Great Outdoors

MN DNR’s Fall Color Forecast is Live!

DULUTH, Minn. — Fall Color Lovers, it’s your time of year again! The Minnesota DNR has released its fall colors forecast. Late September to mid-October is the general peak across the Northland. Patterns of temperature, precipitation, wind and the timing of hard freezes can impact when fall colors peak and how long they last. These weather changes can make exact…

Man cited for starting Camp House Fire

Camp House Fire (May 15, 2025) DULUTH, Min. – A Duluth man has been cited in connection with the Camp House Fire. It is believed the fire started from an unattended campfire. The fire started May 11, 2025, near Brimson. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources tells FOX21, “The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in coordination with the St….

2025 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival starts the party, and raises money for 23rd Veteran

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — The 2025 Lake Superior Dragon Boat Festival (LSDBF) is here! Kicking off with an opening ceremony and 5k tonight, this family friendly event is an iconic tradition in the twin ports. This year’s charitable partner, 23rd Veteran, helps veterans adjust to civilian life after serving. The Boat Races begin at 8am Saturday August 22nd. Teams of 22…

Minnesota DNR Urges Hunters Not to Shoot Tagged Bears

DULUTH, Minn. — With the Bear season opener September 1st, comes a reminder to hunters not to shoot tagged, radio collared bears. The Minnesota DNR are monitoring 50 radio-collared black bears across the state. These bears provide important data to inform management decisions. Their coat often hides the collar, but they also have large colorful ear tags for identification (3…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Lays Out Plans for Park Point Improvement

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation have now shared some concept plans with the Park Point community as they continue steps towards improving the point’s recreation area. This comes after both climate patterns and time have worn down the rec area over the past years. Three concept plans were laid out, all of which are intended to support items…

Food-Conditioned Wolf Lethally Removed on Isle Royale

ISLE ROYALE, Mich. — Isle Royale officials have lethally removed a wolf that repeatedly obtained human food at campgrounds. Throughout June and July park managers closely monitored at least two wolves that were frequently sighted near campgrounds and developed areas. The wolves were seen seen dragging away food storage bags and backpacks at numerous campsites. Officials say that despite changes…

UW-Superior hosts “Paddle and Pause” Community Mindfulness Event

SUPERIOR, Wis. — Cloudy conditions and poor air quality couldn’t put a damper on UW-Superior’s latest community event. The college hosted their “Paddle and Pause” event recently on Woodstock Bay in Superior on Aug. 5, welcoming members of the local community to a day of mindfulness on the water. While the multi-department event was targeted at the senior community of…

St. Louis County Expands Public Land Ownership

DULUTH, Minn. — More of Northern Minnesota’s forests are now protected and publicly owned. Map of New Forest Land Managed by St. Louis County St. Louis County has acquired over 4 and a half thousand acres of timberlands. Originally owned by a timber company, The Conservation Fund purchased the forests to be incorporated into public land. The county will manage…

New Trail Center Underway

SILVER BAY, Minn- The Silver Bay multi-modal trailhead center had their ground breaking Monday, August 4, 2025. The recreational center will allow people to park large vehicles like RVs and trailers in its parking lot. It will also come with a coin operated showers. Most importantly, Minnesotans can enjoy the outdoors safely. Trails will be provided for activities like hiking,…

Most of Minnesota will have ‘Unhealthy Air’ until Saturday afternoon

DULUTH, Min.  – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for all of Minnesota. Most of the state will be in the “Unhealth Air” category until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Effective 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 parts of Minnesota north of Mankato are in the Red Alert status. Air Quality Alert…

Air Quality Alert for northern half of Minnesota until Wednesday night

Air Quality Alert 07/28/2025 DULUTH, Min.- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for the northern half of Minnesota. Northwesterly winds will transport heavy surface smoke from wildfires across Manitoba and Saskatchewan into northern Minnesota, beginning Tuesday morning. Smoke will spread south into central Minnesota through the day Tuesday and may continue into southern Minnesota overnight…

Emerald Ash Borer discovered for first time in Itasca County; Emergency quarantine in place

