Great Outdoors

Section of Munger State Trail in Duluth to be temporarily closed for improvements 

Willard Munger Trail DULUTH, Min. – The first mile of the Willard Munger State Trail in Duluth will be closed starting Monday, November 24, 2025. It’s the area between Pulaski Street and Riverwest Drive. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is removing “a significantly undersized culvert and replacing it with a bridge over Lower Knowlton Creek”. The bridge installation will…

Free entrance to Minnesota state parks for one day in late November

Minnesota DNR Logo DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, November 28, 2025. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore the parks. Director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division Ann Pierce said, “After Thanksgiving celebrations, we…

The firearm deer hunting season so far

DULUTH, Minn. — Almost one week into Firearm Deer season and the initial totals are rolling in. Current firearm harvest totals are about 63% of last year’s total across the entire season. Over 85 thousand deer have been harvested by firearm statewide so far. Last year’s totals were over 134 thousand for the entire firearms season. In total, 108,736 have…

Chester Bowl preparing for upcoming winter season

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl has begun it’s preparing for the upcoming winter season. The preparations kicked off with ski fittings for young skiers and their families who will be renting the equipment during the season. With events like these featuring well over 100 athletes a night, it’s the work of volunteers that helps Chester get ready for the big…

Minnesota deer hunters gear up for 2025 season

PIKE LAKE, Minn. — Blaze orange is lighting up the Northland once again as the Minnesota deer opener makes its grand return. Saturday, Nov. 8, marks the official start to the Minnesota deer hunting season, and as hunters are gearing up, supplies are flying off the shelves. FOX21 spoke with the owner of the local sporting goods store, Fisherman’s Corner,…

MMIR office asking hunters to keep an eye out for clues

Hunting Season Generic ST. PAUL, Min. & DULUTH, Min. – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office is asking hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay alert and report anything unusual they might encounter in the woods. They say discoveries could help uncover new clues in missing persons cases. Law enforcement urges the public to…

Man cited for starting Camp House Fire pleas guilty

DULUTH, Min. – Court records show Parker John Wilson has been convicted of “Forestry-Failure to Extinguish a Fire”. He paid $190 in a fine and fees for the conviction. He was originally cited on September 9th for starting the fire. The fire broke out on May 11, 2025 near Brimson. The $190 was made up of a $100 fine, a…

Spirit Mountain 25-26 Season Pass discount ends Friday

It’s the final days of the Spirit Mountain Pass Discounts Prices go to the standard rate October 31st The passes boast benefits such as unlimited skiing and snowboarding, 7 days a week, discounts on snow tubing and dining at Spirit restaurants, buddy passes to bring friends and family, and discounts at partner resorts. They believe this winter is going to…

First Indigenous Coast Guard Unit Inducted in Grand Portage

GRAND PORTAGE, Minn.– A ceremony on Wednesday in Grand Portage celebrated a new beginning for the reservation and surrounding areas. They’ve been hard at work to bring in additional support for marine safety, patrol, and rescue. The first ever Indigenous Coast Guard unit was officially inducted in Grand Portage. After the Grand Marais coast guard unit discontinued back in 2022,…

Trail Access Restricted Due to Crosby Fire

FINLAND, Minn.– When the Crosby Fire began last week, the DNR and Superior Hiking Trail officials wasted no time implementing safety measures. “We just got word of the fire, kind of beginning yesterday, kind of coordinated with the DNR. We didn’t hear until about 5:30 kind of in the evening, about looking to close a section of the Superior Hiking…

Lake Superior Zoo launches animal trading cards program

Coyote Millie Trading Card DULUTH, Min. – The Lake Superior Zoo now has a 2025–2026 trading card collection. It features 15 animals including: Alaskan brown bear, axolotl, bald eagle, Burmese python, capybara, caribou, Chilean rose-haired tarantula, coyote, North American river otter, pygmy slow loris, red-footed tortoise, red panda, ring-tailed lemur, sand cat, and three-banded armadillo. You can get the cards…

Fall Hawk Migration in Full Swing

DULUTH, Minn.– Birders were ready with binoculars, cameras and counters, because right now, fall hawk migration is in full swing. Every fall, guests flock near and far to visit the cliffside birding site. Today specifically, counters kept busy with bald eagles, sharp shinned hawks, and broad winged hawks. This year, Hawk Ridge broke the state record with daily bluejay sightings….

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…