I grew up in Duluth, and having family and friends to visit there, our family has visited Bentleyville since it began in its current location in November 2009. We love how it’s grown and has become truly a destination for visitors throughout the region and beyond.
Bentleyville is located in Bayfront Park in Duluth and it’s open November 23rd through December 28th! It’s right near the highway as you drive into the city. Admission is FREE and always has been, which makes it even more popular and loved. If you park in their lot though you can expect to pay $10, which goes to the nonprofit attraction.
This is a huge walk-through light display with scenes including Disney movies, kids’ cartoons and other familiar stories. There are over 5 million lights in a 20-acre park right by Lake Superior.
You can get free hot chocolate or cider, free cookies, free popcorn and roasted marshmallows that you can roast yourself. Santa and other characters are there for photo opportunities.
Tips:
Bentleyville can get CRAZY busy. Check their calendar which shows how busy each day gets. Weekends of course are the busiest.
There was actually one year we were going to go, the line of cars went so long that we changed our minds and didn’t go. But the next year we came on a weeknight BEFORE it opened. And that was so cool because we got to see the daily countdown to their turning on the lights!
And bundle up!
They’re open:
NOV 23 – DEC 28, 2024
Their hours are:
Sunday – Thursday
Open 5 – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday
Open 5 – 10 pm
And some of our favorite destinations are nearby:
Spirit Mountain
AmericInn of Proctor
Inn on Lake Superior (within walking distance of Bentleyville)
Plus read my guide:
Ten Ways to Enjoy Duluth on a Budget!
More about Bentleyville here.