Entertainment

UPDATE: Bentleyville Line Fills Up, Guests Turned Away Hours Early Saturday

Guests were asked to come back during the week for shorter wait times.

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights completely closed to new vehicles Saturday night, after reaching capacity early in the evening according to their website. Around 5:30 Saturday evening the attraction posted on their Facebook page that to “alleviate the number of vehicles on the roadways,” they would close the line until 7:30. But when 7:30 rolled around, that post changed…

Bentleyville Backed Up, Line Closes for Two Hours Saturday

The line for the Tour of Lights was at capacity, closing from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- Traffic at Bentleyville once again backed up Saturday, forcing the line for the drive-thru attraction to close for part of the evening. According to a post on their Facebook page, the line was at capacity around 5:30 p.m. Saturday. They closed the line for two hours until 7:30 p.m., and asked guests to return after that to alleviate…

Duluthian Selected to Help Deck the White House Halls for the Holidays

Kynze Lundeen was one of 125 volunteers from across the country selected to help decorate.

DULUTH, Minn.- Many Northlanders are probably busy decking the halls, getting last minute decorations on the tree and stringing lights outside. But can you imagine getting picked to help decorate the White House for the Holidays? One Duluthian did. Kynze Lundeen applied for the opportunity a few months ago while waiting at an airport in Texas. Weeks after applying, she…

Solve Entertainment Debuts Virtual Escape Room

"Professor Prank" Helping to Spice Up Game Night Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Finding new ways to stay entertained this year can be tricky to say the least. As families spend more time together stuck inside this holiday season, one Twin Ports entertainment company is launching a new way to enjoy game night with friends and family near and far. Solve Entertainment is debuting it’s first-ever virtual escape room, “Professor…

Local Christmas Tree Farms See Boost in Sales As Big Box Retailers See Shortage

Retail Christmas tree sellers are experiencing a shortage, though that's not a problem for small, local farmers who have their own natural inventory, they said.

DULUTH, Minn.- As the holidays draw closer, owners of Christmas Tree Farms in the Northland are seeing a boost in business this year, as a shortage at bigger box retailers is drawing people to shop local farms for their trees and wreaths. “I probably have a million trees and about half of my farm is, I would say 100-120 acres…

Skiers, Snowboarders Excited to Hit the Reopened Spirit Mountain Slopes

After a summer spent closed, Spirit Mountain reopened Thanksgiving weekend and was filled with excited guests.

DULUTH, Minn- Spirit Mountain reopened Friday after months closed due to financial woes caused by both the coronavirus pandemic and past financial struggles, and Northland winter sport lovers couldn’t wait to get back on the slopes. “We get this every winter,” Co-Director of Resort Services Jon Regenold said. “This is normal every winter, skiers and boarders are ready to get…

Late Duluth Hobby Shop Owner’s Private Train Collection Auctioned to Enthusiasts

Bids flew for hundreds of parts of Jack Carr's collection at Nordic Auction on Courtland Street Near 27th Avenue West. 

DULUTH, Minn,- The passion of one local model train collector who past away back in May lived on as more of Jack Carr’s private train collection was auctioned off to friends and fellow enthusiasts. Bids flew for hundreds of parts of Carr’s collection at Nordic Auction on Courtland Street Near 27th Avenue West. Everything from trains and tracks to trees…

Spirit Mountain Starts Season Busy After Being Closed During Summer

The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to warm up in their cars and no food or beverage is allowed on the snow. 

