winter

Beating the Winter Blues with a Trip to Bayfield County

Bayfield County and the Surrounding Areas Offer a Plethora of Activities for All Ages in the Winter

BAYFIELD, Wis. – If you don’t embrace it, winter in the upper Midwest can be a dreadful time of year. The folks in Bayfield County have an extreme passion for the season and look to share it with others. “It’s pretty much a Hallmark movie,” said Kati Anderson, marketing director for Bayfield Chamber & Visitor Bureau. “We’ve very inclusive. Everybody’s…

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,…

GO: Hartley Nature Center

DULUTH, Minn. — The Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is gearing up for the winter season. “A lot of people have discovered the outdoors and really have embraced getting out on the trails and getting outside. It’s one of the things that are safely available to us,” Hartley Nature Center Executive Director, Tom O’Rourke says. While the center is scaling…

Wild State Cider Offering Outdoor Curling

DULUTH, Minn. — Wild State Cider in Duluth’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood has started installing a new outdoor curling rink. After seeing the success of bars in the Twin Cities doing this same type of operation, the cidery is freezing its own rink. They have a goal of hosting an eight-week outdoor curling league along with lane rentals on the weekends….

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…

Residents Dig Out of First Big Snowstorm

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s one of the coldest days of the year so far and the wind didn’t help as residents were digging themselves out of the first big snowstorm of the season. With the city blanketed with anywhere from four to eight inches of snow, residents spent the Monday shoveling and snow blowing their driveways and sidewalks. We caught…

Warming Center Continues to Remain at Capacity

DULUTH, Minn. — The warming center in Duluth that is operated by CHUM has remained at capacity this winter season. After opening up on November first, it has seen a large number of people stopping in on a daily basis. Right now, the center is still in need of hand warmers and gloves for those going back outside in the…

Chester Bowl Preparing to Open for Winter Season

DULUTH, Minn. — Chester Bowl will start making snow soon. The ski hill hopes to start making snow this Friday with the goal of opening up by December 18th or earlier depending on the temperature. Chester bowl has also upgraded its upper lift house at the top of the hill and added a new electrical system. Staff are excited to…

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…

Life 97.3 Hosts Winter Clothing Drive

Farmers Insurance on Superior street and DLH Clothing in West Duluth were also part of the drive.

DULUTH, Minn. — The Christian radio station life 97.3 partnered with other businesses to hold a clothing drive on Thursday. It was the third annual event and the first time the radio station has hosted it. The drive was looking for jackets, gloves, hats, mittens and other articles of clothing to help get kids ready for the winter season. Staff…

Outfitters Preparing for Winter Camping

The business' manager says there's nothing quite like winter camping at the BWCA.

ELY, Minn. — Camping became more popular as people changed up their hobbies and habits during the pandemic, and that includes even camping in the cold. The Piragis Northwoods Company in Ely is one of the few outfitting companies in the area which continues to draw in campers during the winter time. The shelves are stocked with everything they need…

Harbor House Crisis Shelter Receives Large Donation

Harbor House Crisis Shelter still needs more donations such as diapers, laundry detergent, pillows, winter clothing and more.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. —  The Harbor House Crisis Shelter received a big donation last week courtesy of several businesses in Superior. Serenity Spa and Salon, Beauty by Jolene and Twin Ports Laser and Cosmetic Services LLC all share a building on Tower Avenue. Together the three businesses donated diapers, hygiene items, and luxury hair care products. In total, the donation was…

Experts Give Tips on Keeping Outdoor Plants Green

Typically they like to have their last day around Halloween depending on the weather.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. — As the temperatures get colder, landscapers and gardeners will be looking to prolong the life of their outside plants. Experts are trying to educate growers on how to keep their plants going before the first frost. They say some of the best ways are to bring the more delicate flowers inside during cold nights, wrapping cedar or…

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…

Beating the Winter Blues with Outdoor Activities in Duluth

From Sled Sheds to Skating and Skiing, There Are Plenty of Activities to Help Beat Cabin Fever in the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – The doldrums of winter are setting in for many, and the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department is ready to help you stay active and healthy. Residents and visitors in the City of Duluth now have a new reason to enjoy three local parks. Free sled use is being offered at Leif Erickson, Lincoln Park, and Portland Square…

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,…

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…

Drive-Thru Event Gives Back to Range Community Members

The annual community connect event is usually held in October.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Miners Memorial Building in Virginia held a different type of opportunity for community members to give back on Thursday.  The annual community connect event is usually held in October. Now, because of Covid-19 the event has changed to a drive-thru experience while still providing community members on the range in need of winter wear like hats,…

National Weather Service, Dept. of Public Safety Promote Winter Hazard Awareness Week

The two organizations are advertising a few lists on their website that can be helpful to prepare for winter before it happens.

