Here in Duluth we are fortunate to have America’s Largest Free Walk Through Lighting Display right in our downtown. The Bentleyville Tour of Lights opened on November 18, and will be open all the way until Dec. 26, 2017! This great event represents 20 acres of lights, visits with Santa, and so much more! But what is the best way to get to the Bentleyville Tour of Lights? It is open daily, from 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. While there is no cost to enter the “Tour of Lights” donations to support the event are welcome. Donations of non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys are also being accepted for the Salvation Army.
What is the best way to get to the Bentleyville Tour of Lights?
Park and Walk
Parking at Bentleyville, the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center (DECC), or the Great Lakes Aquarium is $5, which helps fund the Tour of Lights. On Fridays and Saturdays, visitors are encouraged to use the Garfield Avenue parking lot and take a free shuttle. Other parking options (with various pricing) include Duluth Depot Lot, Michigan Street Lot, DTA Center, US Bank Lot, Sculptured Wall Lot, Northwest Iron Lot, and Lighthouse Lot. Metered downtown street parking is limited, but free after 5:30 p.m.
Take the Train
If you want to minimize parking hassles (and have a very cool experience), taking the North Shore Scenic Railroad to Bentleyville may be just the ticket. The train leaves from Fitger’s Shopping Mall on Fridays and Saturdays at 5 and 6:30 p.m. and cost is just $7 per person (children 2 and under ride free!). Tickets sell quickly for this fun way to get to the Bentleyville extravaganza so get yours today at the scenic railroad website. (You can also enjoy the Christmas City Express train!)
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Downtown Shuttles
On Fridays and Saturdays, you can take a free Greater Downtown Council shuttle service to the Bentleyville Tour of Lights. The Canal Park route will pick up every 20 minutes starting at 4:30 p.m. at Buchanan Street near Canal Park Drive. The Downtown route will stop at Greysolon Plaza, Holiday Center, and the Radisson Hotel and have a 30 minute route. Both “Jingle Bus” lines will offer service until roughly 9:30 p.m.
Visiting Duluth for Bentleyville
If you are coming from farther afield, there are other ways to get to Bentleyville. The Jefferson Lines bus service offers daily journeys to Duluth from cities like Minneapolis, Brainerd, Grand Rapids, Hinckley, Virginia, Sioux Falls, Fargo and Grand Forks. You can learn more about available lines leading to Bentleyville (or, at least, the Duluth Transportation Center) on the Jefferson Lines website.