Entertainment

Fitger’s Brewhouse Busy for Mother’s Day Lunch and Dinner

Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate mom, but do so with a fun "dining out" experience again.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a the pandemic put a damper on Mother’s Day activities last year, many restaurants were packed again with families treating their moms to a meal. While Fitger’s Brewhouse doesn’t serve the traditional mother’s day breakfast or lunch, it was still busy for lunch and dinner. Staff say many of the customers were excited not only to celebrate…

Families Get Out, Do More to Celebrate First Mother’s Day Out of Pandemic

The Duluth Children's Museum Pop-Up Play Place and the Lake Superior Zoo were busy with families.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland was busy this Mother’s Day, coming out the tail-end of the pandemic. After more traditional brunches, some families who reunited for the day decided this year was more special and spent time doing other activities. “We went out to lunch, and then we’re coming here to play with their friends,” said Stacy Cozzi at the Duluth…

Railroad Museum Celebrates National Train Day

DULUTH, Minn.– It was National Train Day on Saturday and plenty of families celebrated all things choo-choo over at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum in Duluth. The event honored the completion of the trans-continental railway, which connected the east and west coasts of the U.S. 150 years ago. Kids could take speeder rides, get tours of a locomotive engine, and…

Mayor Larson’s Plan: $24 Million For Duluth’s Spirit Mountain

Larson touts new jobs, more visitors and a larger economic impact from the investment.

DULUTH, Minn. – A historic shift in support for Spirit Mountain’s future was announced Thursday. Duluth Mayor Emily Larson said a proposed $24 million capital investment plan will take the city-owned attraction to its true potential, which includes adding hundreds of new jobs, six times the number of visitors and increasing the economic impact of more than $10 million. “We…

Silver Bay’s Municipal Campground Prepares for Second Season

Reservations Are Now Open for Black Beach Municipal Campground

SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…

Vista Fleet Returns to the Water

DULUTH, Minn.– Vista Fleet opened its doors to the public on May 1st, and the crew says they’re thrilled to operate in a more normal capacity compared to last year. The business and cruises remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic last summer, but were not able to keep up with the demand, due to a lack of staff. Vista Fleet’s…

Canal Park Brewing Co. Reopens, Joins Businesses Anxious for Post-Pandemic Summer Tourism

After so much was canceled last summer, the businesses say with Bayfront Park's slate of events and the weather, traffic should increase.

DULUTH, Minn.- Canal Park Brewing Company has reopened for indoor dining after six months closed, just in time for a post-pandemic summer set to be busy with Bayfront festivals and events in the Canal. “It’s been really awesome just to have the energy back in the building and beer on tap and the kitchen fired up for the first time…

Douglas County Excited for Tourism Comeback After Pandemic Dip

According to the Department of Tourism's report travelers to Douglas County spent $82.7 million in direct visitor spending last year -- a 22% dip from 2019.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New numbers just released on Wisconsin’s tourism last year show a dip in visitor spending due to the pandemic. But Douglas County tourism officials look toward the future excited for a comeback. “A lot of other areas are experiencing tourism impacts of much more than that,” said Taylor Pedersen, President and CEO of Travel Superior. “So we’re excited…

Business Owners On Lake Vermilion Optimistic for Much Better Summer Season

The Owners of Lake Vermilion Houseboats and Pike Bay Lodge Look Forward to Welcoming Guests Back to the Great Outdoors

LAKE VERMILION, Minn. – After a year of the unknown and countless cancellations, the summer season is looking brighter for businesses along Lake Vermilion. “This year is looking to be our best year-to-date,” said Kyle Colbert, owner of Lake Vermilion Houseboats. The scene is calm on Lake Vermilion, but many business owners are preparing for a stampede of activity as…

Direct Flights to Arizona, Florida Coming to Duluth International Airport this Winter

According to airport management, it’s a growth in service that will hopefully revitalize Duluth as a travel hub in the region.

