Great Outdoors Archives - Page 4 of 13

Oceans Alive Exhibit Opens

June 14, 2024

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn.– A new exhibit made a splash Friday morning at the Great Lakes Aquarium. The Oceans Alive made its debut. The goal with this new exhibit is to represent how our oceans, climate, and local habitats are all connected. The project combines both freshwater, and saltwater enclosures in one area. They are welcoming a giant Pacific octopus, along with…

U Of M Hosts Invasive Species Workshop In Duluth

June 7, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — A workshop took place at the Great Lakes Aquarium on Friday to inform those on what is in our lakes and rivers. The University of Minnesota hosts the Aquatic Invasive Species or AIS Detectors Core Course. Around 20 people attended the event to be better informed on how to identify those creatures and report them. Species include…

Richard I. Bong Center Honors Veterans on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day

The center raised the flags to remember the lives lost, while also supporting current veterans

June 6, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

SUPERIOR, Wis. — June 6th marks the 80th Anniversary D-Day, a turning point in World War 2 for the Allies. The Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center in Superior honored the lives lost in the invasion. Veterans, friends, and family gathered to raise the American and Prisoner of War flags Thursday morning. Members of American Legion 435 then played Taps…

Jay Cooke State Park’s Swinging Bridge Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

June 5, 2024

Emma Propp,

CARLTON, Minn. — The Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The bridge has been a landmark for people to explore the outdoors and make memories throughout the years. Park staff spoke on Wednesday about the history of the well-known bridge. There have been five versions over time. Its last rebuild was after…

Sailing Lessons in Duluth

June 5, 2024

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn. — Some lessons on the water set sail in Duluth on Wednesday. Students from Harbor City school had the opportunity to get some hands-on learning with sailing. This was hosted by the Duluth Superior Sailing Association. The kids were taught some basics ranging from the parts of the boat, wind direction, and tying knots. This event is divided…

Bike MS Ride Kicks off Saturday

June 5, 2024

Emily Halling,

DULUTH, Minn. — A team of riders is gearing up for an upcoming race for an important cause. A bike ride fighting against multiple sclerosis will begin at the Proctor High School this Saturday. Bike MS is a 150-mile ride that will conquer the Munger Trail. Eventually, they will finish at White Bear Lake. A suburb in the northeast…

Public Hearing Draws Big Crowd For Enbridge Line 5 Relocation

June 5, 2024

Lucretia Free,

ASHLAND, Wis. — The room was packed at the Line 5 public hearing Tuesday with the crowd overflowing into two adjacent rooms. Each person was able to speak for three minutes. Before the hearing started, supporters and opponents of the relocation effort weighed in. Sharon Vlari opposes the relocation and said it puts the cart before the horse. “They do…

First Responder Training For Worst-Case Scenarios In The Wilderness

June 4, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — An important training took place at the College of St. Scholastica Monday, preparing those who spend a lot of time outdoors for worst-case scenarios. Longleaf Wilderness Medicine is hosting an 80-hour first responder course preparing people for back-country travel. Those who participated are emergency medical providers, guides, and recreators that wanted additional knowledge. On Monday they focused…

Mountain Bikers Hit the Trails for Opening Weekend at Spirit Mountain

The bike park has a variety of trails catering to both expert and beginner riders.

June 2, 2024

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the past few years, mountain biking has seen a significant growth in popularity in the northland. As new trail systems have been implemented, bikers fill the woods with the sound of zooming tires. “It’s cool to see not only the ridership grow but also the network grow,” said Jon Regenold, Director of Resort Services, Spirit Mountain. At…

Island Lake Hosts 29th Annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament

June 2, 2024

Drew Kerner,

ISLAND LAKE, Minn. — Island Lake was packed with over 100 boats this past weekend for the 29th annual Kolar Toyota ALS Fishing Tournament. 108 boats registered this year, each with two on board, making this year’s tournament one of the most packed yet. Anglers fished for up to six walleye, five bass, and one muskie all to see…

Volunteers Join Together to Clean Up Wisconsin Point Just in Time for Memorial Day

Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve set out to clean up the sandbar on Saturday

May 25, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Superiorites weren’t just outside to enjoy the weather. On Saturday, twenty volunteers met up at Wisconsin Point to help make a difference. Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve held their fourth annual Wisconsin Point Spring Beach Cleanup this weekend. Volunteers split off into groups all across the sandbar, working together to pick up litter and mark down…

Families of Missing Canoeists Supported by Community

May 24, 2024

Lucretia Free,

DULUTH, Minn – Friends and loved ones are rallying around the families of the two men who went missing earlier this week in an annual fishing trip that went terribly wrong. Laura Grams is married to the brother of missing canoeist Reis Grams. She says the brothers always plan an annual opener trip. This year they chose the Curtain…

Skate Park Finally on Roll to Finish Line

Gary-New Duluth project has been years in the making, thinking and funding--and now building.

May 24, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

For people living, working and waiting in the western half of Duluth, it is a dream that is close to coming true. Ground has been broken, and earth is moving for a skate park in Gary-New Duluth. Countless people have worked for years to make that dream become a reality–both physically and financially. Now it’s so close you can almost…

Ice Is Gone, Rivers Are Flowing For Whitewater Rafting Season

May 23, 2024

Dan Hanger,

The ice is gone, the temps are rising and the rivers are ready for rafting. Minnesota Whitewater Rafting are ready to get people out on the St. Louis River this Memorial Day weekend and the rest of the summer for wild adventures on the rapids. “You’re gonna to get wet. That’s the biggest thing. People always ask, is someone gonna…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Great Lakes Fly Shop

May 14, 2024

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn. — Tucked away off Superior Street in the Lakeside neighborhood of Duluth, you will find Great Lakes Fly Shop where Owner John Fehnel spends much of his time tying flies. Now, after owning the shop for 25 years, he is ready to retire and spend more of his time on the river. “I’ve always had a passion for…

Federal Hearing Held in Hayward, Wisconsin for Improving Federal Land Access

May 13, 2024

Paige Hansen,

HAYWARD, Wis. — Monday the city of Hayward was the location for a federal hearing on “Improving Access and Opportunities for Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation on America’s Federal Lands.” Testimonies were heard from witnesses from Wisconsin and Minnesota, they say reduced access to federal land is decreasing the amount of people recreating in outdoor activities like hunting. Hunting and…

Minnesota Fishing Opener Reels in Mixed Results

This weekend was the official fishing opener in Minnesota and while the bait shops were busy, the fish weren't biting

May 12, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — Fishers at Island Lake Reservoir, Wild Rice Lake Reservoir, Pike Lake, and the St. Louis River told Fox21 Local News they weren’t catching much. One fisherman even said this was the worst he’d done on opening weekend in recent history. It depends who you talk to,” said Fredenberg Minno-ette owner Jason Manning. “The nice weather will get…

Chalstrom’s Bait and Tackle Shop Busy Ahead of Fishing Opener

May 10, 2024

Paige Hansen,

DULUTH, Minn. — Chalstrom’s was a popular spot for bait and tackle this week as anglers get ready for the Minnesota Fishing Opener. In the land of 10,000 lakes, the fishing opener is an unofficial holiday for Minnesotans. Chalstrom’s has just about everything one needs before hitting the water, including bait, lures, and of course snacks. Chalstrom’s says the week…

Lowell And Marshall Elementary Students Plant Over A Thousand Trees

May 10, 2024

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — Some elementary students in Duluth made quite the impact on Friday. Kids were able to show off their green thumbs when they took on quite the project. Thanks to the efforts from both Lowell and Marshall schools, third through fifth graders planted over one thousand trees. This was led by UMD graduate Gavin Buersken. The end goal…

The Number Of Fish On US Overfishing List Reaches An All-Time Low, Mackerel And Snapper Recover

May 6, 2024

The Associated Press,

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The number of fish on the government’s overfishing list sunk to a new low last year in a sign of healthy U.S. fisheries, federal officials said. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration released an updated analysis of American fisheries late last week via its annual “Status of the Stocks” report, which provides an assessment of the…

