SUPERIOR, Wisc. — Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers recently awarded $15 million in grants to local tourism organizations. The Superior-Douglas County Visitor Bureau will be receiving more than $135,000. The bureau is one of several dozen organizations recognized in the grant which puts tourism as a priority in the state as travel is a priority for many people again. “We are…
DULUTH, Minn. — The city of Duluth is accepting applications for more vacation and short-term rentals. This as the city increases the number of units allowed around town. This comes as the city council recently passed a modified ordinance increasing the vacation dwellings cap from 60 to 70 units. With up to ten additional units every year until an ultimate…
FOX 21’s Brett Scott and Meteorologist Ken Slama share an update on news and weather making headlines Wednesday, September 8, 2021. Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, community, duluth, Headlines, Ken Slama, Local News, morning update, News, Tourism, weather
DULUTH, Minn. – Chances are if you’ve visited the Great Lakes Aquarium over the past 21 years of its existence, you’ve submerged yourself in the interactive water table exhibit, learning firsthand why H2O is so important to life on earth. Now since opening in 2000, change is coming to one of the aquarium’s most engaging displays. “It supports life, it…
BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchard just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…
BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Tourism in Bayfield has been up this summer. Hotels are being completely booked and businesses are seeing peak Apple Fest numbers. The weekly foot traffic throughout the summer has been due to events being back in session like the Point to LaPointe swim and weekly concerts by the lake held every Tuesday. This most recent concert was…
BAYFIELD, Wisc. — Orchards in Bayfield are already looking forward to Apple Fest for a variety of reasons. Despite losing the majority of their strawberry crops in the spring, Erickson Orchards just outside of Bayfield is banking on a healthy apple crop and a large turnout of people during the festival. “We lost 95-100%. The little bit that I got…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Small business owners on the Iron Range are continuing to witness more customers coming back through their doors as COVID-19 restrictions ease, and more people become vaccinated. Staff at Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods in Grand Rapids are seeing droves of people coming in to purchase clothing, footwear, bait, and fishing gear. With the continued closure of…
DULUTH, Minn. — A section of Superior Street reopened to traffic on Wednesday. Superior Street from First through Third Avenue West reopened Wednesday night after being closed since late April. Just in time for the start of the busy tourism season, businesses like the Lyric Kitchen which officially reopened on Monday, are excited about seeing more traffic in the area….
DULUTH, Minn.- The Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center in Canal Park is sharing all the ship times and updates outside again as it prepares to open its doors next month. On Tuesday afternoon, the Federal Dart left underneath the lift bridge, and just to the right visitor center staff were at their information desk. Staff said they’ve been helping with…
DULUTH, Minn. — “We kind of cater to a really special crowd,” Duluth Love Owner, Garrett Kirwan says. The company Pandora’s Box owns about eight stores around the Midwest including one in Wisconsin Dell. In early May, they opened up shop down in Canal Park. “Luckily things were able to fall together for us and we were able to pick…
GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – With summer fun now in full swing, more visitors will be venturing up north to check out the sights, sounds, and entertainment Cook County has to offer. Kjersti Vick with Visit Cook County says they are prepared and excited to welcome tourists back to the region after a year of tight restrictions. Safety measures still remain…
DULUTH, Minn. – After a year of unknown, the summer season is looking brighter as restrictions ease across Minnesota. The North Shore Scenic Railroad will begin running routes on Friday, May 21. The volunteer team at the North Shore Scenic Railroad has been working around the clock to get up-to-date with certifications, and making sure the tracks are ready to…
PROCTOR, Minn. — A new mini golf course is coming to Proctor this summer. After a conditional use permit was approved, a mother and son team found the ideal spot on Boundary Avenue on Waterview drive. The course called Rogue Eagle Mini Golf is designed by a New Jersey based Harris Miniature Golf. With the addition of a club house…
GRAND MARAIS, Minn. – The downtown district of Grand Marais will be busier than usual this summer due to an ongoing extensive construction project years in the making. MnDOT is currently working to reconstruct the portion of Highway 61 just west of the city. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions for those heading into and out…
SILVER BAY, Minn. – The City of Silver Bay along the North Shore is thrilled to be welcoming guests back to the Black Beach Municipal Campground this summer. This will be the site’s second season in business. Newly elected Mayor, Wade LeBlanc, is optimistic for a strong tourism season along the shore. He says last year proved to be beneficial…
SUPERIOR, Wis.- New numbers just released on Wisconsin’s tourism last year show a dip in visitor spending due to the pandemic. But Douglas County tourism officials look toward the future excited for a comeback. “A lot of other areas are experiencing tourism impacts of much more than that,” said Taylor Pedersen, President and CEO of Travel Superior. “So we’re excited…