DULUTH, Minn.- After months being closed due to financial woes caused by the Coronavirus pandemic, the slopes at Spirit Mountain were alive again as they reopened this weekend. Spirit Mountain reopened to season pass holders Friday. Like other businesses it looks different due to the pandemic. The chalet is only open for restrooms and tickets while people are encouraged to…

New Textile Store Brings Swedish Touch to Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W

DULUTH, Minn.- On Small Business Saturday in Duluth, a new shop specializing in Scandinavian-inspired fabric items opened in the Lincoln Park Craft District. Kirsten Aune opened Kirsten Aune Textiles on 21st Ave W. She handcrafts all the clothes, home goods, Swedish dolls and more out of organic cotton and screen-prints the designs. Aune said she hopes she can bring a…

Make Your Own Organic Lotion at Mix Cosmetiques

Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Mix Cosmetiques on Woodland Avenue is offering another DIY idea for holiday gifts: lotion. Along with their 30 plus varieties of classes offered, you can now learn how to make your own handmade organic lotion. Owner Lanae Rhoads said she has seen a spike in people wanting to know what goes into — and onto — their body…

Lake Superior Art Glass Offers ‘Design Your Own Ornament’ Sessions

Pick the color, shape, and size of your glass ornaments, then glass blowers then work on your special creation ready for pickup the next day.

DULUTH, Minn.- As holiday shopping begins for many in the Northland, Lake Superior Art Glass in Canal Park hopes to offer a fun way to add a bit of your creativity to a gift, while also supporting small businesses. You can design your own glass ornaments in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Those interested must reserve a 30-minute…

Plans Underway for 2021 Lake Superior Ice Festival with COVID-19 Changes

The Ice Festival is tentatively set for the last weekend of January, but officials said nothing is for sure with the pandemic.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The annual Lake Superior Ice Festival in Superior is so far still a go this year, with changes to follow COVID-19 health guidelines. According to organizers the popular snow-slide is expected to be back, you’ll just need to bring your own sleds this time around with a limited supply of disinfected ones available for those who won’t be…

Earth Rider Selling Wreaths, Christmas Trees to Celebrate Holidays

Earth Rider will be selling the wreaths and trees through December 13th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- While most people first think of lights when decorating for the holidays, Earth Rider Brewery in Superior doesn’t want you to forget about another way to “spruce” up your decor — wreaths. Balsam wreaths and Christmas trees from Duluth Flower Farm are being sold outside the Brewery on Tower Avenue. You can also buy some twine to wrap…

Bentleyville Modifying Drive-Thru Tour After Vehicles Turned Away Opening Night

Volunteers and Duluth Police had to work though traffic hiccups with the new setup, but said all-in-all it was a successful start.

DULUTH, Minn.-Bentleyville Tour of Lights kicked off its new 2020 drive-thru season Saturday night, and before getting to the Christmas lights — vehicle headlights decorated the streets around Bayfront Festival Park, as crews worked through some challenges with the new setup. “When it’s the very first time you’re attempting to do a drive-thru and it’s opening night there’s always gonna…

Bentleyville Tour of Lights Drive-Thru Opens to Hundreds of Cars

A long line of cars could be seen waiting before the now drive-thru light display opened Saturday. 

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s that time of year, Bentleyville Tour of Lights is once again lighting up the skyline of Duluth. But this year both guests and staff are adapting to the holiday staple being drive-thru. A long line of cars could be seen waiting before the light display opened Saturday. This year the event went all drive-thru to ensure social…

Shamrock’s Thanksgiving Pizza Back Again by Popular Demand

Gravy sauce, turkey, stuffing, cranberries -- all your Thanksgiving dinner favorites!

SUPERIOR, Wis.- You may have heard of the Thanksgiving Burrito here in Duluth, but have you tried all of you turkey dinner favorites — on pizza? Once again you now can in Superior. Shamrock Bar and Pizza in the South End of Superior is back with their Thanksgiving Pizza, which first debuted last year. It’s made with a gravy sauce…

Fire Pit Overlook from 1930s Restored for Community Use by City of Superior

The original 1930s era Stone Council Circle is found at the end of Girl Scout Point in the Billings Park neighborhood. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- An almost 100-year-old outdoor gathering spot in Superior is now open to the public again after being newly restored. According to Superior Mayor Jim Paine, Stone Council Circle was quietly restored all-year long by the Parks Department, and finished this summer. The original 1930s era structure is found at the end of Girl Scout Point in the Billings…

‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Dies at 80

The longtime quiz-show host died at his California home, surrounded by family and friends, “Jeopardy!” studio Sony said.

