Entertainment

Beargrease Without Fans Hard But Better Than Canceled Mushers, Businesses Say

Bar and restaurant owners said Beargrease is the busiest time of their year, so not having spectators will hurt business.

DULUTH, Minn.- The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are stretching to the Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, causing changes including not allowing fans to watch in-person. “Safety has always been the #1 priority for our organization whether it’s a COVID year or non-COVID year,” race spokesperson Monica Hendrickson said. Some of this year’s changes include closing all buildings used along the…

No Spectators for 2021 John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

Officials say they see no way to properly social distance the thousands that come out to the start.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 41st Annual John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is planned to go on this year, but it will look different as no spectators will be allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings. Every year thousands of spectators gather at the start of the race at Billy’s Bar in Duluth. But according to Beargrease spokesperson Monica Hendrickson, organizers saw…

Duluth Experiences Quiet New Year’s Eve Without Big Venue Celebrations

Normally filled with about 700 people ringing in New Year's, Greysolon Ballroom and other Downtown businesses were empty this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- The streets of Duluth were uncharacteristically quiet this New Year’s Eve as the city’s big bashes were all canceled due to COVID-19, including New Year’s on the Lake at Greysolon Ballroom. This time last year the ballroom was decked out in decorations and minibars and filled with suits and gowns for a night of entertainment. New Year’s on…

Tubing Season at Spirit Mountain Slides in with Blizzard Snow

Duluth's Christmas Eve Blizzard brought with it the perfect weather for tubing.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland’s recent snowstorm, while a nuisance for some, was perfect to usher in the tubing season at Spirit Mountain. “The tubing hill’s fun,” said Jon Regenold, co-director of Resort Services. “You hear laughter and smiles all over the place. And then the ride is exhilarating too.” As of Tuesday those looking for a winter thrill a bit…

Minnesota Discovery Center Looks Ahead to Jan. 12 Reopening

Due to Current COVID-19 Restrictions in Minnesota, Minnesota Discovery Center Remains Closed to the Public

CHISHOLM, Minn. – Creativity is on overdrive at the Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisolm as staff work to navigate through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Aside from the center’s gift shop, the facility remains closed due to restrictions put in place by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Center will be…

Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show Features Songs From Movies

DULUTH, Minn. – The Exhibition Drive Holiday Sound & Light Show is now featuring songs from movies. Between now and Dec. 31, people can drive through the neighborhood on Exhibition Drive to see lights synchronized to music from “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Polar Express” and “The Greatest Showman.” The show kicks off each night at 5 p.m. and runs through 10…

Rubber Chicken Theater Looks to Make You Laugh This Christmas Eve

Rubber Chicken Theater is Hosting a Virtual Holiday Show, Streaming LIVE on Facebook Christmas Eve

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth’s very own Rubber Chicken Theater is about to do their first and only production of 2020 due to circumstances brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Christmas Eve you’re invited to laugh and sing carols with the crew at Rubber Chicken. “Here We Come A-Quarantining, or, We’ll Be Home For Christmas is a short, virtual production…

Young Duluth Native Singer’s Christmas Music Video Gets Thousands of Views

He hopes it reminds people of the little things to be thankful for during the holidays. 

DULUTH, Minn.- A young, up-and-coming singer originally from Duluth decided to make a fun Christmas song and music video which is starting to gain popularity on Youtube. Tanner Zahn moved to Los Angeles with his family to pursue a career in music. “We normally come back even during Christmas. So this year because of COVID it’s been really weird being…

Chester Bowl Ski Hill Packed for Opening Weekend

This year they started the season with a check donation of $25,000 from local design company Loll Designs. 

DULUTH, Minn.- The weather was perfect for opening weekend at Chester Bowl’s ski hill, the ski lifts and slopes alive for another season. Greg Benson of Loll Designs skis down the hill with their donation. New COVID-19 protocols involve masks being required in certain areas, and letting only members of the same household to ride ski lifts together. This year…

Santa Makes Social Distanced Stops in Duluth, Two Harbors

A Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors got creative with drive-thru's to have Santa safely spread cheer.

TWO HARBORS/DULUTH, Minn.- While the traditional ways to see Santa Claus are paused this year due to the pandemic, Santa always finds a way — with a little help from a Duluth couple and the city of Two Harbors. “Big smiles. We like big smiles. Parents are happy, kids are happy, what more can you ask for at Christmas?” said…

Christmas City Express Goes Full Steam Ahead as Virtual Webcast This Year

About two thousand people were signed up to watch the webcast according to the Lake Superior Railroad Museum.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Christmas City Express in Duluth still went on full steam ahead this year, just as a different experience. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s annual holiday event went virtual with a webcast, completely free. About two thousand people were signed up according to the Museum’s Executive Director, to watch the performance of the Christmas City Express book done…

Sir Ben’s Welcomes Back Customers for Outdoor Dining with Fire Pit Tables

The new toasty furniture makes it easier for customers to come and follow Gov. Walz's updated orders.

DULUTH, Minn.- Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake in Duluth’s Central Hillside got creative to welcome customers back outside, per Governor Tim Walz’s updated restrictions on Minnesota businesses which went into effect Saturday. New fire pit tables powered by propane tanks replaced most of their patio furniture, giving customers a toasty way to enjoy a beverage and food. On Wednesday…

Ashland Residents, Businesses Deck the Halls for Decorating Contest

57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area.

ASHLAND, Wis.- The city of Ashland won’t behaving their long-standing Garland City of the North Parade this year because of the pandemic. Instead, it was replaced by a Christmas decorating contest. 57 homes and businesses in the city limits of Ashland joined up to see which is the most festive in the area, with the winners receiving a prize package….

Bentleyville Founder Urges Weekday Visits as Saturday Nights Get Busy

The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. 

DULUTH, Minn.- Bentleyville Tour of Lights is coming off another busy Saturday night. Ahead of the coming holiday weekend, founder Nathan Bentley is again asking future attendees to seriously consider coming during the week. The attraction started closing to new vehicles at 5:30 Saturday, and ended up turning people away through the rest of the night. Bentley has asked attendees…

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…