LAKE VERMILION, Minn. – After a year of the unknown and countless cancellations, the summer season is looking brighter for businesses along Lake Vermilion. “This year is looking to be our best year-to-date,” said Kyle Colbert, owner of Lake Vermilion Houseboats. The scene is calm on Lake Vermilion, but many business owners are preparing for a stampede of activity as…
TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors venture up Minnesota’s North Shore, stopping along the way to help stimulate the various local economies in smaller communities. Two area businesses are optimistic for a better year ahead, as the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully reaches a more controllable level. “It’s probably one of the most beautiful places. You can…
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – With summer just around the corner, many small communities in the region are anticipating a boost in tourism as the weather starts to warm. Tricia Heibel is President of the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and is hopeful the spring and summer seasons will be beneficial this year for local businesses. Heibel says overall, she’s…
DULUTH, Minn.- Entertainment is on its way back to Bayfront Festival Park this summer, a true sign the pandemic is being pushed farther behind us to allow the City of Duluth to showcase its water front view, full of concerts and even Fourth Fest. “It will be busy, we’ll see cars and we’ll see bodies down in Bayfront Park this…
HAYWARD, Wisc. – As the annual “Lure” of Lights display in downtown Hayward Wisconsin kicked off Friday, community members say it’s just one of the many activities that will hopefully mean a successful winter for tourism. “We know it’s going to be a holiday season like no other,” Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Chris Ruckdaschel says. This year…
DULUTH, Minn. – The South Pier Inn, located across the Lift Bridge on Park Point, has had an occupancy well over ninety percent for the last few months. Management says that people still have the need to get outside, but they are traveling differently making Duluth a prime destination. “Even though MEA is not in session- it’s virtual sessions they…
BAYFIELD, Wisc. – “Apple Fest is a lot of work and its the most fun I’ve ever had,” Bayfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, David Eades says. But because of Covid-19, the lack of Bayfield’s largest event will leave hole in the heart of city. “The energy. The community. The food vendors, the orchards, the parade the contests. There’s something…
DULUTH, Minn.- Six employees have been temporarily furloughed at Visit Duluth, the tourism bureau tasked with marketing the city to outsiders. “We are at a point now where it was the harsh reality of what we’re facing in our industry,” said President Anna Tanski. “We have the resources and took these steps to stretch our operation at least through the…
DULUTH, Minn.- After Mayor Emily Larson’s announcement of the City’s tremendous 2020 budget shortfall due to COVID-19, tourist attractions navigate uncertain times through the most important dollar-making months Duluth sees all year. While Governor Walz’s stay-at-home order right now says businesses can start opening up the first week of May, owners of attractions told us they can’t just throw open…
DULUTH, Minn.- The fate of Spirit Mountain rested in the hands of the Duluth City Council, who voted to grant $235,000 to the resort, to make up for losses after a Thanksgiving blizzard cancelled this past Amsoil Snocross. While the council approved the resolution 8-1 with Jay Fosle opposed, it was not without a tone of disappointment that the resort…
NORTH SHORE, Minn.- It seems Jack Frost made an early stop up the North Shore, and businesses couldn’t be happier. “We all live here for a reason. So we’re big fans of the snow and the cold,” said Jordyn Timberlake. The Bartender and Housekeep at Knotted Pine Inn and Tavern in Isabella is looking at increased business for both the…
Duluth , MN – A new DTA bus route was added Monday morning to one of Duluth’s busiest tourist areas. Route 24 will take passengers through the downtown waterfront area. Previously, the only public transportation system there was the free trolley. Since that was only seasonal, a pilot route has been introduced by the DTA, allowing commuters accessibility to different…
DULUTH, Minn. – Fourth of July can be one of the busiest times of the year for Duluth. It draws thousands of visitors from across the country. And the increase in tourism can have its advantages for the city. Many call Duluth the “go to” place to spend their weekend on a non–holiday. “Well it’s a beautiful city. You have…
DULUTH, Minn.- The official start of summer is a little more than a week away, and in Duluth that means Grandma’s Marathon, outdoor festivals, and live music at Bayfront Festival Park. Those events all bring in Tourists. Grandma’s Marathon brings in as many as 20,000 runners and their friends and family. That weekend kicks off Duluth’s summer of fun. Grandma’s…
WISCONSIN (AP) – Wisconsin might be best known for its beer and cheese offerings, but the state is now dabbling in other areas of interest. A new report shows the states wineries are dragging tourists from across the Upper Midwest. A recent Michigan State University study estimated 1.78 million visits were made to Wisconsin’s winery tasting rooms in 2015, bringing…
SUPERIOR, Wisc.- Tourism business sales in Douglas County topped nearly one hundred fifty million dollars in 2018. With visitor spending up almost ten percent compared to the previous year. That’s according to a report released today from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism. Local leadership say the increase is due to a number of factors, including new retail developments in Superior’s…