DULUTH, Minn.- This winter, travelers will be able to fly directly to the southwest and the southeast from the Duluth International Airport, with non-stop flights to Phoenix, Arizona and Fort Myers, Florida coming from the twin cities based airline Sun Country. “To have an airline partner that’s in growth mode and offer a new and exciting product that’s leisure-focused will…

Landline to Increase Rides from Duluth International to MSP to Five Times a Day

This is an upgrade, from their previous schedule of just two times daily.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Landline bus service has announced it’s expanding the number of trips between the Duluth International Airport and the Minneapolis- St. Paul Airport. Starting on May 15th Landline will offer five daily round trips between the two spots on their flagship 35-seat motor coach service with free Wi-Fi and on-board movies. This is an upgrade, from their previous…

‘Federal Biscay’ First Saltie of Season to Arrive in Twin Ports

According to the City of Duluth, this Saltie is carrying 21,000 tons of cement from Turkey.

DULUTH, Minn.- The first Saltie of the season has arrived in the Duluth Superior port. The Federal Biscay pulled into Canal Park Sunday evening, blowing its horn to an excited crowd gathered to watch it slowly pull through the Aerial Lift Bridge. According to the City of Duluth, this Saltie is carrying 21,000 tons of cement from Turkey. The cement…

Pajama Party Tradition Continues at Copasetic Lounge

Awards were given out at the end of the day to the top two males and females with the best original pajamas.

DULUTH, Minn.– If you didn’t feel like getting out of your pajamas this morning, you weren’t alone. After a 6 year break, the Copasetic Lounge on Central Entrance in Duluth brought back their PJ Party event. There was a DJ inside the bar or customers could play games out on the patio. All while sipping on free mimosas. Staff said…

Duluth Running Co.’s Tent Sale Returns For Fitger’s 5K Race

The Tent Sale will continue Sunday starting at 10 a.m.

DULUTH, Minn.– As the Fitger’s 5K got back on course, so did Duluth Running Company’s chance to showcase some discounted running and walking shoes, apparel, and other running accessories outside for runners and spectators. They brought the Tent Sale on East Superior Street back after not taking place last year due to the pandemic. The store’s owner says it’s great…

Fitger’s 5K Returns to Biggest Race Turnout During Pandemic

Race officials say high turnout for the Fitger's 5K has them feeling good about the full Grandma's Marathon just two months away.

DULUTH, Minn.– The 32nd Annual Fitger’s 5K here in Duluth returned to its normal date as northlander’s turned out for Grandma’s biggest race since the pandemic. The Fitger’s 5K race took place Saturday afternoon, where 775 participants ran through downtown. That’s the largest turnout for a grandma’s race this year. “That’s exciting because it means that some of the restrictions…

2 Twins-Angels Games Postponed by Minnesota’s COVID-19 Woes

Major League Baseball didn’t immediately announce when the games will be made up.

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – The Twins’ games against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday and Sunday have been postponed due to Minnesota’s COVID-19 problems. Major League Baseball didn’t immediately announce when the games will be made up. Kyle Garlick, another unnamed Twins player and a team staff member tested positive in the two days before the postponements, manager Rocco Baldelli…

Crazy for Carnitas? Bucktales Cantina and Grill Specializes in the Authentic Mexican Dish

Cooking Connection: Carnitas with Bucktales Cantina and Grill

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week’s Cooking Connection takes you to Bucktales Cantina and Grill located south of Superior along Highway 35. Owner Dee Morales specializes in whipping up authentic Mexican dishes, but the cantina also offers a wide variety of other foods such as burgers, gyros, appetizers and more. In this week’s segment, Morales prepares his delicious, mouthwatering carnitas. The…

Residents ‘Get Flushed’ to Raise Money for Proctor High Grad Party

The All Night Grad Party committee restarted their "You've Been Flushed" fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. 

PROCTOR, Minn.- The porcelain is taking over Proctor, as Proctor High School’s All Night Grad Party committee restarted their “You’ve Been Flushed” fundraiser for Proctor students, using decorated toilets. “It gets people’s attention, you’ll drive by and you’ll wonder why is there a really colorful toilet in somebody’s yard?” Proctor High Senior Wyatt Okstad knows the answer to that one…

Eat Downtown Week Returns Highlighting 19 Duluth Restaurants

From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in.

