Entertainment

Bentleyville Building “World’s Largest Lit-Up Iron Snowman” For 2021 Season

DULUTH, Minn. — On Tuesday, the founder of Bentleyville announced that the organization and its partners are building the “world’s largest lit-up iron snowman” that will be a part of the 2021 Bentleyville Tour Of Lights. Founder Nathan Bentley says the lighted snowman will stand at 120-feet-tall with a 50-foot diameter. Bentleyville is partnering with LHB, Braun Intertech, and the…

‘Giant Addition’ Coming To Bentleyville Tour of Lights

The walk-thru experience will also be returning.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bentleyville Tour of Lights will return this winter with its traditional walk-thru experience, and a big announcement is expected Tuesday. This comes after last winter’s first-ever drive-thru Bentleyville experience. As for the big announcement, owner Nathan Bentley says he will be “announcing a partnership project with LHB Engineering, Ironworkers Local 512, and Braun Intertec Corporation on a…

Duluth Native to Appear in FOX’s New Season of “Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns”

Duluth Native Matthew Francis Johnson is a Busy Individual Working as a Chef, Video Producer & Author

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX’s new season of “Hell’s Kitchen: Young Guns” will premiere Monday, May 31 at 7 p.m. Northlanders will be able to tune in and watch a familiar face, as Duluth native, Matthew Francis Johnson, will be on the new season pressing his luck with Chef Gordon Ramsay. Francis Johnson graduated from Duluth Denfeld in 2013, and Culinary…

Ruby The Donkey Steals the Spotlight in Downtown Duluth

Ruby and Her Handler, Lane Halverson, Offered Free Rides to People Passing By Saturday Afternoon

DULUTH, Minn. – If you drove through downtown Duluth Saturday afternoon, chances are you noticed a donkey and a cowboy. 9-year-old Ruby made her first trip to Duluth from her home in South Range, Wisconsin. Ruby’s owner, Lane Halverson, was contacted by a friend who knows the owners of downtown’s newest eatery, Tacos, Tacos, Tacos. They asked him to bring…

Grandma’s Sports Garden Now ‘The Garden’ Wedding & Event Center

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Sports Garden in Canal Park is officially no more and has transformed into the business of love and fun. The venue’s Facebook page has changed to its new name — The Garden. The 20,000-square foot building is now a wedding and event center for all types of occasions big or small, including reunions, private parties and…

Chef Arlene Coco Shares Recipe for Refreshing Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad

Cooking Connection: Fresh Chicken and Rice Noodle Salad -- Great For Summer Meals!

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Cooking Connection, regional cooking instructor, Chef Arlene Coco, shares a quick, easy recipe to toss together for a refreshing dinner this summer. Asian Inspired Chicken and Rice noodle Salad Rice sticks can be bought at most grocery stores these days. Mung bean thread noodles are also great, they are smaller and more translucent. Mung…

Music Community Saddened by Closure of Duluth Electric Fetus

Reactions Ring Online, Throughout Downtown District As Duluth Electric Fetus Announces Closure After 33 Years

DULUTH, Minn. – The reaction is pouring in online, and through the downtown district of Duluth after Electric Fetus announced Tuesday the permanent closure of their Duluth location. Those with the local radio station, KUMD, say the closure deals a large blow to the local music scene in the Northland. They say not only did the business provide a wide…

Minnesota Native, Actor Paul Cram Discusses Shooting New Movie on the North Shore

"Abroad" is a Bilingual Film Currently Being Shot Across Areas in Duluth and the North Shore

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Lights, cameras, and action are filling communities along the North Shore as crews work to shoot a new movie called, “Abroad.” One actor starting in the film is Paul Cram. He’s a native of Wyoming, Minnesota, who has been traveling the nation working on movies. Cram says he’s thrilled to be performing back in his home…