DULUTH, Minn. – The National Weather Service and Minnesota Department of Public Safety are promoting Winter Hazard Awareness Week across Minnesota and Wisconsin. The two organizations are advertising a few lists on their website that can be helpful to prepare for winter before it happens. They have included a list of supplies for your vehicle and ways to check to…

Spirit Mountain, Mont du Lac Anticipate Adventurous Winter Season

Snowmaking Has Begun at Both Resorts, with Mont du Lac Already Opening One Run on Oct. 24

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland recently experienced its first blast of winter weather, and while many aren’t yet welcoming the change of season, it has ski and snowboard enthusiasts thrilled to hit the slopes. The cooler weather is also kick-starting the snowmaking season at two recreational areas in the Twin Ports. “Here we are in October and we’re already seeing…

Marinas Begin Prepping Vessels For Winter

The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat.

DULUTH, Minn. – Marinas in the area have begun winterizing boats. The process usually takes under two hours depending on the size of the boat. Although experts say it’s a bit earlier than they are used to, it doesn’t make it any less important when getting your boat ready for winter. “The process is basically draining out the water that…

Spirit Mountain Preparing For Ski Swap Event

Preparations for the 48th Annual Ski Swap are underway.

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is preparing for the 48th annual ski swap event. The resort will have hundreds of new and used equipment at the swap starting Friday and running through Sunday. The goal is to help people get excited for the winter season. “Helping kids get out in the snow. Skiing and snowboarding. Enjoying spirit mountain in the…

Duluth Warming Center Locations Still Undecided for Winter

Warming centers face new challenges during the pandemic this year

DULUTH, Minn.- As the colder weather begins to come into the Northland, staff with the warming centers in Duluth are working on ways to open safely this winter. Officials with CHUM said no locations for warming centers other than the main CHUM shelter have been decided yet. “I do know that talks are going on they looked at a few…

Spirit Mountain Begins Selling Season Passes

The resort has the goal of opening in late November depending on the weather. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Spirit Mountain is gearing up for the skiing season. The ski hill has opened up eligibility to purchase season passes for the winter. After shutting down for the entire summer season due to the pandemic, management says that they have a plan for the hill in place and are ready to re-open. “We’re really excited to be…

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, Health Officials Urge State to Take Virus Seriously Ahead of Winter

"If we do nothing differently, I would say it's a high likelihood that this is going to get much worse before it gets better," said the Chief Medical Officer. 

WISCONSIN- As the state of Wisconsin comes off of their highest single day jump in COVID-19 cases this weekend, Governor Tony Evers and public health officials urge Wisconsinites to take the virus more seriously going into the winter. Positive cases in Wisconsin increased by more than 2,000 each day for the past four days. Monday, there were 2,367 more cases….

Duluth Cross Country Ski Club Hosting Year-End Event

Tour DuLuth Ski Fest is Happening Saturday, March 7, 2020

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Cross-County Ski Club is gearing up to host its year-end celebration, the Tour Duluth Ski Fest on Saturday, March 7. The event features all-day/all-evening ski events around the city of Duluth. Schedule of Events: 9:00 a.m. – Lester-Amity Chalet open with doughnuts and coffee All day – Ski Duluth’s Trail System – The more the…

“Duluth Bikes” Hosts Annual Winter Bike To Work Day

DULUTH, Minn. – The organization “Duluth Bikes” hosted their 6th annual winter bike to work day Friday morning. Members of the group were out at the Minnesota power plaza on Friday morning, handing out coffee and greeting people who bike to work. Organizers say, although this is one of the colder events they have put on, dozens of people are…

Ready, Set, Book Across the Bay! Registration Remains Open

Ski, Snowshoe, Hike or Run From Ashland to Washburn Across The Frozen Chequamegon Bay