Itasca County EAB Emergency Quarantine 07/23/2025 ITASCA COUNTY, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has confirmed emerald ash borer (EAB) in Itasca County for the first time. A suspected EAB infestation was reported by a homeowner on Pokegama Lake, south of Grand Rapids. Because this is the first time EAB has been identified in Itasca County, the Minnesota Department of…

Air Quality Alert issued for entire northern half of Minnesota

Air Quality Alert 07/23/2025 DULUTH, Minn. –  The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has expanded the current air quality alert. Nearly all of Minnesota north of St. Cloud is now in the new Red or “Unhealthy” Air Alert. The affected area includes the International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely and Duluth. It is in effect until Friday July 25, 2025 at 11…

The Isabella Section House Reimagined Project Seeks Public Input

ISABELLA, Minn. — The Isabella Section House Reimagined project is seeking public feedback on what the future of the historic building should be. Isabella Section House, Image courtesy of the United States Forest Service The project has people take a virtual tour and give their thoughts on what the building should be used for. Project leaders are looking for a…

Lumberjack World Championships Sees New World Record!

HAYWARD, Wisc. — Hayward was buzzing this past weekend with the 65th annual Lumberjack World Championships. Over 100 competitors from 7 countries and 16 states came to compete. Timber sports athletes displayed their mastery of sawing, chopping, speed climbing, log rolling, boom running, and axe throwing. Kate Witkowski, set record for Women’s Standing Log Competition. Courtesy of Lumberjack World Championships….

Weekend Air Quality Alerts across Northern Minnesota

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued varied air quality alerts across Northern Minnesota for the upcoming weekend. The alerts range from Very Unhealthy to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups. The alerts takes effect 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and run until 9 a.m. on Monday, July 21, 2025. Heavy surface smoke from Canadian wildfires will…

Air Quality Alert issued for International Falls-area

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has issued an air quality alert for north central and northeast Minnesota. The alert takes effect at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, and runs until 1 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025. The affected area includes International Falls and the Tribal Nation of Red Lake. A pocket of moderate to heavy…

Part of Munger State Trail washed out; Closed until winter

DULUTH, Minn. – A section of the Munger State Trail close to the Buffalo House restaurant is expected to be closed  until later this winter. It’s closed to replace a failing culvert. There is no designated detour available, so trail users should plan accordingly. Munger Trail Closed 07/17/25 Recent heavy rainfall has caused severe soil erosion around the culvert located at…

Spongy Moth Spraying begins in Northern Minnesota

DULUTHJ, Minn. — Spongy Moth spraying in Minnesota was planned to start July 16th. If the weather cooperates, spraying will occur over through the 22nd. Low flying planes will be spreading a non-toxic substance at 24 sites in Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine and St. Louis counties. The substance does not harm humans, animals, or other insects. It works by confusing…

Air Quality Alert extended – again

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended its air quality alert through Tuesday, July 15 for northern Minnesota. Areas around the Northshore and Carlton County will still be in the level considered unhealthy for everyone. That area includes Two Harbors, Duluth, and the Tribal Nations of Grand Portage and Fond du Lac. The rest of Northern…

Air Quality Alert extended

Red air quality: Unhealthy DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has extended the air quality alert for northern Minnesota. The alert now runs until 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14,m 2025. The affected area includes Duluth, International Falls, Two Harbors, Hibbing, Ely, Grand Portage, Brainerd, Hinckley, Bemidji, East Grand Forks, Moorhead, Roseau, and the Tribal Nations of Mille Lacs,…

Tiffany, Stauber, and other members of Congress send letter to Canadian Ambassador about wildfire concerns

WASHINGTON, DC – Representatives Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Pete Stauber (MN-08) along with other members of Congress sent a letter to Canada’s Ambassador. Rep. Tom Tiffany (R) Wisconsin It urged stronger forest management practices to mitigate wildfire risk after consecutive years of heavy smoke blowing south from Canada to Minnesota and Wisconsin. It read in part, “We know a key…

