Outdoors

Snowshoe Enthusiasts Enjoy Fresh Powder at Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park Offers a Variety of Winter Programming and Outdoor Adventures

CARLTON, Minn. – With a fresh snow depth of nearly a foot at Jay Cooke State Park, conditions are perfect for strapping on snowshoes and breaking a trail through the powder. That’s exactly what the Anderson family from Cloquet is doing this week. After spending a few hours working on crossword puzzles in the comfort and warmth of their home,…

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…

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…

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…

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. …

Hartley Nature Center Preparing for Spring

The center has begun planning eleven-week summer camps starting in mid-June.

DULUTH, Minn. — Northlanders are looking forward to the warmer temperatures on the horizon. Now, more and more people have begun to get outside. At Hartley Nature Center, although the building is closed their trails are still open to the public. The center has begun planning eleven week summer camps starting in mid-June. Community members have been eager to feel…

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…

Sport and Recreational Vehicle Sales Growing

"They just wanted a place of their own where they could get away wherever they decided to go," Yost says. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – As winter continues, recreational vehicle dealers in the Northland are seeing a lot of people eager to hit the road for new adventures. It has been a wild year for RV dealers, like Bullyans in Hermantown as most of their inventory keeps selling out. “We’re just starting to get it trickled back in. After we sold it…

GO: Positive Energy Outdoors

For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages.

DULUTH, Minn. – “We’re all about people and animal powered recreation,” Positive Energy Outdoors Co-Founder, Blake Cazier says. For 17 years, Positive Energy Outdoors has been offering programs for all ages. “So we have sled dogs and Draft horses. We teach kayaking, have rock climbing adventures,” Cazier says. With the goal of educating their customers about the outdoors with every…

Minnesota DNR Encourages Hunting, Fishing License Sales

Revenue From License Sales Help Fund Critical Field Work for the Minnesota DNR

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resource is urging outdoor enthusiasts to continue purchasing fishing and hunting license this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Tim Walz has officially allowed fishing season to begin as planned on Saturday, May 9. Turkey season is already well underway in many parts of the state. Much of the revenue collected from…

All Aboard the Fall Colors Train Starting this Friday

CNN Once Named the North Shore Fall Colors Train Tour "Top 5 out of the Top 10 in America"

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Friday, September 21, folks will be able to hop aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad’s Fall Color Tours. Executive Director of the North Shore Scenic Railroad, Ken Buehler, told FOX 21’s Brett Scott Tuesday morning that this opportunity gives riders the chance to view the Northland in a vibrant, colorful perspective. The Fall Color Tours will be…

How to Keep Your Gear in Good Shape

It's the first Grand Forestry Weekend at Duluth Pack.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Northland is known for its beautiful hiking and camping opportunities. This weekend one local shop is helping you keep your outdoor gear sharp for the trails. It’s Grand Forestry weekend at Duluth Pack this weekend. Demonstrations are being held on Saturday to show the proper way to take care of your ax. A professional will demonstrate the…

Visit Cook County for New and Exciting Adventures this Summer

Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County, Offers Multiple Upcoming Events for Visitors to Check Out this Summer

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer in the Northland can be one of the most beautiful times of the year and up the North Shore, there’s no shortage of entertainment when it comes to celebrating what the area has to offer. Linda Jurek, Executive Director of Visit Cook County, stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about a few upcoming events…

Congdon Students Continue Getting in Gear

Rainy Weather Postponed Bike, Walk to School Day for Students at Congdon Park Elementary; Event Continues to Grow

DULUTH, Minn. – Back in 1997 students, staff and parent organizers took part in the first ever National Walk to School Day. In 2012, National Bike to School Day became a reality. The day technically happened on Wednesday, May 9 this year, but due to rainy, cold weather in the Northland, students held off to celebrate until the following day….