‘Everyone Can Bird’ Event Series Makes Birdwatching Accessible for All

Birders met up at Chamber Grove Park for an accessible birdwatching event -- catching a firsthand glimpse of the spring migration

May 5, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — Sunday morning, dozens of people flocked to Chamber Grove Park for the Everyone Can Bird event. The morning was designed with accessibility in mind, making sure birders of all abilities could enjoy. The event had an American Sign Language interpreter on hand, as well as a track chair — an all-terrain wheelchair for hiking. Interested birders of…

City of Superior Reminds Boaters to Purchase Launch Passes for the Wisconsin Fishing Opener

May 3, 2024

Paige Hansen,

SUPERIOR, Wis.– With the Wisconsin fishing opener happening this weekend, the City of Superior is reminding people to purchase a boat launch pass for certain landings in the city. The City of Superior maintains multiple boat landings for public use. The city owned landings require either annual or day launch passes. Including one of the most popular launches in the…

Drowning of Three Teenage Brothers and Hero Remembered

57 years ago, Coast Guard member died trying to save three brothers.

April 30, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

Tuesday was quiet and peaceful on the waters of Lake Superior. But fifty-seven years ago, the winds were vicious and the swells high. Four would die. The annual ceremony to remember those who drowned took place Tuesday at the Duluth pier. It marks the 57th anniversary of the tragic drowning that took the lives of the three Halverson family teenage…

Longtime Hartley Nature Center Leader Moves to Next Adventure

Tom O'Rourke taking his passion for environment and nature to his next challenge.

April 29, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

Duluth’s Hartley Nature Center is a city treasure. And now the person who has helped lead it for over a decade is moving on to his next adventure. “Hartley is such a community gem, you know, and the staff are so amazing. The board, the supporters,” said outgoing Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke. “You know any time you tell people that…

Duluth Pack Giving Back to the Outdoors with Arbor Day Campaign

April 26, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Pack has started up their annual campaign all about giving back to the great outdoors. It is the 7th annual Arbor Day Campaign, “Buy A Pack, We Give Back.” The business partners with the Minnesota DNR to plant tree saplings. They plant one sapling for every single one of Duluth Pack manufactured items sold. To date…

‘Growing Duluth’ Offers Classes, Guidance For Plant Lovers

No Matter Your Skill Level, Growing Duluth Wants to Help You Grow

April 16, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — Since opening last September, Growing Duluth has been growing their business to include house plants, produce, gardening supplies, cannabis seeds, and more. Co-owner Louise Kolthoff says Growing Duluth wants to make people confident in what they’re growing and be a resource for plant lovers new and old. The store offers a variety classes for different interests and…

Docks In Minnesota Slip Ahead of Charter Fishing Season

April 14, 2024

Dan Hanger,

DULUTH, Minn. — A good sign of spring and summer has happened in the Minnesota Slip… in Duluth. The docks are now in the slip getting ready for the charter fishing season. The slip is uniquely also home to the historic William A. Irvin. Some of the area’s most well-known fishing charters house their businesses in the slip, like the…

Treating Contamination to Start at Thomson Reservoir

Dioxins in the bottom sediment have been a concern since the 1980's.

April 10, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

There was good news Wednesday in the effort to start dealing with contaminated sediment in the Thomson Reservoir. Federal and state lawmakers made the announcement in Carlton. It is the start of a $35 million project–with most of the funding coming from the EPA through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Small pellets of granulated, activated carbon will be poured out over…

Solar Eclipse a Gray, Cloudy Washout in the Northland

No sun rays--only rain drops hit the eyes of those gathered at UMD planetarium.

April 8, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

If there was a place not to have a solar eclipse viewing party Monday, it was in the Northland. But that did not stop the hopeful at UMD. Many stood in the rain, looking up at the sky, only to have raindrops on their faces instead of the sun in their eyes. “Right now, just clouds, clouds and clouds,” said…

Duluth Parks & Recreation Groom Ski Trails for Final Hurrah of the Season

If you're thinking about getting some last-minute cross country skiing in, now's the time!