DULUTH, Minn.- Going into the summer months, eat downtown week is returning to highlight local Duluth establishments. From April 19th to the 30th, 19 participating restaurants will be featuring more flexible menus to include takeout specials along with dine-in. Greater Downtown Council officials say it’s more important than ever to show these businesses the community cares. “It’s just so important…

Red Bull Snowmobile Rider Levi LaVallee Thrilled to Debut New Duluth Stunt Video

LaVallee Filmed Stunts in Duluth in Late February into Early March

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s something you don’t see every day in the City of Duluth – a man so full of adrenaline and excitement that he wants to jump his snowmobile over a moving train, or on a busy road such as Lake Avenue. Red Bull professional snowmobile rider Levi LaVallee isn’t thrilled unless boundaries are pushed to the max….

UMD Music Department Hosting Three Free Outdoor Concerts in April

The Concerts will Take Place Wednesday, April 7, 14, 21 in UMD Lot A

DULUTH, Minn. – Throughout the month of April you’re invited to join student musicians from UMD’s Department of Music as they return to the live stage in a series of outdoor concerts. The free events will feature a wide variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles. The concerts are happening Wednesday, April 7, 14, and 21 at 12:00 p.m. and 3:00…

Glensheen Mansion Celebrates Easter with Hunt for 14 Hidden Eggs

It was the last day to find the Easter Eggs hidden throughout the Mansion.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was the final day to go hunting for Easter eggs hidden throughout the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. It was more of an I-Spy activity, you couldn’t keep the eggs you spotted, and there was no candy inside, but everybody still had a fun time. “We don’t want you to pick them up and bring them anywhere,” said…

Longtime Blues Musician Mick Sterling Stopping in Duluth to Promote New Book

Sterling Will Visit Duluth's West Theatre Thursday, Mar. 25, and Friday, Mar. 26 to Discuss the Book and Perform

DULUTH, Minn. – Many people throughout the region know Mick Sterling as the soulful rock singer and leader of many bands, a key performer in the annual Bayfront Blues Fest, plus as a committed philanthropist. In his new book, And Else: A Version of Life According to Mick Sterling, readers get to meet Mick Sterling, the engaging observer and talented…

Superior Public Library Card Holders Can Now Check Out Free Area Museum Passes

Once checked out, the passes are good for six weeks.  

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In Superior it now pays to have a library card, which will get you free passes to area museums. The library is restarting an initiative from 2019. Library card holders in good standing can get up to four passes to Superior’s different museums: Fairlawn Mansion, the SS Meteor Maritime Museum at Barker’s Island, The Bong Veterans Historical Center,…

4th Of July Fireworks To Return To Duluth’s Bayfront Park

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth City Council has approved up to $50,000 to bring back the annual 4th of July fireworks display down at Bayfront Park. The city and DECC will work together to adapt the event within Bayfront Park as new state and federal guidelines are released involving COVID. “We would encourage people to come up, we would encourage…

Skiers, Snowboarders Fill Spirit Mountain on Last Day of Season; Officials Excited for Summer Activities

After a much warmer winter coupled with financial hardships worsened by the pandemic, officials say Spirit has fared the roller coaster of a season well.

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite Sunday’s spring-like temperatures, many headed to the Northland’s slice of winter for Spirit Mountain’s last day of the season for skiers and snowboarders — one officials there called a roller-coaster. “We’ve got sunshine, we’ve got warm temps, we have smiling faces, families that are having a blast,” said Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold. The last day…

UMD Continues STEM Discovery Day with Take-Home Experiment Kits

Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow catapults for engineering and physics.

DULUTH, Minn- UMD’s STEM Discovery Day, their annual student-led day of middle and high schoolers exploring the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math continued this year — a little differently. Swenson College of Engineering students offered free STEM Discovery Day home experiment kits. Participants could drive up and pick up kits like owl pellet dissection learning biology, or marshmallow…

Tickets Selling Fast for Lake Superior Zoo’s Easter Egg-Stravaganza

The Easter Egg-Stravaganza is Happening Saturday, April 3 at the Lake Superior Zoo

DULUTH, Minn. – Northlanders looking for some egg-stravagant fun are invited to hop on over to the Lake Superior Zoo on Saturday, April 3. The Zoo’s annual Easter Egg-Stravaganza event will be happening from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Health and safety is on the minds of organizers, which is why tickets must be purchased in advance this year. Tickets can…

Bayfront Park to Host Summer Entertainment Again After Dark Pandemic Year

Fourth Fest, Reggae and World Music Festival and more are set to return this summer.