  Photo: “Jeopardy!” LOS ANGELES (AP) — Alex Trebek, who presided over the beloved quiz show “Jeopardy!” for more than 30 years with dapper charm and a touch of school-master strictness, died Sunday. He was 80. Trebek, who announced in 2019 that he had advanced pancreatic cancer, died at his California home, surrounded by family and friends, “Jeopardy!” studio Sony…

Minnesota Deer Season Opens Saturday

Hunters spent the day before the opener getting ready and stocking up so hopefully they can get their big buck this coming week.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The 2020 Minnesota firearms deer season begins on Saturday and many Northlanders are preparing for the big day. Hunters spent the day before the opener getting ready and stocking up so hopefully they can get their big buck this coming week. “Just get out and have some fun it’s going to be a beautiful weekend,” says Scott…

Former Kozy Owner: Sunday’s Fire Won’t Stop Fight with City to Avoid Demolition

Fire happens one week after DEDA proposed $135,000 to maintain building.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sunday morning Duluth Fire crews found what has become a familiar scene on First Street — a fire at the historic Pastoret Terrace Building, old home of the Kozy Bar and Apartments. “I heard one of the firetrucks go by and I heard a big boom,” said nearby resident Shawn Carr. “You hear gunshots once in a while…

Fitger’s Celebrates Halloween with Socially Distant Storytelling, Candy

Only a few people at a time were allowed into the courtyard, masks were required and individual bags of candy were handed out. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Fitger’s Complex in Duluth also got in the Halloween spirit, hosting a socially distant event in their courtyard, decked out all spooky. Individual bags of candy were handed out, and a kids could listen into a Halloween story being read. Only a few people at a time were allowed into the courtyard, masks were required and individual bags…

Spirit Mountain, Mont du Lac Anticipate Adventurous Winter Season

Snowmaking Has Begun at Both Resorts, with Mont du Lac Already Opening One Run on Oct. 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland recently experienced its first blast of winter weather, and while many aren’t yet welcoming the change of season, it has ski and snowboard enthusiasts thrilled to hit the slopes. The cooler weather is also kick-starting the snowmaking season at two recreational areas in the Twin Ports. “Here we are in October and we’re already seeing…

Hundreds Gear Up at 49th Annual Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain

By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet.

DULUTH, Minn.- Hundreds of experienced and novice skiers and snowboarders got their gear at the 49th Annual Team Duluth Ski Swap at Spirit Mountain over the weekend, keeping a nearly 50-year tradition alive. By Sunday only a few skis, snowboards and boots sat in the room at the Spirit Mountain Chalet. According to the staff of active Team Duluth skiers…

Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth Helps Bentleyville Crews Deck the Halls

The Rotary Club members' job: putting up the "5th Avenue Tunnel" lights.

DULUTH, Minn.- Snow’s not the only thing getting Duluth in the winter spirit –setup is continuing at the Bentleyville Tour of Lights, and they are continuing to receive help from the community. About 15 volunteers from the Harbortown Rotary Club of Duluth came ready to deck the halls at Bayfront Park. Normally they help out with other parts of the…

‘Snow’ Place Like Home: Early Big Blast of Winter Brings Northlanders Out

The few inches that fell Tuesday was enough to blanket cars, driveways, parks -- pretty much everything.