How to Ensure Safe Campfire Traditions

Park officials say its important to teach your child campfire safety at every age.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn.- As the weather is slowly getting warmer, its that time of year for smores and campfire stories, along with the fun comes fire responsibility. Dryer weather and winds are ideal conditions for wildfires to spark. To avoid your campfire getting out of hand, park officials ask campers to use a fire ring, avoid liquid fire starters, and…

Renegade Gardener Talks Cool & Creative Containers at Home Show

Don Engebretson to Give Daily Presentations

DULUTH, Minn. – The Arrowhead Home and Builder Show starts up Wednesday, April 4 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, and this year there won’t be a lack of things to check out. This morning Renegade Gardener, Don Engebretson, stopped by FOX 21 to give a preview of his presentation. Engebretson has been featured on PBS, HGTV, and the DIY…

Joining in on the 30 Days of Biking Challenge

Duluth Bikes is inviting Northlanders to hope on their bike everyday in April.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Weather in the spring time is unpredictable, but one biking movement aims to get people outside. Duluth Bikes wants you to pledge to take a ride every day for the month of April. You can show your activity by posting #30DaysofBiking. “Anything counts so you might just bike down the block and back,” Duluth Bike member Ruurd Schoolderman…

Mille Lacs Faces Third Catch-and-Release-Only Walleye Season

Some Ice Fishing Anglers Were Able to Keep Fish This Past Winter at Mille Lacs

ST. PAUL, Minn.-Anglers and resort owners on Mille Lacs Lake face a third consecutive catch-and-release-only season for walleyes. The Department of Natural Resources said Monday that maintaining the restriction for the open-water season that opens May 12 will let it keep the popular lake open to walleye fishing all year, instead of closing it midway as it did last summer….

Wisconsin Launches First Elk Hunt

Bayfield and Ashland Counties Included in Elk Hunt

MADISON, Wis.-Wisconsin wildlife officials are launching the state’s first elk hunt. The Department of Natural Resources announced on its website Tuesday that hunters will be allowed to kill 10 bull elk across Sawyer, Bayfield, Ashland and Price counties from mid-October to mid-November and over eight days in mid-December. Four tags will go to Wisconsin residents through a DNR drawing. One…

Spirit Mountain Fun Still Going Strong

Officials Still Not Sure When the Mountain Will Close; Will be Open Through at Least End of March

DULUTH, Minn.-With spring coming upon us, skiers and snowboarders still have a small window to hit the slopes at the local hills. Spirit Mountain has been very busy lately as temperatures continue to rise. Staff at the facility said the brutal start to the winter with the cold temperatures, really kept people off the hills, but now Northlanders have been…

Northlanders Take on Extreme Freeze for Cold Camping

Special Report: Extreme Camping

DULUTH, Minn. – On a cold winter day, heading out to camp may not be the ideal way most people would want to spend their time. However, hundreds of people live to get outdoors during the wintertime. Cold camping is a passion of Brian and Miranda Gustad and their friends. “Not too many people get out and do this so…

Field Day Held at Gary-New Duluth Recreation Center

Center is Located at 801 101st Ave. W.

DULUTH, Minn.-The Gary-New Duluth Center got in the outdoor spirit today by hosting a field day. It was all meant to get kids more interested in outdoor activities at the center, while also getting the word out about all they do. Demonstrations included snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and of course s’more making. Much of the programming at the center is run…

Duluth Sports Show Continues

Events Continue Through Sunday

DULUTH, Minn.-The Duluth Sports Show has been packing the DECC for much of the week and that trend is expected to continue through the weekend. The event showcases a variety of outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. Staff from the show tell Fox 21 they try to change things up every year to keep people coming back. “We try…

Enjoying the Partially Frozen Lake Superior

According to Minnesota DNR the ice needs to be four inches thick to be walked on.

DULUTH, Minn.-  There are 1.5 million issued fishing licenses in Minnesota, according to Explore Minnesota %10 of license holding anglers are ice fishers. Before grabbing your fishing rod and tackle box, you need to make sure it’s safe. According to the Minnesota DNR ice needs to be at least four inches thick. Right now parts of Lake Superior have favorable…

Inside Look at the John Beargrease Marathon Starting Line

Every musher has a different story behind their passion to race.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.-  Mushers heading out for the John Beargrease marathon say dog racing is unlike any sport. Winter along the Northshore can create the ideal conditions or make for a challenging journey. “We go out there and what happens, happens. You just kind of go with the flow, that’s what this sport is,” first time Beargrease musher Liza Dietzen…

Ice Fishing Contest Supports Duluth Neighborhood

2nd Annual Ice Fishing Contest

DULUTH, Minn. – One local group is continually working to support its neighborhood in Duluth. The Gary New Duluth Community Club is taking advantage of the winter weather for an annual fundraiser this weekend. The second Ice Fishing Contest and Raffle is taking place on Saturday,  January 13. Teams of four are welcome to join the contest. Registration will be…