DULUTH, Minn.- Entertainment is on its way back to Bayfront Festival Park this summer, a true sign the pandemic is being pushed farther behind us to allow the City of Duluth to showcase its water front view, full of concerts and even Fourth Fest. “It will be busy, we’ll see cars and we’ll see bodies down in Bayfront Park this…

Some Duluth Bike Shops Get Busy As Spring Nears

Stewart's Bikes, Sports and Trophies is seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes

DULUTH, Minn.- With spring in the air Bike Shops are getting busier. The owner of Stewart’s Bikes, Sports and Trophies in Duluth’s Lincoln Park says business was pretty steady last year with more people wanting to get outside during the pandemic. As for right now, he’s seeing an uptick in bike tune-ups, and customers looking for electric bikes. “They’re ready…

Locals Enjoy the Dog Days of Winter at Pine Valley Ski Area

In This Week's Great Outdoors, Local Ski Enthusiasts Share Experience, Passion as the Season Winds Down

CLOQUET, Minn. – The dog days of winter are coming to a close, but that’s not stopping energetic Northland residents from getting in the final few weeks of cross-country skiing. One popular place for cross country skiing in the Northland is Pine Valley Ski Area in Cloquet. “Boy what a nice day,” said John Bankson, a resident of Duluth. “It’s…

Finland, Minnesota to Be ‘Hopping’ With Grasshoppers, Grapes for 46th St. Urho’s Day Saturday

Most festivities will be outdoors while events like the "Miss Helmi" cross dressing Beauty Pageant will be virtual.

FINLAND, Minn.- The longstanding zany tradition of St. Urho’s Day will continue for its 46th year in Finland, Minnesota, just looking a little different. The annual St. Urho’s Day Parade will take place this Saturday at noon along Highway 1 in Finland. Most festivities will be outdoors over the weekend while events like the “Miss Helmi” cross dressing Beauty Pageant…

Some Duluth Dog Parks Close Due to Wet Conditions

Jean Duluth and Keene Creek Dog Parks are just too wet right now.

DULUTH, Minn.- The change in seasons has closed some of Duluth’s dog parks. Jean Duluth and Keene Creek Dog Parks are just too wet right now. But the city’s other dog parks are in good enough condition to have some fun, including at Observation Park on West Third Street. “Since the field’s been drying out and someone dropped all these…

Foster’s Bar and Grill Prepping for St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday

Foster's is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats.

DULUTH, Minn.- Foster’s Bar And Grill along with other Irish pubs and bars in Duluth are preparing for a St. Patrick’s Day party that’s closer to normal, after Governor Walz’s loosened restrictions kicked in today. Foster’s Bar and Grill on Arrowhead Road is prepping hundreds of pounds of corned beef, cabbage, Irish potato soup, and more traditional eats. Owners say…

33rd Annual Wedding Show Fills Ballroom at DECC

Event planners say any way to bring a big event back to Duluth felt like a big step to returning to normal again.

DULUTH, Minn.- The DECC hosted one of its busiest events since the pandemic began, with the 33rd Annual Duluth Wedding Show. Organizers say the event has changed a lot due to the pandemic. For example, this year there was no wedding gown fashion show. Instead local brides and grooms past and present partnered with bridal shops, walking around modeling different…

Dubh Linn Brew Pub Ready for St. Patrick’s Day with Restrictions Loosening in Minnesota Monday

Social distancing will be in effect, and the bar will be at no more than 75% capacity to comply with the Governor's new orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Minnesota’s loosened restrictions take effect on Monday — just in time For St. Patrick’s Day in Duluth. Dubh Linn Irish Brew Pub in Downtown Duluth is hosting an in-person family friendly event starting at 11:00 Wednesday morning with live music, corned beef and cabbage made from scratch, and more. Owner Mike Maxim says after a year stuck inside…