DULUTH, Minn.- Whether enjoying the freshly fallen snow, clearing it off or preparing for more to come, Northlanders were out and about after the first big snowfall of the season. It was beginning to look a lot like winter at Leif Erickson Park Tuesday evening, the falling snow obscuring the Aerial Lift Bridge in the distance. But that didn’t stop…

Working, Playing From Home? These Tech Gadgets Help Make Your Life Easier

Remote Work and Learning Habits - Making Life Easier for Parents and Kids Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Are you still working and playing mostly at home? Verizon Wireless has new tech for helping families who are doing all their daily tasks in one place. Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW If you want a 5G-powered phone for as little as $20 a month (with additional trade-in options) – check out the Samsung Galaxy A71 5G UW….

Little Boat that Could: 2nd Grade Duluth Class Boat Survives 27 Years on Lake

An Ashland couple discovered the small wooden vessel on its journey to the ocean.

DULUTH, Minn.- Ships coming in off Lake Superior is a common sight on Northland shores. But a small wooden boat found on the Apostle Islands has a history as long as a barge, starting in Duluth in 1993. “We were just in the right place at the right time,” said Mike BeBeau Sunday. Mike and his wife Lynn happened upon…

Duluth Family’s Dog, Wild Deer Become Unlikely Furry Friends

Frank, a year-and-a-half-old Black Labrador, and a wandering doe have regular morning playdates.

DULUTH, Minn.- One family’s dog in Duluth is proving that man may not be dog’s only best friend — a deer has taken that spot. In a video recorded from the Miller house’s window, a black lab and a doe carefully watch each other, each rearing to go. But this was not a vicious hunting or attack video. The dog…

Bentleyville Christmas Tree Installed in Bayfront Park

Volunteers worked four hours to install the 128-foot tree in front of Bayfront Pavilion.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s apparently never too early to get into the Christmas spirit for Bayfront Park, as the Bentleyville Christmas Tree went up Saturday. Volunteers worked four hours to install the 128-foot tree in front of Bayfront Pavilion. The hardest part of installing the tree, crews said, was moving the bottom piece — weighing over 16,000 lbs — from its…

Earth Rider Brewery Brings German Culture to Superior with Annual Oktoberfest

The whole-day event included music, stein-holding and hammer-striking competitions, and of course plenty of beer. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.-The sounds of polka filled Earth Rider Brewery in Superior for their annual Oktoberfest celebration Sunday. The whole-day event included music, stein-holding and hammer-striking competitions, and of course plenty of beer. Some changes to this year’s festival included requiring masks in certain areas, and limiting attendance to only 200 advanced tickets. But staff at the brewery said it was…

Duluth Cider’s “Big Bad Apple Bash” Goes Virtual with Take-Home Celebration Boxes

Customers are encouraged to enjoy the boxes while watching the livestream on Duluth Cider's Facebook page Saturday at 7 p.m.

DULUTH, Minn.- A popular cider in Duluth’s Lincoln Park neighborhood is celebrating its “Big Bad Apple Bash” anniversary with a virtual event Saturday. Last year’s Big Bad Apple Bash celebrated the first year Duluth Cider was open. This year, fans are encouraged to stop by the cidery on West Superior Street before Saturday to purchase a Big Bad Apple Bash…

Kids Learn to Skate for Free With Superior Amateur Hockey Association

At least 40 kids were out on the ice Wednesday, inching along behind their chairs. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The ice at the Superior Ice Arena is now open, but on Wednesday it was filled not only with skates, but chairs supporting small skaters, as the Superior Amateur Hockey Association (SAHA) taught kids how to skate. “I like skating,” said one 5-year-old beginner, Hillary Davis. SAHA delayed starting their free learn-to-skate program this year due to the…

Superior ‘National Night Out’ Event Celebrates Community, Local Organizations

Community fellowship is especially vital, organizers said, as many area businesses have been struggling in the pandemic. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- With August’s National Night Out postponed to Tuesday, Sterling Silver Dance Studio at the Mariner Mall in Superior held their own event. Live music from local bands Born Too Late and Crescent Moon were featured, as well as hot dogs and prizes from local organizations like World of Wheels skating rink. According to the Director of Sterling Silver…

‘Night to Unite’ Aims to Bring Together Hibbing Police, Community

At Bennett Park in Hibbing, the police were on hand to connect with community members as well as share food drive-thru style. 