CHEQUAMEGON BAY, Wis. – The 24th annual Book Across the Bay takes place Saturday, February 15th, 2020. Book Across the Bay is the upper Midwest’s most unique winter event, open to skiers and snowshoers of all ages and ability levels. The 10-kilometer course, which is groomed for both classic-style and skate skiing, starts in Ashland and ends in Washburn, and…

Ready, Set, Ride! Winter Bike Week Kicks Off in Twin Ports

Zeitgeist Hosts the Annual Winter Bike Week to Encourage People Powered Modes of Transportation Year-Round

DULUTH, Minn. – Many Northlanders find themselves cooped up throughout the winter months, but one local organization is looking to promote activity with people powered modes of transportation year-round. Zeitgeist is proud to present the annual Winter Bike Week February 5 – 15. Currently, Zeitgeist’s active transportation coordinator, Shawna Mullen, is in Joensuu, Finland for the 8th Annual Winter Cycling Congress…

City Asks Residents to Keep Gas Meters, Vents Clear of Ice & Snow

City of Duluth Reminds Residents to Use Preventative Measures as Winter Continues

DULUTH, Minn. – As winter rolls on, the City of Duluth is reminding residents to think ahead before problems occur. The City says due to an increase in snow and ice-related issues this season involving gas metering equipment, they’re asking residents to make sure gas meters, furnace, boiler, and dryer vents are clear of ice and snow. This preventative action…

Trailfitters Hosting Warm Winter Clothing Drive

The Share the Love Clothing Drive will Benefit the Damiano Center in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Trailfitters, located in the Fitger’s Complex, is hosting their third annual clothing drive for the Damiano Center, running now through January 31st. The Damiano Center is in need of winter clothing to be distributed in their Free Store as demand ramps up with colder weather. The top needs include socks, jackets, boots, men’s clothing, gloves, and mittens….

UMD Police Urge Drivers to Use Caution, Watch for Pedestrians

Pedestrian Right of Way: Not Always Clear

DULUTH, Minn. – Three weeks into the new year, and already three drivers have been given citations for failing to yield to pedestrians on the campus of UMD. Just last year, 24 drivers received tickets, an uptick from 2018. With recent weather conditions making for tall snow banks and sloppy, slick roads, it’s prompting UMD Police Department to speak out…

Registration Now Open for Hartley Nature Center Holiday & Winter Camp

December Camp Will Use a Different Format This Year, Allowing for Daily Registration Instead of Weekly

DULUTH, Minn. – Hartley Nature Center in Duluth is giving local youth many reasons to spend winter break outdoors this season. Their wintertime day camp opportunities are offered during the school year when the Duluth school system is on break. This year, there will be  a new December Camp format, allowing for daily registration instead of weekly. The camp will run…

Celebrate the Winter Solstice with Ursa Minor Brewing

The 2019 Winter Solstice Celebration is Happening Saturday, December 21 at Ursa Minor Brewing

DULUTH, Minn. – Ursa Minor Brewing invites you to celebrate the shortest day of the year with them during a day-long lineup of entertainment and locally crafted brews. The 2019 Winter Solstice Celebration is happening Saturday, December 21 from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the brewery located at 2415 West Superior Street in Duluth. The Winter celebration is set…

Jay Cooke State Park Offers Multiple Upcoming Winter Events

Ski Trails at Jay Cooke State Park Are Currently Closed While Crews Continue to Groom, Perform Maintenance

CARLTON, Minn. – As winter break approaches for many Northland students, families will have more time to venture out and explore the winter wilderness. Two upcoming events are set to take place at Jay Cooke State Park in December. Carly Hawkinson-Sohm stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the events and let folks know how to get involved….

Great Outdoors: Enjoying the Winter Magic at Gooseberry Falls

People come from all across the country to experience the falls.