Registration Now Open for Upcoming Humane Society of Douglas County Fundraiser

Kickin' It For Animals Fundraiser is Happening Saturday, July 17, 2021

SUPERIOR, Wis. – You have the chance to help support the Humane Society of Douglas County this summer. The shelter is hosting their first Kickin’ It for the Animals Golf Scramble & Foot Golf Tournament. Participants will enjoy a beautiful day on Saturday, July 17 on the green at Norwood Acres Golf Course in Lake Nebagamon. A 9-hole golf scramble…

Duluth Huskies Pitch Plans for Hosting Fans, Players Ahead of May 31 Season Opener

Changes Are Coming to Wade Stadium to Ensure Safety of the Fans, Players

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies are revealing more about what the future of the summer season will look like amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite safety guidelines in place, officials with the team are simply thrilled to be bringing a grand-slam of a good time back to Wade Stadium after the 2020 season was canceled. “Everybody is like on…

Artists, Makers Awarded Funds to Help Drive Traffic to Cloquet’s West End District

Funding is Going to Help Four Communities in the Northland Including Cloquet, Two Harbors, Cook, and Mahnomem

CLOQUET, Minn. – A partnership between two organizations and four Northland communities is looking to beautify rural areas in the Northland that are often forgotten about. Leadership in the City of Cloquet is eager to get the project going with the hope of bringing revitalization to the city’s West End District. “We have a lot of space and we have…

North Shore Scenic Railroad Prepares for Summer Season Full Steam Ahead

Trains will Begin Taking Trips on Friday, May 21, 2021

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year of unknown, the summer season is looking brighter as restrictions ease across Minnesota. The North Shore Scenic Railroad will begin running routes on Friday, May 21. The volunteer team at the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been working around the clock to get up-to-date with certifications, and making sure the tracks are ready to…

Babbitt Resident Needs Your Help to Win $10,000 Prize in National English Muffin Competition

Voting Ends on Sunday, May 16, 2021

BABBITT, Minn. – Local resident, Crystal Schlueter, from Babbitt, Minnesota is one step away from winning $10,000 and being crowned the winner of Thomas’ ‘Split Decisions’ Recipe Contest, but she needs your help. Thomas’ English Muffins celebrated National English Muffin Day on April 23 by inviting fans to create with both sides of their English muffin. Schlueter created Hawaiian Pesto…

Superior Council to Rethink Mask Mandate Ahead of Jampacked Summer

Council is expected to take up the mask ordinance on Tuesday.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While Wisconsin currently has no statewide mask mandate, the City of Superior still does. But Mayor Jim Paine tells us, he doesn’t see it extending past June 1st — as he says get ready, for a summer more fun than ever. According to Mayor Paine, the city’s Playground Program of park activities and field trips for kids, will…

Zeitgeist Arts Cafe Re-Opening and Looking to Community for Ideas

DULUTH, Minn.– New and exciting things are happening around Duluth, and a local non-profit restaurant is getting ready to welcome customers back inside with some major changes. The cafe that was housed at Zeitgeist plans to open in August after being closed since last summer. It will likely look a lot different as the non-profit is seeking restaurant entrepreneurs who…

Report: Ellen Degeneres to End Her TV Talk Show Next Year

NEW YORK (AP) — Ellen DeGeneres is calling time on her longtime-running talk show. Reports say the daytime host, who has seen a ratings hit after allegations of running a toxic workplace, has decided that her upcoming season will be the last. “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” started airing in 2003 and has a mix of dancing, games and giveaways along…

Learning Life Lessons During Nature Night in Gary New Duluth

Nature Nights Will Continue Through the Summer for Youth in the Duluth Area

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – Getting kids off cell phones, and into the forest. It’s a goal of one teacher in the Gary New Duluth neighborhood as the community’s rec center continues to host Nature Nights. “In spring, kids should smell like dirt,” said Leslie Bucar, youth director at the Gary New Duluth Rec Center. You can practically smell the…

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…