Great Outdoors

Hermantown Night Riders Hosting Dinner to Raise Money for Trail Grooming

The club helps maintain trails in the greater Proctor, Duluth, and Hermantown areas

PROCTOR, Minn.- All this snow is bringing snowmobilers out to area trails and one club is hoping to get more members to help maintain those trails for everyone to enjoy. Hermantown Night Riders snowmobile club will host a dinner fundraiser next Thursday at Blackwoods Grill and Bar in Proctor. The club helps maintain trails in the greater Proctor, Duluth, and…

Bentleyville Looking For More Volunteers To Help With Tear-Down

DULUTH, Minn. — The Bentleyville Tour Of Lights in Duluth wrapped up its final night on Sunday, and now volunteers are helping put all those displays away. We caught up with one young man who down to help out with his volunteer group, called Youth In Action, while he’s home from school on winter break. He said he likes visiting…

Hartley Nature Center Hosts Winter Solstice Luminary Hike

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Parks and Recreation Department celebrated the Winter Solstice Tuesday with Hartley Nature Center. A half-mile loop was lit up for a luminary hike, along with hot chocolate, a photo booth and a fire pit – all to celebrate winter’s the shortest day of the year. “Especially at night when we’re in the darkest days is…

Fresh Off First Major Snowfall, Outdoor Enthusiasts Hit the Trails

Staff at Maple Grove Lodging & Bait Store in Finland is Receiving a Plethora of Phone Calls Regarding Trail Conditions

FINLAND, Minn. – Just days after the first snow of the season, and outdoor winter enthusiasts are chomping at the bit to begin doing what they love. “We’re excited, the ice is forming really well for ice fishing so that was great,” said Nicole Chumley, owner of Maple Grove Lodging & Bait Store. From ice fishing to more intense activities…

Duluth Indoor Sports Complex Staying Busy During Winter Months

DULUTH, Minn. — The multi-sport facility on rice lake road hosts different sports from soccer, volleyball, tennis and pickleball. “We kind of adapt to the time of year. Our primary thing is tennis. We do that generally from September through May. Late May-early June,” Duluth Sports Complex Assistant Manager, Nikoli Wiens says. With being shut down most of 2020, complex…

Ski Hut Prepping for Winter Season

"Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up," Neustel says. 

DULUTH, Minn. — “Cross country skis, snowshoes, alpine skis and snowboards as well as all the equipment you would need to go along with those activities,” Ski Hut Owner, Dave Neustel says. “Typically the end of October, the beginning of November is when we start to pick up,” Neustel says. The owner of the Ski Hut in Duluth tells us…

Walz Takes To Field For Deer Opener; Visits CWD Testing Site

PINE CITY, Minn. (AP) – Gov. Tim Walz was among the thousands of hunters who took to the field for Minnesota’s firearms deer hunting season opener. Walz hunted on private property in Pine County on Saturday.   Here’s a video message from his stand. The owners permanently protected the land by donating a conservation easement to the Minnesota Land Trust. The…

Deer Processors Ready For Upcoming Hunting Season

The meat processing fee is $110. 

POPLAR, Wis. — Meat processing plants around the Northland are gearing up for the upcoming Minnesota and Wisconsin firearm hunting seasons. “We start with the bear season so that’s pretty fast and furious. Then it cuts back a little for the bow season. We take both from Minnesota and Wisconsin,” Hursh Meat Processing Owner, Robert Hursh says. With bow season…

Duluth Consignment Shop Stocked With Winter Apparel

DULUTH, Minn. – With the weather turning cooler, a Duluth consignment shop has ditched its summer items for winter apparel. The Great Lakes Gear Exchange on East 4th Street has more than 1,600 consigners with cold-weather items in their store right now. The switchover to winter was made in early October and will continue until the end of March with…

