!
Aimee Johnson
Aimee Johnson
Aug 28, 2021
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Cute little motel right next to the Lift Bridge (which thrilled my son) and a great spot for exploring downtown. The staff were super friendly, the rooms were clean, towels were A++ (big & fluffy), the view lovely, and the chairs outside were a nice treat for enjoying the lake. All around wonderful amenities. Thanks for a fantastic stay. We’ll definitely be back!
Lucy N.
Lucy N.
Aug 11, 2021
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We happened upon South Pier Inn on a whim on a Sunday Summer evening, when we decided to stay the night in Duluth.

We saw it as we crossed the bridge, and decided to book it right then and there, as we had 3 of us and the room was described as having a lakefront view and a queen bed, twin bed and sofa.

We check in and head up to our room, which had a parking lot only view, and one queen bed, with a sofa (that pulled out to a twin bed). A little (a lot) different than what was advertised. We only booked this hotel because we wanted a waterfront view.

When we checked with the front desk, there
Nosila D.
Nosila D.
Jul 31, 2021
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This is a fabulous place with a kind and helpful staff. The rooms are very lovely and the view on the canal side is beyond. You are literally feet from the water. Robes are always a plus. The breakfast is fine, as much as you can expect as it's not full service. My daughter left her very well loved stuffed animal in the room accidentally and the staff was so accommodating shipping it all the way to florida for us. That was really such a wonderful gesture and we are so grateful. Thank you!
Greg R.
Greg R.
May 30, 2021
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I had been wanting to visit Duluth for years, finally made it. We got a king suite harbor view, it was worth the upgrade. I was there to see boats coming and going, this was perfect. The room had a little patio with chairs, and there were Adirondack chairs on the grass. The hotel had printouts of boat schedules, plus there are web sites with updates, but some were leaving that I would have missed had I not seen them right out the window. The hotel is right at the canal park, you can't get any closer.
The room was clean, the staff friendly, and you can't beat the location. Restaurants
Steve S.
Steve S.
Jan 13, 2021
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We've stayed here a number of times and it's always the same great service and so very comfortable. Price for a room is fair and all of Canal Park is a short walk (or drive) across the historic Aerial Lift Bridge.

It gets a big recommendation from me. It's where I choose to stay when stopping in Duluth.
Sam S.
Sam S.
Sep 23, 2018
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I stayed the the South Pier Inn for my minimoon. I loved how small, quaint, and quiet the hotel was!The rooms are extremely roomy and clean. The whirlpool tub, fireplace, and soft bed sheets was an added bonus. The only reason I can't give 5 stars is because the bed was very uncomfortable (but like stated above, the sheets were very soft). For the price of the room, I was thinking every room would have a comfortable king size bed. Although the bed was uncomfortable, I will be staying at this hotel again! (I also forgot to mention how amazing the view of the pier was!)
Shannon G.
Shannon G.
Jul 09, 2018
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Location of the South Pier Inn is prime because you are right by the bridge to Canal Park, right on shore of Lake Superior, and great views of Duluth. Our room was wonderful, we had a king bed, tub and fireplace in the living room, and a nice sitting area/kitchenette. The staff that checked us in was friendly, the woman working the desk at breakfast time wasn't the friendliest. Their continental breakfast is rather sad.. fruit, bagels/muffins, yogurt, and oatmeal was about all the choices. It would have been nice to have some hot options like eggs, meat, toast, etc. I would recommend this
Kiera K.
Kiera K.
Feb 19, 2018
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We scheduled a last minute trip up to Duluth as a belated Valentine's trip and this was one of the few hotels with "spa" rooms (with a jacuzzi tub) left in our price range. It turned out to be exactly what we needed!

We booked the Harbor View one room suite - the view was OUTSTANDING over the harbor! The windows were very large, so it is easy for others to see in... But being the middle of winter we weren't too worried about "traffic" on the harbor side or any invasions of our privacy. The tub fit both of us easily - a little slow to fill, but I don't remember
Joe W.
Joe W.
Feb 06, 2018
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We decided to get the Panoramic Upper room and we couldn't be happier. The room is very spacious! Nice bedroom with an amazing view of the harbor and the living room has an amazing view of both the canal and the harbor. Room comes with a tripod scope and a set of binoculars to really see the view. The jacuzzi is in the living room with a very romantic view with a fire place next to it. Couldn't be happier with the room and will definitely visit again!
Zach R.
Zach R.
Apr 09, 2017
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Very nice little hotel in a great location with friendly and helpful staff. The location directly next to the Aerial Lift Bridge on the harbor/canal is perfect. You are a short walk across the bridge to several businesses, restaurants, and canal park. Just across the street is access to a public beach on Lake Superior and a pier to enjoy the lake and take photos.
I think every hotel can have some negatives and I struggled to find one here. The one complaint I had was the shower water didn't get as hot as I like.
If you are traveling to Duluth, Minnesota I strongly recommend the South Pier
Tony W.
Tony W.
Apr 04, 2016
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Great hotel with all the amenities! Amazing views of Lake superior and the lift bridge. We stayed in a "canal view" room and had exceptional views of the canal and bridge as well as the lake and downtown duluth. The service at the desk is excellent and very friendly. They even will give you a ship schedule so you know when the giant ships are expected to arrive and depart. Whether you've never been to duluth or have been there 1000 times, you need to stay at this hotel! The views alone are worth every penny but then they throw in a fireplace and jacuzzi and balcony to go with it
Jessica B.
Jessica B.
Feb 17, 2016
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A spontaneous, solo road trip to Duluth last summer led me to the South Pier Inn-On the Canal. I wanted to stay somewhere near the aerial lift bridge, and this was the perfect location. It was a little spendy but worth every cent. The staff welcomed me with warm smiles and gave me many great recommendations on sites to see and places to eat.

-Canal Park
-Enger Tower
-Canal Park Brewing Company (had the turkey burger :P)
-Northern Waters Smokehaus

Right before leaving I mentioned to the front desk lady how I never saw a ship come through the aerial lift bridge; what a bummer! She mentioned
J. P.
J. P.
Oct 16, 2014
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I really enjoyed my stay here and would definitely consider returning here is my take on the place.

-Location, Location, Location. This place is amazing for viewing the big ships coming into or going out of the harbor. Definitely worth the splurge at least once but you will want a canal view for that and it's not cheap. We were staying just one night and so we went for it. I saw one boat during the afternoon coming in (but did go view it from the pedestrian area which you can do without staying at the hotel-but staying at the hotel is great because while you can find out in advance via
Hannah T.
Hannah T.
Mar 26, 2013
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This is a lovely little non commercial hotel located right next to the lift bridge. I missed the parking lot at first because it is the very first right after the bridge! However, it has a cute little office and plenty of parking. It is still within walking distance to everything canal park has to offer.

It is a little more expensive, but it has great rooms. They are very private to the point that one other room shares the entrance to a shared staircase and you have to go outside to get ice.

There is a patio off of every room. Unfortunately even though the description of our room said "
Sally F.
Sally F.
Feb 18, 2013
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We stayed here one night (our first night) in Duluth a few weeks ago. We were very impressed with the room! We checked in semi-late (around 9pm), settled in and headed straight out to dinner. Afterwards, we came back to the room before a concert we were seeing at Grandma's. When it came time for the concert, we walked a short 2-3 minute walk across the bridge and into Canal Park! The location of this place was amazing. After the concert, we enjoyed the in-room jacuzzi (we were in a queen suite).

We were very impressed with the quality of the room for the price -- it definitely felt like