Bentleyville Tour of Lights in Duluth: Best Hotels for Groups

Bentleyville Tour of Lights is the largest free walk-through holiday light display in the United States. Over 5 million lights spread across Bayfront Festival Park in Duluth, Minnesota. The display runs from mid-November through late December and draws over 200,000 visitors each season. If your family group, church group, or friend crew is making the trip, here is where to stay.

Where Is Bentleyville?

Bayfront Festival Park sits on the Duluth waterfront in the Canal Park district. The entrance is a 5-minute walk from most Canal Park hotels. This is the ideal area to stay - you can walk to Bentleyville, then walk to dinner and drinks afterward without moving your car.

Best Hotels Near Bentleyville

Canal Park Lodge (3-minute walk)

The closest hotel to Bayfront Park. Group rates from $119 per night during Bentleyville season (November-December). Indoor pool for kids after the cold walk through the lights. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead for December weekends.

Hampton Inn Canal Park (5-minute walk)

Reliable mid-range option. Group rates from $99 per night with free breakfast. One of the best values for family groups. Rooms go fast on Saturdays.

Pier B Resort (4-minute walk)

The upscale choice. Group rates from $149 per night. Rooftop terrace, spa, fireplace lounge. Great for adult friend groups and couples trips combining Bentleyville with a holiday weekend getaway.

Comfort Suites Canal Park (6-minute walk)

Budget family option from $89 per night for groups. Suites with pull-out sofas work well for families with kids. Indoor pool and hot tub.

Hotels Outside Canal Park

If Canal Park hotels are full (common on December Saturdays), hotels along Miller Trunk Highway (10-15 minutes from Bentleyville) offer rates 30 to 40 percent lower. Holiday Inn Express from $79. Country Inn from $69 for groups. You will need to drive and park.

Visiting Tips for Groups

Best Nights to Go

Weeknight visits (Sunday through Thursday) have shorter lines, smaller crowds, and lower hotel rates. Saturday nights are the busiest. If your group has flexibility, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit is the best experience.

What to Expect

The walk takes 30 to 45 minutes. It is outdoors, so dress for Duluth winter (often 10 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit in December). Free hot cocoa, popcorn, and cookies are provided. Santa Claus is on-site for photos. Admission and parking are free.

Combine with Other Activities

Canal Park restaurants and breweries are walking distance. The North Shore Scenic Railroad runs holiday train excursions. Spirit Mountain ski area is 10 minutes away for groups that want to add skiing to their trip.

Group Booking Strategy

Book early for December weekends. Submit your group request on BidMyRoom and let Duluth hotels compete for your block. Canal Park hotels during Bentleyville season fill up faster than you might expect.

Average Bentleyville season group rates: $69 to $149 per night depending on hotel and day of week.

Group trip to Bentleyville? Get competing hotel bids on BidMyRoom - free, no obligation.