Outdoor Retailers Struggling to Keep Up as Ammo Shortage Continues

Firearm Deer Season Begins Nov. 6 in Minnesota, Nov. 20 in Wisconsin

DULUTH, Minn. – Whether it’s a family tradition or new memories in the making, hunting season provides activity for many Northland residents as autumn unfolds. This year, you may want to think ahead before bagging the big buck. “It’s a lot of good memories and it’s something — you’re outside enjoying the resources we have,” said Matt King, owner of…

Mighty Mississippi Exhibit Attracting New Visitors to Itasca County Historical Society

The Historical Society is Celebrating the Opening of a New Exhibit Showcasing the Mississippi River in Itasca County

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – According to Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, annually, tourism brings nearly $76 million and over 1,500 jobs to Itasca County. Now one new attraction featuring the mighty Mississippi River is attracting tourists to the region. “Our advertising is a turtle named Patty, and a snapper named Sandy,” said Lilah Crowe,…

Kaleidoscope of Fall Foliage Shows Off at Lutsen Mountains

From Red to Orange, Yellow and Gold, the Colors Continue to Change Along Highway 61

LUTSEN, Minn. – By now, many of the maple leaves have fallen at Lutsen Mountains, making way for the thick birch and aspen forests to glow for a few more weeks. “We spend all summer working on winter projects,” said Jim Vick, director of operations at Lutsen Mountains. Before flakes fly, fall foliage captures a crowd of seismic proportions. “Some…

Local Businesses Thankful for Extra Boost in Traffic as Fall Foliage Pops

Visit Cook County says Local Businesses Rely on a Boost in Tourism During Autumn Adventures

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – As summer winds down and fall settles in across the region, local businesses along the North Shore are thankful for a final push before snow begins the fly. “Nice cool weather and beautiful scenery,” said Eric Humphrey, co-owner of Lake Superior Trading Post. If you ask any local along the North Shore, every day is a…

Timber Takes Center Stage at 67th Annual North Star Expo

The Annual Event Was Postponed in 2020 Due to COVID-19

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – It’s an industry providing over 32,000 Minnesotans with jobs, and over $2 billion in wages every year. Logging is vital to the state, and at a recent expo in Grand Rapids, the importance was front and center. “It’s good work for the people up here in northern Minnesota,” said Corey Wilson, attending from Cohasset. What may…

Wide Variety of Pumpkins to Pick From at Farmer Doug’s Patch

Farmer Doug's Pumpkin Patch is Located at 3361 Lindahl Road in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Autumn is the perfect time of year to promote the significance of agriculture. That’s exactly what one local farmer and his family continue to do this year as they welcome hundreds to pick their own pumpkins. “It’s getting cold so I’m feeling the fall vibes so we decided to come to pick pumpkins,” said Sabrina Fosness, visiting…

Contstruction Continues at Glensheen Mansion Grounds

Construction on the projects should wrap up next summer.

DULUTH, Minn. —  Construction is underway at the Glensheen Mansion to restore the formal garden on the grounds. The $4 million project also includes the installation of a backup boiler installed in the house. ” is critically important for the infrastructure of the house itself,” said Lynne Williams, UMD’s marketing and public relations director. The goal is to help preserve…

Glensheen’s ‘Concerts on the Pier’ Providing Much Needed Relaxation for Visitors

The Final Concert on the Pier for 2021 will be Wednesday, Aug. 25

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a midweek break loved and enjoyed by many locals and visitors in the Northland. Concerts on the Pier at Glensheen Mansion have hundreds enjoying the great outdoors this summer. It’s an audio attraction that was forced to be muted back in 2020. “It’s strange because you’re playing to the water, you’re playing to the shore, you’re…

Great Outdoors: Youth Get Their Sea Legs At DSSA Sailing Camp

The DSSA'S Sailing Camp is helping a group of kids between 7 and 16 years old get the nautical knowledge they need.