HIBBING, Minn.- This year due to the pandemic, August’s annual National Night Out event was postponed to Tuesday, and Hibbing celebrated with their own “Night to Unite” to bring Police and the community together. First introduced in 1984, the National Night Out organization aims to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. At Bennett Park in Hibbing, the police were on…

Plump Pumpkins, Unique Gourds Sold on Tower Ave in Superior

The stand looks more like a small pumpkin farm with all types of gourds and squashes available. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Fall is here, and so are the pumpkins! DC Farms set up their pumpkin and gourd stand on Tower Avenue in Superior, across from the fire station. The stand looks more like a small pumpkin farm with all types of gourds and squashes available. While it’s that variety that Tim W., the pumpkin farmer there said makes them…

Many Outside Enjoying Duluth’s Nice Day after Chilly Week

People made the most of the sixty-degree Monday, knowing old man winter is right around the corner.

DULUTH, Minn.- Monday’s warmer temperatures made many in Duluth prepare for it to be the last nice-weather week before winter, as they got out on the city’s parks and trials enjoying a break from a chilly week. “Love it yes,” said Dave Tedlund. “Especially after last week hopefully we get more than just this week too.” Bike wheels and hiking…

Fundraiser Hopes to Educate About Pitbulls During Pitbull Awareness Month

One Northland Pitbull organization held a fundraiser Saturday to educate more people about the dog breed. 

DULUTH, Minn.- For this October’s Pitbull Awareness Month, one Northland Pitbull organization held a fundraiser Saturday to educate more people about the dog breed. PJ’s Rescue held a barbecue fundraiser outside of GB Schneider’s in Duluth’s Denfeld neighborhood. The group sold hot dogs and chips, as well as raffle tickets for gifts and local art, to raise money to help…

Annual Church Harvest Bazaar Brings Holiday, Halloween Goodies to Duluth’s Norton Park

Norton Park United Methodist Church's Harvest Bazaar was held outdoors this year. 

DULUTH, Minn.- On Saturday an annual Halloween and Holiday Bazaar in Duluth’s Norton Park neighborhood found a way to bring their goodies to the area during the pandemic. Norton Park United Methodist Church’s Harvest Bazaar was held outdoors this year. Fall and Scandinavian treats along with decorations for Halloween and Christmas — all homemade by church-goers — were on sale…

Customers Enjoy Spirit Room One Last Time Before Temporary Winter Closure

The owner says she simply can't provide a safe space inside the quaint social setting, but this is not a permanent closure. 

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A crowd of people in Superior gathered for one last hurrah at a popular cocktail bar that’s closing for the colder months due to the pandemic. The Spirit Room is closing for the fall and winter seasons after being in business in the old city hall building on Hammond Avenue for the past six years. The owner says…

Duluth City Council to Vote On Proposal Monday to Fund Spirit Mountain Through Winter

The proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system, snow-making equipment and alpine coaster over 2018, 2019, and 2020.

DULUTH, Minn.- Spirit Mountain could see life this coming winter, if Duluth City Council approves a new proposal to use money from the city’s half-and-half tourism tax to cover operation costs. Heard at an agenda session Thursday, the proposal would call for $340,000 from the half-and-half tourism tax to reimburse Spirit Mountain for money they spent on their lift system,…

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Hosting Virtual 5K Fundraiser

The Fur-K Virtual Race is Happening Sept. 25 - 27, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – Like many organizations this year, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is expecting to take a hit due to the ongoing financial effects COVID-19. To help raise funds, Beargrease board members have come up with the inaugural Fur-K ‘virtual 5K.’ The race will take place Friday, Sept. 25 – Sunday, Sept. 27 on your own time. Participants…

Visitors Look To State Parks For Fall Activities

Visitation is up compared to last fall.

