Is this experience suitable for children?

Yes, the activities are family-friendly and designed for all ages.

Do I need prior experience with glass art?

No previous experience is needed; you will be guided through the process.

Dress warmly in layers, especially for the outdoor train ride.

Can I participate if I have mobility devices?

Yes, the venue and tour are accessible for visitors with mobility needs.

Is there parking available?

Yes, parking is available near the studio and train station.

How long in advance should I book?

It’s best to book at least a week ahead, especially during peak holiday times.

Winter Craft & Scenic Train Ride at Lake Superior Art Glass | Events | Attraction

Located in Duluth, Minnesota, Lake Superior Art Glass offers a distinctive blend of seasonal artistry and local history that turns a simple winter day into a memorable adventure. This experience combines handcrafting your own snowman at their cozy glass studio with a scenic rail journey aboard the North Shore Scenic Railway. The studio’s inviting atmosphere is perfect for families and groups eager to get creative, offering a hands-on snowman design session where you can sculpt and decorate your own frosty figure, all amid the glow of vibrant glass artistry. What makes this trip stand out is its pairing with two tickets to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, conveniently included with the experience. The museum, set in Duluth’s historic Union Depot, showcases the region’s rich railroad history, making it a great stop after your creative session. The scenic railroad ride itself offers stunning views of Lake Superior’s winter landscape, with views of frozen shoreline, snow-dusted forests, and the icy waters of the largest freshwater lake in the world. This experience provides a unique snapshot of Duluth's festive charm without the bustle of holiday crowds, making it an ideal outing for families, couples, or groups of friends seeking a cozy yet inspiring winter activity. The combination of artistic creation and scenic train travel creates a well-rounded taste of local culture and natural beauty, perfect for visitors looking to embrace the season authentically. Whether you’re interested in glass art or the region’s railroad history, Lake Superior Art Glass provides an engaging, educational, and festive outing that captures Duluth’s rugged winter spirit in a truly memorable way.

About Lake Superior Art Glass

Lake Superior Art Glass in Duluth, Minnesota offers hands-on glassworking classes and designer experiences led by expert artisans.

The studio provides a broad range of sessions including Wine Goblet Class (ages 14+), Nightlight Class (ages 10+), Glass Flower Class, Pendant Necklace Class, Paperweight Class, Glass Icicle Class, and seasonal Designer Experiences such as November and December Snowman events. Group and private options include Group Flamework Class, Group Hot Shop Class, Couples Unity Glass Class, Private Class with Instructor, and corporate or social team-building sessions.

For participants seeking deeper skill development, Advanced Hot Shop sessions are available to those who have completed required beginner and intermediate classes. Memorial services are supported through dedicated experiences: Memorial Paperweight Class and Memorial Nightlight Class allow mixing ashes into glass to create lasting tributes under guided instruction. Many classes involve shaping molten glass under instructor guidance and require cooling time; completed pieces are often taken home after they cool overnight.

The studio collaborates with local partners for special events, including a November Designer Experience offered in connection with the North Shore Scenic Railway that bundles a snowman glass project with tickets to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Lake Superior Art Glass welcomes creators of different ages with age-specific classes and hosts seasonal events like March, September, October, July and August designer experiences. Booking information, class availability, and reservations are managed by the studio; Advanced Hot Shop sessions and some private bookings require phone reservation. Gift certificates and studio merchandise are available for purchase onsite year-round.