DULUTH, Minn.- The second half of summer in the northland brings the sailboats out onto lake superior. but all those experienced sailors had to start somewhere, like the Duluth Superior Sailing Association’s (DSSA’S) Sailing Camp.  “Some of these kids, they get out here and they get to feel what water is like and what it’s like to be on a…

Cooling Off: Visitors Embrace the Natural Beauty of Amnicon Falls State Park

Amnicon Falls State Park is Located in South Range, Wisconsin

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – It’s hard to come by from the sky this summer, so folks are flocking to any source of water they can to catch some relief from the heat. “Oh, we love it! If you haven’t been here, check it out,” said Tatiana Patterson, visiting Amnicon Falls State Park from New Berlin, Wisconsin. With over 40 waterfalls…

Fredenberg Minno-ette Hooks New Ownership

Jason Manning and His Wife Brianna Purchased the Minno-ette in December of 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – A staple more than seven decades old in the Northland just recently switched over into new hands. Now the Fredenberg Minno-ette is truly a family affair. “It’s fantastic, it’s something I certainly don’t take for granted,” said Jason Manning, the new owner of the Fredenberg Minno-ette. For this local, longtime radio personality, it’s hard to reel in…

Great Outdoors Explores Gooseberry Falls

TWO HARBORS, Minn.– Drought conditions are common throughout the upper Midwest right now and that’s impacting some of the many tourist destinations up the North Shore, but Gooseberry Falls is still expecting a busy peak visitation stretch, despite the current lower water levels. Gooseberry Falls is described as the gateway to the North Shore. Located just 15 minutes North of…

GO: Honeyberry Picking

First planted in 2016, the first and only commercial honeyberry orchard in the united states is just a short drive from the twin ports in Wrenshall.

WRENSHALL, Minn. — First planted in 2016, the first and only commercial honeyberry orchard in the united states is just a short drive from the twin ports in Wrenshall. “So if you can envision a blueberry that kind of fell in love with a pack of sweet tarts. Some are sweet. Some are sour and some are tart. Every variety…

Wilderness Experience Teaching Kids About Pioneers Through Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– Wilderness Experience in Duluth is a locally focused outdoor ministry, offering summer camp programs that teach kids about nature, the woods, and faith. Pioneers Camp for kids in kindergarten to 2nd grade helps youngsters learn how to explore and work in the woods like the pioneers did. The lessons include working with farm animals and preparing garden beds…

Mushroom Madness in the Great North Woods

The Hobby of Mushrooming is Picking Up Across Many Parts of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a mushroom madness in the great north woods right now. With the foraging season kicking off in May, local mushroom masters say now is a great time to start the hunt. “It kind of started as a freak accident,” said Ariel Bonkoski, a forager from Duluth. It’s not a hobby that fits everyone’s forte. “When I…

Great Outdoors: Golf Shop Sales

A large part of what they do is custom fitted clubs helping golfers make bigger strides.

DULUTH, Minn. — Nevada Bobs is a full service golf store offering a little something for every golf enthusiast. “Anything golf related we carry and we sell. We also have simulators that we use for custom fitting which is bread our bread and butter of what we do,” Nevada Bob’s Golf Manager, Dan Szymczak says. With everyone working at the…

Experience Outdoor Adventure at Jay Cooke State Park This Spring

The Campground at Jay Cooke State Park Continue to Fill Fast; Reservations Recommended

CARLTON, Minn. – Folks are flocking to Jay Cooke State Park this spring. Park rangers say midweek is the best time to visit right now if you’re looking to beat the big crowds. “The Park itself is almost 9,000 acres in size,” said Ty Gangelhoff, assistant manager at Jay Cooke State Park. It’s a vast landscape filled with countless opportunities for adventure. …

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…

UMD Recreational Sports Outdoor Program Providing Opportunities for Students, Community

This Summer the Program will Expand Its Offerings to Your Camping Destination

DULUTH, Minn – Over the past year, many have turned to the outdoors as a source of solace amid a global health crisis and other stressors in our everyday lives. “It’s perfect. I couldn’t be any more grateful,” said Hannah Holmberg, a senior at UMD. It’s a source of gratitude only Mother Nature can provide. “We have three extra days…

DNR: More Fishing Tournaments Using Immediate Release

  MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin fishery officials say more tournaments are abandoning their traditional catch-hold-release formats. The Department of Natural Resources says the number of bass and walleye tournaments that have eschewed the traditional catch-hold-release format for catch-photo-release rules has increased from an average of six annually between 2010 and 2015 to more than 30 per year from 2015…

‘The Back Alley’ Provides Surfing Goods for Growing Northland Sport

Within the last two years, the back alley was made a reality.

