Knowing Your Neighbor: 20 Years of Bentleyville

DULUTH, Minn. — Nathan Bentley, the founder and Mayor of Bentleyville, says, looking back, he never would’ve imagined his creation would grow to today’s size.

It all started at his home in Esko Minnesota, after a few years of decorating for passing cars, Bentley decided to make it a walkthrough experience in 2003.

“With Bentleyville never actually being a planned thing, just being an out of control hobby, I really didn’t give a lot of thought to where it was going to be 20 years ago, other than putting a bunch of lights up and now we’re one of the largest free light shows in the country. So it’s pretty cool to be here at Bayfront Park and everyone coming and enjoying it now for 20 years straight,” said Bentley.

The attraction quickly became known as Bentleyville– named after a twist on Dr. Seuss’s town of Whoville.

After years of adding more and more lights and decorations, Bentleyville made the transition to Bayfront Park in 2009, and has since become one of the largest free light displays in the country.

“It’s the whole community coming together once a year to bring joy to so many people and that’s what the fun part is,” said Bentley.

Each year Bentleyville invests 250,000 dollars into new displays and lights. Nathan Bentley says it wouldn’t be possible without help from volunteers.

“It’s fun to engage with all the volunteers and our staff and community, and our sponsors, all coming together every year to make this thing happen,” said Bentley.

According to Bentleyville, around 300,000 people visit each year, and many of those people are from all over the country.

“We talk to people from Nebraska, from the Dakotas, from Michigan, of course from Wisconsin and even further away than that. So it’s really cool to know that people are traveling such distances to come to one of the largest free light shows in the country,” said Bentley.

Besides looking a light displays and 128 foot tree, visitors can also meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Grinch, and even enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa.

Some people even put a spin on their annual Bentleyville trip.

“This is our second time running through Bentleyville as a group, but a lot of us are from the here so we’ve come with our families. We’ll run down to the end of park point, we have before and then come back, look at the lights,” said visitors from The Dames running group.

A gift shop has even been added to the fun, it’s full of hats, treats and souvenirs.

Bentleyville is free for all guests, but people are always encouraged to help those in need when they visit.

“I always like to remind everyone that comes to visit us to bring non-perishable food items and new un-wrapped food items for families in need, so please bring those each time you come,” said Bentley.

The “Tour of Lights” remains open for its 20th season until December 26.

Wednesday, December 20, Bentleyville will be hosting a holiday fireworks show to celebrate the 20th anniversary. The show will begin at 6:00 P.M.