March 28, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation had teams out earlier today at ski trails around the area, grooming the snow. According to the City of Duluth website, five trails had crews working on them. Magney Snively, Piedmont, Chester, Hartley, and Lester Trails were listed as “fair,” meaning minimal bare or icy spots. Some trails were only packed for skate…

Students Enjoy Snow Day in Duluth

March 27, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids are enjoying the snows day in Duluth. Students from Duluth East High School gathered at a park near the Holy Rosary campus, that’s part of Stella Maris Academy. They said they watched a few movies inside at home but wanted to enjoy this surprising weather. So, they brought some younger siblings out and made snowmen and…

Winter Not Letting Go Just Yet

March 26, 2024

KQDS Staff,

DULUTH, Minn. — It was just two weeks ago that we were enjoying 60-degree weather, and on Monday morning, Duluthians woke up to another round of 7-10 inches of snow across the city. It was a reminder of what winter is typically like having to get outside and clear sidewalks and driveways. After only having to get the shovels out…

Some Have to Work on Snow Days

March 26, 2024

Lucretia Free,

DULUTH, Minn. — Isaac Kasper oversees maintenance operations on UMD’s campus. He was up at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Just last week, he and his team were preparing for Spring. Now they’re back to shoveling snow. “We were cleaning up planting beds, mulching, picking up brush and leaves and doing spring type work last week. Putting seed and soil down…

Snow Is Just a Bonus For Amsoil Snocross Finals

Popular event on track for first weekend in April

March 22, 2024

KQDS Staff,

This winter many outdoors lovers had to delay, change or cancel their plans. But one event was determined to go on, and the coming snow will just be frosting on the cake. For years the competitive snowmobile Snocross season kicked off in Duluth over Thanksgiving weekend. This spring, after a several year hiatus, the Snocross will be back–but this time…

Cross Country Ski National Championships Take Place at Spirit Mountain

March 22, 2024

Adam Jagunich,

DULUTH, Minn. — Much of the Northland has been waiting all winter for the upcoming big snow but its timing may not be a coincidence. Some of the best cross-country skiers in the nation are converging at Spirit Mountain. It’s the SuperTour Final and National Championships. Things kicked off Thursday with the first of four races over the next six…

Snowmobile Trails in the Area Will Not Open Despite Predicted Snow

Open water, wet areas, or swamps could be left underneath snow, making riding a safety concern.

March 21, 2024

KQDS Staff,

Regardless of how much snow is predicted this weekend and early next week snowmobile trails in the area will not open. Bayfield County in Wisconsin announcing that the snowmobile season was officially over on March 11th. That’s when all trails closed, and gates were locked. They also mention that swamps and wet areas will not be frozen enough to ride…

Historic Paintings on Tour for Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

March 20, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — Historic paintings are on tour in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The Superior National Forest is hosting the 19 paintings at their Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. Smokey Bear’s story came about after a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire; he was saved but badly burned so, they ended up naming him Smokey. The…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Damage Boardshop

March 19, 2024

Ken Slama,

DULUTH, Minn. — The hill that Duluth is built on provides a natural landscape for a variety of downhill sports. Once local shop that has been around for nearly 20 years has been watching and helping two sports in particular grow in popularity. “We carry snowboards, the snowboarding boots, bindings, jackets, snow pants, goggles, helmets, mittens, beanies, you name it,”…

Be Sure Your Bike is Ready to Go This Spring

March 18, 2024

KQDS Staff,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — Early last week when temperatures climbed into the 50s and 60s, some of you may have pulled your bike out of the garage for the first time in several months. After going unused for an extended period of time, they can collect dirt and rust which can cause problems down the road. Brent Edstrom at Galleria Bicycle…

“Fore!” Or, At Least Some Are Getting Ready

Driving range opened Monday at Duluth's Enger Park Golf Course as pros and duffers can't wait.