Banff Film Festive Shown in Duluth

The festival highlights adventures from around the world.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Banff Mountain Film Festival kicked-off night at the DECC in Duluth, but it’s not too late to catch the films. The film festival highlights short films of expeditions and outdoor adventures from around the globe.  The Banff Mountain Film Festival travels around the world. Thanks to the Duluth Cross Country Club the films are shown in the…

Duluth Pack Marks 135 Years in Business

Northland Uncovered: Duluth Pack

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is full of history and stories of how the area was developed. One local company got its start helping the men who built the area. Duluth Pack is the oldest canvas and leather pack and bag maker in the United States. The company is now marking a milestone by celebrating 135 years in Duluth. The…

Mont du Lac Offers Major Discount on Season Passes

DULUTH, Minn. – Snowfall this week has excited winter sports enthusiasts all over the Northland. Mont du Lac Resort is offering a special on season passes through the weekend. Season passes are priced at $99, which amounts to about $250 in savings. Passholder Perks include Passholder Tuesday – bring a friend for $5.00 (rental not included), 10% off cabin rental,…

Eskimo Ice Fishing Gear at the DECC

The Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter Show will Include Eskimo Fishing Gear

DULUTH, Minn. – The annual Arrowhead Ice Fishing and Winter show is kicking off Friday and will run through Sunday. Eskimo Ice Fishing Gear will be on hand to feature exhibitors offering one-of-a-kind products that won’t be found at any retail store. Event organizers invite everyone in the Northland to take advantage of show specials at unbelievable pricing. The crew…

Active Adventures: Positive Energy Outdoors Winter Camp

Winter Camps will be Available for Children in December, January and February

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures Steph Love with Positive Energy Outdoors stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about upcoming winter camps. Positive Energy Outdoors looks to encourage people and animal powered exploration of the outdoors. Winter Break Day Camp will give children three days to explore and play outdoors. In addition to snowshoeing and learning…

RV Dealers Advise Early Winterization

Bullyan RV in Hermantown is Seeing an Increase of Business in their Service Department as Campers Winterize Units

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With winter right around the corner local RV dealers are advising campers to think ahead before Jack Frost potentially damages your equipment. The Service Department at Bullyan RV in Hermantown says now is the time to drain your RV’s plumbing system. There are various pumps and ways to get all the water out of lines before putting…

Little Foresters Experience New Cabin Classroom

The Secret Forest Playschool Raised Funds for Months Before Building the Cabin Classroom

DULUTH, Minn. – A group of Northland youngsters now have the chance to enjoy their unique new classroom. After months in the making, the doors are now open at the Secret Forest Playschool’s Cabin Classroom. Founded five years ago, Owner Meghan Morrow utilized a space in the East Ridge Community Church until the congregation decided to expand on the property….

Boat Tour Offers Fun, Educational Ride Along St. Louis River

Coffee Conversation: St. Louis River Alliance

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Louis River Alliance is once again heading out on the water to educate Northlanders about the estuary. There will be a boat tour on the Vista Star Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Boarding will begin at 5:30 p.m. The river alliance will highlight clean-up projects, successes and future vision of the estuary….

New 5K to Take Place in Duluth Friday

First Annual Chester Park Trail Race

DULUTH, Minn. – A new 5K is taking place in Duluth on Friday, June 30. The Chester Park Trail Race, starting at 6:30 p.m., was created to encourage beginners to start trail running. The course is almost entirely off-road, including ski trails, the new Duluth Traverse Chester Rim mountain bike trail, Superior Hiking Trail and Dan Proctor Hiking Trail. Registration…

Outdoor Writers Association of America Hosts Conference in Duluth

Outdoor Writers to Meet in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has endless terrain for outdoor lovers to enjoy and this weekend some writers will be taking advantage of that as well.   The 90th Annual Outdoor Writers Association of America Conference is June 24-26 in Duluth. This is the third time the conference has been held in Duluth. No other city has hosted the conference more…

Annual Lincoln Park Walleye Open to Take Place This Weekend

$20,000 in Prizes up for Grabs

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota lakes have been filled with fishermen lately as the weather continues to improve, and this weekend the St. Louis River will be packed with hundreds participating in the 17th Annual Lincoln Park Walleye Open. It starts up at 8 a.m. on Saturday, June 17 anywhere on the St. Louis River. Each angler may weigh–in one walleye…