Spongy Moth aerial spraying in Northland to start soon

Exact dates will depend on weather conditions

Spongy Moth spraying plane DULUTH, Minn. & ST. PAUL, Minn. –  The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is preparing to do aerially spraying across parts of Aitkin, Carlton, Itasca, Pine, and St. Louis counties to slow the spread of Spongy Moth. There will be 24 sites sprayed across the area. The Spongy Moth is a destructive invasive forest pest. The spray…

Free Museum Admission in Minnesota This Saturday

MINN. — Select museums across Minnesota will have free admission this Saturday. The area museums with free admission include Split Rock Lighthouse in Two Harbors, the Forest History Center in Grand Rapids, and Snake River Fur Post in Pine City. The Free Admission Day will be held four times a year, with the next dates including September 20th, January 10th,…

Lake Superior Zoo bear will become first to have a metal crown

DULUTH, Minn. – A Lake Superior Zoo Alaskan Coastal Brown Bear will become a ground breaker. Tundra, an Alaskan Coastal brown bear, will become the first bear in the world to have a metal crown placement. Dr. Grace Brown, board certified veterinary dentist, recently repaired a tooth for Tundra. Dr. Brown will be installing a talladium crown made by Scott…

Lincoln Park Farmers Market Starts

DULUTH, Minn. — The Lincoln Park Farmers Market is back for the summer! Thursday was opening day for the Lincoln Park Farmers Market at Harrison Park. The market featured local vendors selling food, crafts, health products, and other goods. This farmers market works with those participating in the SNAP benefits and the Power of Produce program to increase access to…

‘Boys and Girls Club of the Northland’ Kicks Off Summer Events

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn.– The sun is shining, and school is done for the year. With that, there are many opportunities opening up to get kids outside. The Boys and Girls Club of the Northland is kicking off their summer festivities. Children who are 6-18 can participate, and the program is described as “fun with a purpose” Kids involved can…

Officials celebrate completion of Perch Lake habitat restoration project

  DULUTH, Minn. –   The completion of the Perch Lake Habitat Restoration Project is celebrated, marking a major milestone in improving fish and wildlife habitat. Members of the community joined state and local leaders in celebrating the Perch Lake habitat restoration project along Highway 23 near Gary-New Duluth. The project consisted of dredging and associated site restoration, the installation of…

First Tee Program at Enger Golf Course

  DULUTH, Minn. — Enger Golf Course has partnered with First Tee Minnesota to start some summer programming. First Tee Minnesota is a non-profit youth development organization. The goal is to teach life skills and develop self-confidence through golf. These sessions are for kids ages six through seventeen and broken into age groups. This program is beginner friendly; clubs and…

30th Kolar Toyota Fishing Tournament Raises Record $315,000 for ALS

DULUTH, Minn. – The 30th annual Kolar Toyota Fishing Tournament on Island Lake raises $315,650 to help people living with ALS. The Kolar Toyota Fishing Tournament on Island Lake has brought anglers out for 30 years to ‘cast for a cure’ for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also known as ‘Lou Gehrig’s disease.’ This year, the tournament reeled in a record…

From Field to Market: ‘Brule River Farms’ Gears Up for Farmers Market Season

BRULE, Wis.– What started off as a personal hobby garden for Brule River Farms, has grown into an impressive 4-acre plot for growing just about anything you can think of. “We have asparagus, that’s kind of been a staple right now and soon to come. Oh, we’ve also had lettuces and then spinach, more lettuce, Bok choys, a lot of…

More Progress on Jenkins Creek Fire; Superior National Forest Ordered to Close

BRIMSON, Minn. — Over the weekend, firefighters battling the Jenkins Creek Fire were able to grow containment lines. The fire is now 78% contained. Brimson Complex Fire Lines as of May 26, 2025 The Eastern Area Incident Management Team saying fire activity is minimal on the Jenkins Creek Fire. Fire crews are continuing to patrol and monitor the area while…