March 11, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

DULUTH, Minn. — With Monday’s incredibly warm weather, some people gave up on ever pulling out the ice fishing rods again–so why not pull out a five-iron instead? Those with the itch had a chance to hit the driving range at Enger Park golf course. No grass of course, but players could get the kinks out by hitting off the…

Chester Bowl Closing Day is ‘Bittersweet’ After Short Ski Season

Skiers and snowboarders took their final runs of the winter at Chester Bowl today

March 10, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — It was closing day today at Chester Bowl and plenty of skiers and snowboarders were getting in their last runs of the season. It’s been a short season at Chester Bowl, but making and maintaining snow has been particularly difficult according to Programs and Operations Director Sam Luoma. The hill has two snow machines. In a typical…

Wildcat Sanctuary Roaring After 25 Years

Lions, tigers and other wild cats live at Sandstone facility all grown up after its "mom and pop" beginning.

March 7, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

The idea was to rescue some wild animals–maybe a bobcat or two. Twenty-five years later, it covers acres and acres and has big cats from around the world. Lions, tigers and more now live near Sandstone, Minnesota. Although they do roam within fences, the goal of all the space and open air at the Wildcat Sanctuary is to provide the…

Soo Locks Announce Start of Shipping Season

March 7, 2024

KQDS Staff,

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Soo Locks have announced when they will be opening up for traffic, marking the beginning of the 2024 Great Lakes Shipping Season. The Locks will open March 22 at 6pm which coincides with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway. During the 10-week closure which started on January 16, critical repairs and maintenance have…

Wildfire Season Starting Early DNR Advises Homeowners

Homes Near Undeveloped Wildlands or Open Spaces At Higher Risk According to MN DNR

March 5, 2024

Jenna VanSickle,

DULUTH, Minn. — With warmer temperatures and little snow this winter, the DNR says the potential for wildfires will be high this year. In the last two and a half weeks, the DNR has responded to 77 wildfires covering over 4,500 acres. That’s over half the acres covered by wildfires in all of last year. Wildfire season typically starts in…

Mild Winter Could Lead to Earlier than Normal Bear Activity

February 29, 2024

Ken Slama,

CLOQUET, Minn. — Most years, the Northland will start waking up from its winter slumber during the latter part of March and early April. But this year, after an anything but typical winter, we may be seeing some wildlife such as bears venture out earlier than normal. “Bears could be coming out at any time. Particularly the adult males or…

Great Lakes Aquarium Educates Public On Invasive Species

February 28, 2024

Emma Propp,

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week and the Great Lakes Aquarium is educating the public all about them. When invasive species are in a spot they don’t belong in and do not have a natural predator to keep them in check they can spread. That’s why the aquarium currently has an exhibit up to show how an…

Drone Helps Find Missing Pine County Man

February 22, 2024

Lucretia Free,

A new technology involving drones helped find the body of a missing Pine County man with dementia. The 86-year-old man was last seen near the Nemadji State Forest, which is a vast area over 92,000 acres. Earl Bakke is retired from law enforcement and started a drone business that helps to locate missing people. He reached out the Pine County…

Martens, Owls, Ermine, the Unexpected

Sax-Zim Bog wildlife attracts amateurs and pros, big lenses and small.

February 19, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

“Not only are you able to actually see nature. There’s a lot of travels I do, and I don’t see any animals, hardly any birds, and to be able to have this in our backyard is awesome,” said local photographer, Amber Nichols. “There are people that come here from all over the world, to see owls in particular, and the…

Boats, Bikes, Bobbers, Booths Bountiful

"Sport Show Season" at the DECC

February 16, 2024

Steve Goodspeed,

The Northland’s winter weather may have us a bit unnerved, but there is still a place you can go to know that all is still right with the world. The Duluth Sport Show is already into Day 2 and runs through Sunday. Throughout the DECC, aisle after aisle and booth after booth, if you can think of it–and it’s for…

Wreck Of Ship That Sank In 1940 Found In Lake Superior

February 12, 2024

The Associated Press,

Courtesy: Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society WHITEFISH POINT, Mich. (AP) — Shipwreck hunters have discovered a merchant ship that sank in Lake Superior in 1940, taking its captain with it, during a storm off Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and shipwreck researcher Dan Fountain announced Monday the discovery of the 244-foot (74-meter) bulk carrier Arlington in about 650…