Categories: Community, News, News – Latest News, News Update Tags: Brett Scott, brittney merlot, community, Fall, Headlines, midday update, News, Tourism, weather
SUPERIOR, Wis.- A long-debated ordinance allowing ATV’s on trails year-round throughout the city of Superior passed. The Superior City Council passed an ordinance allowing ATV’s to be driven all year round. The ordinance allows ATV’s to be driven on select trails throughout the city. It’s been a debate for almost a year now but city councilors believe allowing the recreational…
DULUTH, Minn. – Race officials with the NorthShore Inline Marathon say their office space is diminishing as final preps are underway this week for the annual event. The Marathon is in it’s 23rd year, attracting over 2,000 athletes and spectators to the Twin Ports. This year’s events will kick off on Friday, September 14 with the annual Expo and packet…
DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Tuesday, August 28, city officials along with community partners are set to unveil new signage as park of the nearly two week Make Canal Park Pop initiative. The project is made possible thanks to a Knight Cities Challenge grant of more than $200,000 dollars, received in June of 2017. The grant will expire in December of…
UPDATE: The Duluth City Council unanimously approved $25,000 to fund border patrol gear for cruise ships to enter the Twin Ports. DULUTH, Minn.- Cruise ships are planning on coming to Duluth by next summer but the Port Authority needs to purchase U.S. Customs and Border Control equipment to make it happen. Monday night they’re seeking approval at the City Council meeting…
TWO HARBORS, Minn.- Construction is continuing to buzz along on Highway 61 on the North Shore. The construction includes replacing traffic signals and pavement in Two Harbors and north of the city. Earlier this summer the paving project began outside of Two Harbors but now the project will be right in the city along Highway 61. Although summer is construction season…
DULUTH, Minn. – Adventurous Northlanders and visitors to the area now have the chance to check out the newly opened Lake Superior Beach Club at the historic Glensheen Mansion. Marketing Manager Jane Pederson told FOX 21’s Brett Scott on Monday, the idea came after Executive Director Dan Hartman recently traveled to a conference, and was able to enjoy a brew on the grounds…
DULUTH, Minn. – U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (DFL-MN) spent her Fourth of July here n Duluth. Sen. Klobuchar was at City Hall to discuss Duluth’s growth in tourism. A place that more than six million people like to visit each year and brings in almost $1 billion dollars to the economy. She attributes the lakes, biking and restaurants to the…
DULUTH, Minn.- Volunteers are digging in to make sure Duluth is colorful regardless of the weather. Gardeners and city workers are planting for a blooming city during Dig in for the Downtown Waterfront. This is the 16th year the Greater Downtown Council and City of Duluth held the annual event putting together large planters. Two volunteers we spoke with have…
CLOQUET, Minn.-The KOA campground is offering campers a special deal for a good cause this weekend. KOA had a late opening this year due to weather but this weekend you can get outside and camp at K-O-A Saturday night for $20. It’s been deemed “Care Camps Big Weekend” the funds from Saturday will go to medically-supervised camps for kids with…
GRAND MARAIS, Minn.- Warmer weather is coming and so are the tourists. Grand Marais is known as a popular Northshore destination and right now local businesses are gearing up to be fully packed. The Dockside Fish Market has been a staple in Grand Marias for 20 years. Known for their locally caught fish, the hottest item on the menu is the…
HIBBING, Minn.- The Iron Range is becoming more tourist-friendly with the help of members of the community. A certified tourism and ambassador program is being incorporated from Hibbing to Hoyt Lakes. You can become a tour guide but you need to know the must-see attractions from trails to disc golf. “Most of us have gone out to these attractions and certainly…
DULUTH, Minn.- A new study released Tuesday shows Glensheen Mansion now brings in around 90,000 out–of– the area visitors to Duluth each year. Glensheen Mansion is one of the leading tourist attractions in Minnesota. The study by an economic research firm reveals Glensheen brings Duluth more than $7 million dollars annually in economic impact. According to the study every homeowner in…
DULUTH, Minn.- The North Shore Scenic Railroad goes from Duluth to Two Harbors. This summer a new stop will be made along the way. A special Knife River train ride is now available. Officials say they’re dipping their toes into the idea offering a trial Picnic Train. The day trip will include time to explore the beach, Lake Superior, and…
CARLTON, Minn. – As the season of gift giving soon returns, many of us may think of big box stores for the latest and greatest gadgets and goods. However, one dynamic sister duo in Carlton is looking to shine a spotlight on local businesses. If you get a chance to take a break along Chestnut Avenue in Carlton, chances are…
DULUTH, Minn. – Happening Saturday, September 16, hundreds will gather at Hawk Ridge Observatory in Duluth to see the fall migration of birds. Visitors from as far away as Sweden are known to come for the annual event. Different species will be making their way south as cooler temperatures push into the Northland. Organizers say the weekend of events is…
SILVER BAY, Minn. – Exciting events are planned for the new North Shore Adventure Park in Silver Bay. The natural rock climbing wall dubbed ‘Eleanor’ opened three months ago and investors say they’re already receiving rave reviews from visitors. The park is located just off Highway 61 where an old gas station sat vacant for years. Now, aside from climbing,…