Tickets Selling Fast for Thomas the Tank Engine’s Return to Duluth in August

Organizers say Preseason Thomas ticket sales are running about 300% ahead of 2020 and 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The second year of the pandemic is not keeping Thomas the Tank Engine down; he’s making a trip back up to Duluth this summer. Thomas and his green friend Percy will be back at the North Shore Scenic Railroad the first two weekends of August. This year the event is almost entirely outside this year with social distancing…

‘Change Is Coming’ To Grandma’s Sports Garden

DULUTH, Minn. — Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially changing its business model — saying goodbye to the college nightclub weekend vibe that the pandemic sidelined and saying hello to a unique, rentable space for all types of special events. Brian Daugherty, president of Grandma’s Restaurant Company Pictures were posted on The Sports Garden’s social media Wednesday with…

Levi LaVallee’s Snowmobile Recovered From Duluth Harbor After Stunt Mishap

City spokesperson could not confirm Tuesday if scheduled stunts for the week are still happening for LaVallee's next video release.

DULUTH, Minn. – It was unclear Tuesday if professional snowmobile stuntman Levi LaVallee is continuing production in Duluth this week after a stunt went bad in the Duluth Harbor Monday. www.facebook.com/LeviLaValleeFanPage/ LaVallee was jumping off the old Railroad Interstate Bridge and onto a barge on Rice’s Point when he somehow landed in the water. Firefighters on standby for the stunt…

Snowmobile Stunt Rider Levi LaVallee Rescued in Duluth Harbor During Filming

Facebook: @LeviLaValleeFanPage DULUTH, Minn. — Professional snowmobile stunt rider Levi LaVallee had to be rescued from the waters of the Duluth Harbor Monday during a filming shoot for an upcoming video. The water emergency happened at 4:35 p.m. off Rice’s Point. “The Duluth Fire Department was on scene as a precautionary measure and was able to retrieve Levi in under…

After COVID-19 Prompted Hiatus, Duluth Wedding Show Returns to the DECC

The Duluth Wedding Show is Taking Place Sunday, March 14, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – After a one year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 33rd annual Duluth Wedding Show, in compliance with all current safety guidelines, will return to the DECC Sunday, March 14. “We have been working with the DECC and after reviewing the latest State of Minnesota guidelines regarding the COVID-19 pandemic we will be able to present…

COVID-Adapted American Birkebeiner Skis On

The course is closed to spectators to avoid spreading Coronavirus, and skiers can participate virtually.

CABLE , Wis.- The 47th American Birkebeiner Ski Race, the largest cross-country ski race in North America and third largest in the world, began in a completely new way Wednesday. Skiers for each race started in waves over five days in Cable, Wisconsin. Participants who come from across the globe can still take part virtually if they couldn’t make it…

Spirit Mountain Thanks Community with “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Discounts

Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5.

DULUTH, Minn.- Northlanders can go tubing, skiing, snowboarding and more for only $5, as Spirit Mountain is hosting “Spirit Loves Duluth Days” Wednesday and Sunday the 28th. They say it’s a low-cost way for residents to experience what Spirit has to offer, and their way to say thank you for the public’s help and patience during the pandemic. “To let…

Duluth Playhouse Welcoming In-Person Audience For The First Time In Months

'Charlotte's Web' will Take Center Stage Starting Saturday, Feb. 27

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, excitement is bursting through the curtains at the Duluth Playhouse. The facility will welcome an in-person audience starting Saturday, Feb. 27 with the production of Charlotte’s Web. The production is taking place Feb. 27 – 28, and again during the first weekend in March. Showtimes are at 1:00…

Beating the Winter Blues with Outdoor Activities in Duluth

From Sled Sheds to Skating and Skiing, There Are Plenty of Activities to Help Beat Cabin Fever in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – The doldrums of winter are setting in for many, and the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department is ready to help you stay active and healthy. Residents and visitors in the City of Duluth now have a new reason to enjoy three local parks. Free sled use is being offered at Leif Erickson, Lincoln Park, and Portland Square…