Bass Pro Shops Hold Grand Opening for Hermantown Location

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Lines stretching out the parking lot, for the grand opening of Bass Pro Shops newest location. Bass Pro Shops opened the doors of its newest location in Hermantown on Wednesday, with a line of customers that stretched out the parking lot. Once inside, crowds were greeted by live country music, cabin-like walls lined with local artwork, and…

Jenkins Creek Fire declared to be “Human Caused”

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eastern Area Incident Management Team on Wednesday (5/21/2025) morning declared the Jenkins Creek Fire was “Human Caused”. Up until Wednesday the Jenkins Creek Fire cause was officially declared to be “Under Investigation”. In an update the Eastern Area Incident Management Team expanded on the cause of the fire by writing, “While the initial investigation into the…

Containment Continues Around Camp House Fire; Jenkins Creek Fire Stalls

  ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Minn. — In the last day containment around the Camp House fire grew from 40% to 59%. There are now four containment lines targeting the fire from all sides protecting the area south of Bassett, area north of Brimson, and areas to the east of Hornby and Breda. These lines were strengthened in preparation of Tuesday’s…

Bass Pro Shops To Host Grand Opening Of Hermantown Location Wed.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Bass Pro Shops is gearing for their big opening ceremony this week. This location will be Minnesota’s 5th Bass Pro Shops in the state. To ensure quality help for shoppers, the sale associates got the chance to pick the department they know the most about to help connect with guests. The new 70,000-square-foot retail space is looking…

Bait and Tackle Shops Busy for Minnesota Fishing Opener

FREDENBURG, Minn. –In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the fishing opener is like an unofficial holiday for Minnesotans. “It’s more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a tradition. It’s really kind of the kickoff to summer, it’s an essential part of being a Minnesotan,” Emily Manning, Fredenberg Minno-ette Inc. Store Manger said. Across the state, boaters hit the…

Flying into Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day

DULUTH, Minn.– The snow is melted, and the sun is shining that alone is something to celebrate. But with the turning of seasons, there was another special celebration. “It’s really important to highlight the really vital role that Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin along Lake Superior play for bird migration. And even just the interaction of the urban and rural with…

Anglers Hit the Water For 2025 Minnesota Fishing Opener

DULUTH, Minn. — Saturday kicked off the Minnesota fishing opener, and anglers took to the water in hopes of reeling in a big one. The fishing opener is like an unofficial holiday across the state. Hundreds of boaters hit the water looking for some of Minnesota’s most popular fish including walleye, bass, and northern pike. During the fishing opener almost…

Minnesota DNR Releases Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northwest Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Lake of the Woods area: Walleye and sauger are the most important sport fish in Lake of the Woods, and as such those populations…

Minnesota DNR Releases Northeast Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released its regional fishing outlooks for areas around Minnesota.  You can find the Northeast Region breakdown below. (CLICK HERE FOR: Northwest Regional Fishing Outlook for 2025) Duluth Area: The St. Louis River Estuary provides exceptional fishing opportunities for walleye and other species such as muskellunge, smallmouth bass, black crappie and…

National Bike to School Day!

DULUTH, Minn. – Keep an eye out for small cyclists. Tomorrow is National Bike to School Day. Students all over the northland are encouraged to bike to school tomorrow. Bike to school day helps raise awareness of pedestrian and cyclist safety and promotes healthy outdoor exercise. If your kids are biking to school, ensure they have a properly fitted helmet…

DNR Adds 10 Track Chairs to its All-Terrain Track Chair Program

DULUTH,  MN – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is adding 10 more adaptive devices to its all-terrain track chair program, according to a press release from the DNR. The program launched in 2022, starting with five track chairs. Following these newest additions, the DNR will have 23 total track chairs across the state. This will include Jay Cooke…

Registration for 2026 Birkie Week Events Opens May 1

WISCONSIN — Get ready Skiers – one of the most iconic local winter events opens for registration tomorrow! The 2026 Slumberland American Birkebeiner and week of skiing events, also called Birkie Week, are scheduled February 18-22, 2026. Skiers from around the world come to participate. Registration typically fills quickly, with thousands of skiers typically signing up in the first few…