Duluth’s Lakeside/Lester Park community is often described as quaint, family-oriented, and charming. Rather than being a hotspot for nightlife, the neighborhood is better known for its peace, quiet, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation.
The Lakewalk stretches across the entire Lakeside community, ending at Brighton Beach on the eastern edge. Nearby, Lester Park offers scenic trails and waterfalls, making it a favorite destination for hikers, bikers, snowshoers, cross-country skiers, and those who like to take a dip in the “deeps” on a hot summer day.
Believe it or not, alcohol was prohibited from being sold in Lakeside/Lester Park from the 1890s until June 27, 2016, when the city council voted to repeal the long-standing ban. As a result, Amity Coffee (more on them later) became the first establishment in the neighborhood to sell beer and wine in October 2016, with the first liquor stores opening in the following years.
Although it is still on the quieter side, the Lakeside of today has so much to offer. In addition to all the recreation opportunities, the business community is thriving. There are lots of sweet little shops, restaurants, and even a brewery!
Today, we’ll take you on a guided tour of some of the businesses Lakeside/Lester Park has to offer. Most are small and locally-owned, making them a great place to shop and show support for the community.
Located at 4521 East Superior Street, Matilda’s Dog Bakery offers dog and cat food, treats, supplements, pet accessories, and more. Owned by Joanne Elliott, the business is named for Elliott’s pup, Matilda. Their “Buckaroo Biscuits” are all hand-made locally, using wholesome, healthy ingredients.
The Scoop on 47th offers tons of flavors of Kemps ice cream, along with coney dogs, candy, and other snacks. While you’re there, be sure to check out its unique selection of antiques, DVDs, CDs, and books left over from the former business, 8th Street Video & Ice Cream Station on 47th.
Located at 4631 East Superior Street, Sammy’s Pizza Lakeside is a neighborhood staple. Sammy’s Pizza & Deli was opened in 1958 by Jim and Marguerite (Perrella) Acheson — and has remained in the family ever since. Today, the restaurant is owned and operated by the son of the original owners, Mike Acheson.
Their menu features award-winning pizzas, pastas, appetizers, subs, calzones, broasted chicken, salads, and desserts.
E-Bike Duluth, located at 4707 East Superior Street, serves the e-biking needs of the Lakeside community and beyond. The business primarily sells and lends e-bikes. Additionally, there is a service department, and E-Bike Duluth also sells cycling apparel and accessories.
The Grooming Shack is a full-service dog groomer, offering baths, nail trims, and haircuts. They are conveniently located at 4711 East Superior Street. The Grooming Shack comes very highly rated by dog owners, with perfect rankings on Facebook and Yelp.
Yarn Harbor, located at 4629 East Superior Street, is your one-stop shop for all your fiber arts supply needs. From their website:
Yarn Harbor Inc. is a bright and friendly, “Minnesota Nice” local yarn shop, located at the head of beautiful Lake Superior, in the Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth. Our helpful, knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you if you need help with an existing project or picking out a new one. The shop is a must-stop destination if you’re passing through town.
We carry a wide selection of yarn and fiber arts supplies from some of the industry’s most popular brands, as well as local and independent makers, along with a full selection of needles (Addi, ChiaoGoo, and Knitter’s Pride), patterns, buttons, and notions.
StitchCraft Quilt Factory is a vibrant quilting store known for its wide selection of high-quality fabrics, patterns, and quilting supplies. The shop offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for quilters of all skill levels, featuring an array of classes, workshops, and personalized services. Whether you’re an experienced quilter or a beginner, StitchCraft Quilt Factory provides everything you need to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind quilts.
Crank and Dasher offers handcrafted ice cream and confections. They have a location in the courtyard of the Fitger’s Complex, and recently added a second location in Lakeside (at 4431 East Superior Street). The Lakeside location is open year-round. It offers indoor seating, has the ability to host events, and, in addition to that delicious ice cream, also sells its confectionery items.
Amity Coffee – at 4429 East Superior Street – is a sweet little family-owned coffee shop. They offer specialty coffee drinks, small bites, and freshly baked scones – as well as wine and rotating beer taps.
Marshall Hardware offers an array of tools, materials, and repair services. If you need a key made, they can do it. If you need a kitchen tool, they probably have it. This unique store is absolutely vital to the Lakeside community, but also a fun place to stop and browse for those passing through. Located at 4415 East Superior Street.
Ritual Salad and Apothecary – at 4501 East Superior Street – is Lakeside’s newest place to grab a bite. They offer a variety of unique salads and soups. They also have a metaphysical shop and apothecary.
Avenue 45 Hair Designers is a family-owned salon. They offer a wide array of salon and spa services for men, women, and children. Located at 514 North 45th Avenue East.
Duluth Studio Market (at 512 North 45th Avenue East) is a sweet little shop with a bit of everything. And, it’s owned by DD photographer, Amber Nichols!
From their website: Our little Lakeside neighborhood shop has been a long time coming, and we made it just for you. Duluth is a unique city – filled with crafters, painters, weavers, builders, and dreamers. Our goal was to create a home for them all; a place where you can come and find the best work from local artisans, as well as invest in fair trade goods and discover that perfect piece for your home, or the ideal gift for anyone on your list. When you buy from local, fair trade, charitable, or sustainable makers, you are creating a difference not only locally, but around the world. These makers are our inspiration.
Located at 5324 East Superior Street, Lake Superior Brewing is a newer offering to the Lakeside community. It features delicious craft brews, a full menu with super unique offerings (including a charcuterie board, oysters, pizza, smash burgers, and more), and even lodging, which they call a “brew tel.”
Must-Visit Neighborhood
While other Duluth neighborhoods – such as Canal Park and the Lincoln Park Craft District – often receive a lot more press and fanfare, don’t sleep on the Lakeside/Lester Park neighborhood. While it retains its quiet charm, Lakeside has really gotten a glow-up in the last few years.
With a ton of interesting new businesses alongside its amazing recreational opportunities, it truly has something for everyone.
Life on YOUR Lakewalk is part of Destination Duluth’s “Life Up North” series, created to highlight one of the city’s most treasured public spaces. The Lakewalk stretches eight miles along the greatest of the Great Lakes, offering everything from front-row views of 1,000-foot freighters and breathtaking sunrises to quiet moments of serenity just steps from the city.
Through stories, historic insight, and photography, this series shows how the Lakewalk is far more than a path. Once an industrial wasteland, it is now a symbol of community, resilience, and pride. It reflects what Duluth values most — public access, natural beauty, history, and connection. Whether a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, the Lakewalk is yours to enjoy. It is your view, your shoreline, your legacy.