CARLTON, Minn. – Fall is typically a busy time for many state parks and Jay Cooke State Park is already seeing a spike in visitors looking to enjoy the start of the fall season. Park staff say they have seen a jump in daily park and campground visits going into the fall. In the midst of the pandemic, staff also…

Pick Your Own Cream of the Crop at Farmer Doug’s Pumpkin Patch

The Hoffbauer Farm is located at 3361 Lindahl Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Farmers battled against a dry growing season in the Northland, but it didn’t stop one local farm from producing a good quality yield of pumpkins this fall. “We know that sooner or later the frost is going to come for keeps,” said Doug Hoffbauer, owner of Hoffbauer Tree Farm. At Farmer Doug’s farm, Mother Nature gets the…

Vikings, Packers Start NFL Season With Border Battle, Northland Fans Excited

Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a canceled preseason.

DULUTH, Minn.- Football fans in Minnesota and Wisconsin were pumped up for the first Football Sunday of the 2020 NFL season — a border battle between the Vikings and the Packers. The Reef Bar in Duluth was filled with purple and yellow for the first time since last year. Fans were excited to get back to the gridiron after a…

DECC Stage Set for Donald Trump Jr.’s Visit — With COVID-19 Restrictions

The Trump Campaign and Secret Service conducted a site visit and agreed to all rules in place.

DULUTH, Minn.- The stage is set in Duluth to welcome Donald Trump Jr. to the DECC Wednesday for a “Make America Great Again” event. In the ballroom where the President’s son will speak, a maximum of 250 people are allowed inside including campaign staff per Governor Tim Walz’s order during the pandemic. Seats are six feet apart, masks are required,…

‘Tiger King’ Star Carole Baskin Joins ‘Dancing With the Stars’

(AP) – Like all cool cats and kittens, Carole Baskin is going to “Dancing With the Stars.” The reality TV star who became a pop culture sensation with Netflix’s docuseries “Tiger King” is joining the new crop of celebrity dancers that includes TV and film actress Anne Heche, former NBA star Charles Oakley and Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean. The…

Learn Outer-Space Sword Fighting From Earth in Duluth

Seven Dragons Martial Arts teaches South Korean Sword Fighting with lightsaber-esque equipment.

DULUTH, Minn.- Wanna-be Jedis can now travel to a galaxy far far away right in Duluth, at the Sci-Fi Battle Arena class at Seven Dragons Martial Arts. “I never thought something like this would be in Duluth so that’s why I was so excited about it,” said first-time student CJ Luke. Fitness-friendly costumes are encouraged at the class, which started…

“Pilgrim” Tall Ship Attracts Many for Free Tours, Stories of Three-Year Journey

In three years the four-person crew made their way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Pilgrim tall ship that arrived to Duluth Monday on a three-year journey from Russia was full of Northlanders Tuesday touring the ship, getting a taste of the sea. The Pilgrim was built in Duluth’s Sister City of Petrozavodsk, Russia in 2015. It made its way across the Atlantic and then through the Great Lakes to Duluth with…

Onewheel Riders Express Passion For The Adventurous Activity

Learn More Information at Onewheel MN - Duluth Area on Facebook

From hiking to biking, Northlanders are doing all they can this summer to experience the great outdoors and keep somewhat sane amid the COVID-19 pandemic. One small group in the area is branching out with a need for speed, and a passion for sightseeing on one wheel. “If you’re ever bored, you’ll never be bored again,” said Eric Hester, a…

Sports Card Sales Going Up Throughout Pandemic

Record setting sales of high-profile sports cards illustrates the high demand.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just this month LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout’s rookie baseball card sold for a record $3 million at auction. That’s on trend with a growing demand for sports cards according to local card shops. The manager at Collector’s Connection by the Miller Hill Mall in Duluth said Minnesota Twins and Vikings Players cards have typically been popular….