Duluth is a treasure trove of local artisans, makers, and creators who craft everything from hand-thrown pottery and intricate jewelry to delicious gourmet foods. If you’re looking to support local businesses and bring a bit of Duluth’s charm home with you, here’s where to find the best locally made items in the city.
1. Duluth Folk School’s Dovetail Café & Marketplace
Duluth Folk School
Located in the Lincoln Park Craft District, Duluth Folk School is a hub for local makers. Inside, the Dovetail Café & Marketplace offers a curated selection of handcrafted items, including ceramics, woodworking, and fiber arts from artists around Duluth. The marketplace is perfect for anyone looking for unique, locally made gifts and treasures.
2. Frost River Trading Co.
Frost River
For high-quality, handcrafted bags, outdoor gear, and accessories made right here in Duluth, Frost River is a must-visit. Known for their rugged, timeless designs made from waxed canvas and leather, Frost River’s items are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone looking to bring a piece of Duluth’s outdoor spirit into their everyday life.
3. Lake Superior Art Glass
Lake Superior Art Glass
This studio and gallery in Canal Park offers beautiful, locally made glasswork. From hand-blown glass ornaments to intricate jewelry and decor, Lake Superior Art Glass showcases the skill of local artists while offering shoppers a chance to take home a unique piece of art. You can even watch the artists at work, which adds a personal touch to every piece.
4. Zenith Bookstore
Zenith Bookstore
While primarily a bookstore, Zenith offers a range of locally crafted items, from handmade journals to locally roasted coffee and Duluth-themed apparel. Supporting local authors, artists, and businesses, Zenith Bookstore is more than just a place to find your next great read—it’s a celebration of the local community and its talent.
5. Blue Heron Trading Co.
Blue Heron Trading Co.
This specialty kitchen store features local gourmet foods, from handmade jams and syrups to unique spices and coffee roasted right here in the area. Blue Heron also carries local pottery and cooking utensils, so you can find both ingredients and tools for your kitchen that reflect the artistry and flavors of Duluth.
6. Art in the Alley
Art in the Alley
Located in Miller Hill Mall Art in the Alley showcases locally made jewelry, clothing, home decor, and gifts. The shop is known for its colorful, eclectic vibe and dedication to highlighting the work of local artists. It’s the perfect spot to find a one-of-a-kind item or gift that captures the spirit and creativity of Duluth.
7. Duluth Pack
Duluth Pack
Duluth Pack is an iconic local brand with a long history of producing handcrafted, durable packs, bags, and accessories. Their Canal Park store offers their full range of products as well as local apparel and other Minnesota-made goods. Known for their quality craftsmanship and timeless designs, a Duluth Pack item is a perfect keepsake for visitors and locals alike.
8. Siiviis
Siiviis Duluth
A sister gallery to Sivertson Gallery in Grand Marais, Siiviis specializes in regional art, with a focus on Indigenous, Finnish, and Scandinavian-inspired pieces. Located in Canal Park, Siiviis offers prints, jewelry, sculptures, and unique gifts that reflect Duluth’s heritage and connection to the natural beauty of Lake Superior.
9. Duluth Winter Village
Duluth Winter Village
Held annually, the Duluth Winter Village at Glensheen Mansion is a magical winter market featuring exclusively local makers. It’s the perfect place to find holiday gifts, handmade items, and seasonal decor while supporting local artisans. Vendors offer a range of products, from wooden crafts to cozy knitwear, making it a favorite local shopping event each year.
These stores and markets showcase the best of Duluth’s local makers and reflect the city’s dedication to craftsmanship, creativity, and community. Supporting these businesses is a great way to contribute to Duluth’s vibrant local economy and take home a piece of the city’s charm.