DULUTH, Minn. — “Just in the last five years it’s really starting to spike up,” Back Alley Owner, Jerome Fischer says. That growth led Jerome Fischer and his family to purchase this building in Lincoln Park “For the last eight to ten years we’ve kind of been doing pop-ups and different events for the community,” Fischer says. Within the last…

Busy Barker’s Island Marina Helps Anglers, Boaters Prepare for Summer Season

Barker's Island Marina is Seeing an Influx of Business as Boaters Prepare to Hit the Water

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Minnesota fishing opener casts off on Saturday, May 15th this year, with the Wisconsin opener on May 1st. Aside from inland fishing, owners of big boats are also preparing for the warmer months ahead, and a new season on the big lake. Currently, the environment at Barker’s Island Marina is filled with excitement as the weather…

Back in Business as the Brule Reopens for Trout Season

Trout Season on the Brule River Opened Saturday, Mar. 27

BRULE, Wis. – Fly fishing is now the name of the game on the Brule River in Wisconsin. This past Saturday, the trout season officially opened, and many avid anglers are thrilled to be back out doing what they love. “Anything you need in the fly fishing world, I can provide it,” said John Fehnel, owner of Great Lakes Fly…

Locals Enjoy the Dog Days of Winter at Pine Valley Ski Area

In This Week's Great Outdoors, Local Ski Enthusiasts Share Experience, Passion as the Season Winds Down

CLOQUET, Minn. – The dog days of winter are coming to a close, but that’s not stopping energetic Northland residents from getting in the final few weeks of cross-country skiing. One popular place for cross country skiing in the Northland is Pine Valley Ski Area in Cloquet. “Boy what a nice day,” said John Bankson, a resident of Duluth. “It’s…

Hunters Park Residents Enjoying Final Days of ‘Snowhenge’ Fort

"By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone," Boucher says. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spring is beginning to take shape. “Unless we get a lot of snow I don’t anticipate rebuilding it again this year,” Hunters Park Resident, Norman Boucher says. This spells bad news for the hunters park neighborhood creation “Snowhenge.” “By the end of the week I suspect it will be pretty much gone,” Boucher says. During a winter…

GO: Pop-Up Snowshoeing

- As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities.

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of last months cold front festival, the City of Duluth began offering pop-up snow shoeing as one of many outdoor activities. “It’s basically a couple hours where people can take some snowshoes and get out and about in their communities,” Recreation Instructor, Julianna Langlois says. Providing a great way to get outside, with social distancing…

GO: Gooseberry Falls

Two Harbors, Minn. – “It’s really beautiful in the winter time,” Nisswa Resident, Marcy Byrns says. The frozen upper and lower falls are just one of the many reasons people make a return trip to Gooseberry even in the colder months. “It’s really amazing how they are frozen over to a certain extent depending on when you come and we…

Visitors Enjoy Frozen Sculptures at Amnicon Falls

Amnicon Falls, about 25 miles southeast of Superior, has always been a beautiful spot to check out, but it's even more of a must-see this winter. 

