Tall Ships are Returning to Duluth: Festival of Sail 2025
One of the largest events in our region is making its grand return to the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, from July 10 through July 13, 2025. Get up close to some of the world’s most historic and majestic tall ships, right here in the Zenith City.
To add to the fun, the festival also features vendors, family entertainment, day sails, onboard ship tours, and the new Superior High Dive Challenge—Great Lakes’ first professional high‑diving competition jumping from a 66‑foot platform into Lake Superior.
Ticket 411
See the tall ships from the water on the Vista Star or Vista Queen: Grand Parade of Sail cruises, daily sightseeing, sunset dinners, Sips, Ships & Sunset, Moonlight Cruises, and more. No festival ticket required—separate cruise tickets are sold directly through Vista Fleet.
Please Note: Vista Fleet is an independent operator and is not affiliated with the Festival of Sail Duluth. Our cruises run alongside the festival and offer unique on-the-water experiences throughout the weekend.
Tickets to enter the festival grounds must be purchased for each day you attend. To enter the festival you must purchase a ‘on board pass’ from the Festival of Sail. Advance purchase is strongly recommended to avoid long lines. The ticket office will open at 8:30am each day near the entrance to the festival.
Tall Ship Day Sail Tour Tickets
Boarding tours are first come, first served. A tour ticket includes festival entry for that day.
Day of Festival Tickets
Available at the entrance on Harbor Drive. Expect long waits—advance purchase helps avoid delays.
Grand Parade of Sail
Step aboard the Vista Star or Vista Queen on Thursday, July 10 (10 am–1 pm) for a front-row view as the ships sail under the Aerial Lift Bridge into port. Narration, cash bar, and concessions included.
The Ships
The current ship line-up includes When & If, Pride of Baltimore II, Inland Seas, Ernestina-Morrissey, St. Lawrence II, Abbey Road, Zeeto, Liberty Clipper, Schooner Charley, Alliance, and Wonder. Information on the ships can be found here.
Festival Highlights
Grand Parade of Sail – kicks off Thursday, July 10 around 9–10 am. Be there!
Day‑sails & onboard tours – available daily.
Superior High Dive Challenge – new for 2025, a first‑ever USA Diving is participating in a high‑diving event included with festival entry.
Vendors & entertainment – food trucks, local craft brews, artisans, live music, family fun.
Merchandise – The Zenith Adventure storefront will be open daily 9 am–7 pm at the festival entrance.
Be Mindful
Massive crowds are expected. Arrive early and be patient—lines for entrance and ship tours are likely. Parking is available at the DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center), throughout Canal Park and downtown (Skywalk connects to festival grounds).
Lodging
Hotels are filling fast—book early! A full list is available on the festival website.
General FAQ’s
What to wear/bring
Dress in layers—Lake Superior weather is unpredictable. No backpacks allowed; purses, diaper bags, and camera bags subject to search.
Wheelchairs & Strollers
Allowed on festival grounds, but not on the ships (boarding via gangplank required).
Dogs
Only service animals will be permitted past the festival gates.