Business Booming at Beaver Bay Sports

For Nearly Four Decades, Beaver Bay Sports Shop Has Offered Locals and Tourists Outdoor Recreation Opportunities

BEAVER BAY, Minn. – Summer is officially here which means business is starting to boom along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Many businesses rely on a summer rush while others have found opportunities to evolve, catering to customers year round. In this week’s Knowing Your Neighbors, FOX 21’s Brett Scott stopped by one shop doing just that. “Everybody’s getting their boats…

Sprouting Up With Shoreview Natives

Shoreview Natives Look to Showcase Natural Landscaping

DULUTH, Minn. – Many of you may be looking into landscaping projects this summer. One local company is looking to transition outdoor spaces into ecological hubs. Shoreview Natives is stemming from a lesson taught in one Northland classroom. For Duluth Woodland resident Will Bartsch, it’s common to have folks drive past his home, looking twice and stopping with a few questions….

Conquering the Ropes Course at YMCA Camp Miller

Active Adventures: Camp Miller

DULUTH, Minn. – With school out for Summer kids from around the country are looking for ways to stay busy. YMCA Camp Miller has been providing activities for decades. The camp is one of the oldest YMCA camps in the nation. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21 tackled the ropes course. Camp Miller is located at 89382 E Frontage Rd, Sturgeon…

Minnesota Celebrates “No Registration Weekend” for ATV Trails

No Registration Weekend Runs June 2-4

DULUTH, Minn. – As it’s starting to feel like summer, more and more Northlanders are heading outdoors. This weekend is perfect for ATV riders ready to hit the trails.   It’s “No Registration Weekend” for all Minnesota public ATV trails. Meaning, Minnesotans with private registrations or anyone out-of-state can ride more than 3,000 miles of public trails for free.  …

Trail Technology to Take in the Great Outdoors

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend the country will be celebrating nature as National Trials Day is Saturday, June 3. Rachel Agurkis, a Solutions Specialist for Verizon Wireless, joined the Fox 21 morning crew to go over technology suitable for outdoors. Fitbit Alta: Track your activity and take advantage of automatic recognition and recording of select exercises via the Fitbit app’s…

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…

Local Horse Barns Open to Public Sunday

Event Educates Public about Horseback Riding and Care

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend Northland horse barns are opening up to the public. The Duluth Area Horse Trail Alliance is encouraging anyone interested in horseback riding to stop by, no matter the age. The 3rd Annual Horses in your Neighborhood event is held to get folks of all ages excited about horseback riding, and also educate about trail courtesy…

Duluth YMCA Adds Lumberjack Tradition to Aquatic Activities

Active Adventures: Log Rolling

DULUTH, Minn. – A lumberjack sport is now offered at the Duluth YMCA. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay tried out Log Rolling. Log rolling is available for people of all ages. According to aquatic instructors, not only does the sport preserve the rich history of lumberjack sports in North America, but it’s fun and good for…

Snowboarding on the Hills of Spirit Mountain

Active Adventures: Winter Sports

DULUTH, Minn. – Winter has arrived and the hills are ready for athletes at Spirit Mountain. For this week’s Active Adventures, FOX 21’s William Seay and Natalie Froistad learned to snowboard. Snowboard instructor Charlie Barette showed William and Natalie the basics. They practiced a j-turn and a c-turn. To sign up for a lesson, or learn more information, head to…

Winter Fun on the Snowy Trails

Active Adventures: The Duluth Experience

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures FOX 21 hit the snowy trails with The Duluth Experience. Dave Grandmaison, Co-Owner and CEO, took FOX 21’s William Seay snowshoeing for the first time. Grandmaison says they have tours for every season, including snowshoeing, fat tire biking, brewery tours, mountain biking tours and more. For more information on The Duluth Experience…

Staying Safe in Extreme, Cold Temperatures

Active Adventures: Gearing Up for Winter Weather

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Active Adventures we focused on the extreme cold the Northland is experiencing. FOX 21’s William Seay went to Trail Fitters to talk with Assistant Manager Biagio Nigrelli. Nigrelli says it’s important to layer in these conditions and always be prepared to go outside. Nigrelli suggested wearing long underwear, proper boots for the occasion, buff…