SOUTH RANGE, Wis. – Amnicon Falls, about 25 miles southeast of Superior, has always been a beautiful spot to check out, but it’s even more of a must-see this winter. “I expect to see icicles and ice caves and lots of snow and some pretty amazing water,” Hayward residents Victoria Ross and her kids said. With the water frozen, it…

Northlanders Enjoy Skiing Conditions

The weather this winter have made a perfect combination for people to enjoy some skiing on the many trails within Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Mild temperatures and fresh snow are making a perfect combination for some skiing. “Skiing conditions are much better, especially when you’re looking at cross country skiing, a lot more trails are open now. The temperature’s been a lot warmer this year and that’s been awesome because we haven’t had that typical cold winter so far,” manager at…

Pandemic Prompting More People to Hit the Slopes at Lutsen Mountains

With Safety Precautions in Place, Staff at Lutsen Mountains is Ready to Welcome Visitors to the Slopes

LUTSEN, Minn. – It’s known as cabin fever, and this year, we may find ourselves letting it sink in earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, many winter weather enthusiasts are embracing current restrictions and taking a trip up the North Shore. “If you would like an action-packed, nature-filled, beautiful landscape ski resort, come to Lutsen Mountains,” exclaimed Rhylee Octavion,…

Infinity Skating Rink Opens at Superior Shores Resort

The infinity skating rink is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week and you can register for a time slot on the Superior Shores Resort website.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The infinity skating rink is officially open at the Superior Shores Resort in Two Harbors, capping off a project almost two months in the making. “We were approached by the owner of the resort and he had this idea that he wanted to do a 170 foot by 75 foot infinity shaped skating rink. So we…

Families Enjoy Warmer Winter on Proctor Sledding Hill

During winter, the Proctor Golf Course becomes a popular spot for families to go sledding down.

PROCTOR, Minn. – There’s nothing quite like hopping on a sled and going down a big hill. “It’s great, it’s just what the doctor ordered,” Sandra Benney and her family said. Many families have decided to hit the Proctor sledding hill to enjoy some time outside. “With the kids distance learning, we call this gym class, physical education. We come…

Visitors Enjoy Snow-Covered Hartley Nature Center

The Harley Nature Center has many different trails so visitors can go skiing, biking, hiking and more.

DULUTH, Minn. – After Duluth received over eight inches of snow the other week, Northlanders are out taking advantage of the conditions at the Hartley Nature Center. “Winter’s my favorite season so just always enjoyed the peaceful desolation of winter and being up here there’s so many outdoor things to do even in the winter, it’s a lot of fun,”…

Anglers Prepare as Ice Fishing Season Begins

The ice is finally frozen enough for anglers to break out the tents and ice fish safely.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s that time of year when anglers are swapping out their boats and getting their tents out on the frozen lakes around the area. “I always liked to fish, always been a fisherman, so it’s something to do in the winter,” Jim Zawislak said. “It’s just kind of heritage: from Minnesota, land of 10 thousand lakes. It…

Hundreds Visit Pike Lake to Enjoy Outdoor Skating

Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time.

PIKE LAKE, Minn. – Pike Lake saw some thick ice early this winter, meaning hundreds visited to get some ice time. “Not too many ponds that are super frozen over right now and no outdoor rinks are really flooded because it’s been warm so it’s really nice to get out here on this ice,” Anika Burke said. “It’s a fun…

Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center Offering DIY Wreath Kits

The Center is Having to Adjust Routine Operations Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

DULUTH, Minn. – Just like many other facilities, the Boulder Lake Environmental Learning Center is now having to adapt during the pandemic. Because of Covid-19, the learning center has had to cancel several of its annual fundraising activities. “We got together as a staff and thought we need to get creative. That’s where the idea of these DIY kits came…

Hoffbauer Tree Farm Helping Keep Holiday Traditions Alive

The Hoffbauer's Hope to Be Open Through Dec. 20, or Until Supplies Last

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s oftentimes a family tradition. For others, it could be a year of new beginnings. Picking out the Christmas tree brings back memories for many, and for one local family, they’re just happy to help make it all happen. “You’ll be overwhelmed by the fragrance which would be the smell of the balsam and a little bit…

Great Outdoors: November Golfing

Other area golf courses also reopened last week because of the high temperatures including Nemadji, and the back nine of Enger Golf course. 

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor reopened its nine-hole golf course last Tuesday with plans to remain open all week long thanks to some record breaking warm weather. That left avid golfers itching to get back out on the course for one more crack at the season. “The cold weather does not bother me. The latest I think I golfed was November…