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- While most dread seeing snow and ice here in Duluth they’re the cherry on top of the experience up at Gooseberry Falls. The fluffy white snow and icicles inching closer to the rushing water paint a pristine winter picture. “The sunset makes it look really nice,” said Amy Yip. The scene makes for the perfect background to…

Mont Du Lac Off To Good Start This Season

Superior, Wis. – The Duluth City Council has now approved 235–thousand dollars in emergency funding to help keep Spirit Mountain operating this winter. At nearby Mont Du Lac, the season is off to a much better start. Mont Du Lac in Superior opened earlier than usual this year, and the resort stayed open throughout the record setting snowfall Thanksgiving weekend. The…

Northland Winter Weather Outlook 2019-2020

The Northland Gears Up for Another Long Winter

DULUTH, Minn. — It’s time for the 2019-2020 Winter Weather Outlook from our Fox 21 Meteorologists! While we’re still a month away from the official start of winter, snow arrives earlier in the Northland and sticks around beyond March!  We’ve already seen big snow events this season with a “Winter Storm Warning” across the Snowbelt with more than a foot…

Superior Business Gives Back With Community Coat Rack

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – One local business in Superior is giving back to the community during the cold winter months. Last year, owners of Sutherland C-B-D put out a coat rack at their location on Tower Avenue. They asked for hats, mittens and other winter attire. Now for their second year, donations have already been flowing in. “This year already we’ve…

Skiers, Snowboarders Rejoice with Mountain Meltdown at Lutsen Mountains

The Mountain Meltdown is Happening April 12 - 14 at Lutsen Mountains in Cook County

LUTSEN, Minn. – With soft snow and sunny skies, staff at Lutsen Mountains say it’s hard not to enjoy spring skiing! The annual Mountain Meltdown is happening April 12 – 14 at Lutsen Mountains in Cook County. Special deals will include two-for-one lift and lodging experiences. The Mountain Meltdown bash will also include ten bands with a live outdoor stage (weather permitting),…

Bock Fest Begins Spring in the Northland

The 25th annual Bock Fest wrapped up their festivities

DULUTH, Minn.- Spring is beginning in the Northland. The season was celebrated today at the 25th Annual Bock Fest at Fitgers. The event has grown from a small group to nearly a thousand people enjoying themselves with beer and friends. The German word ‘Bock’ means goat and at the festival they celebrated the traditional way with goat heads. Mall Manager…

Cold Front Festival Begins Friday in Canal Park

This is the Second Annual Cold Front Festival in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluthians have a history of embracing what makes this community unique, vibrant, and one of the best outdoor cities in the country, and winter is no different. Officials with the City of Duluth say last year’s inaugural Cold Front Festival was an incredible success, with 96% of attendees rating it a positive February winter celebration experience. The City…

SunSpot Sisters Striving to Help Keep Northlanders Healthy this Winter

A List of Locations for The SunSpot Bus is Located Weekly on Their Facebook Page

DULUTH, Minn. – Katherine and Sue York are out to help community members fight the winter blues. The SOL Sisters are often seen driving their big red bus around the Northland to help Northlanders dealing with depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder and much more. Studies say that 71 percent of people in the Northland suffer from vitamin D deficiency during the grey winter months,…

Registration Now Open for Hartley Nature Center Winter Celebration

The 13th Annual Winter Celebration is Happening Saturday, January 19 at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth invite adventurous Northlanders to register now for the 13th annual Candlelight Ski, Skate and Snowshoe event. The wintertime fun is happening Saturday, January 19 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. This event celebrates the cold weather season, silent woods, white snow, ice ponds and groomed trails that come with it….

Keeping Your Pets Safe During Brutal Cold Temperatures

A Place for Fido in the Fitger's Complex Offers Unique Materials for Pets During Dangerously Cold Temperatures

DULUTH, Minn. – The cold temperatures aren’t just hard on humans, our pets also need to stay safe and warm this winter. Pet experts and the owners of A Place for Fido in the Fitger’s Complex in Duluth recommend bringing outside animals inside during the deep freeze and limit their exposure to the cold. A Place for Fido sells all…

12-27-18 Closings and Delays Due to Winter Weather

Closings and Delays Received by FOX 21 Local News for Thursday, December 27, 2018

Senior Connections – Closed (There will be no meals or transportation services) Lake Superior College – Closed Cloquet Area Alternative Education Program – Closed Animal Allies – Closed YWCA Cornerstone Preschool and Childcare Center – Closed Bubbling Brook Childcare Center – Closed Kidz Kollege Learning Center – Closed Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College – Closed UDAC Categories: Community,…

Ursa Minor Brewing to Host Winter Solstice Event Saturday

The Event Sponsored by Ursa Minor Brewing will be Family Friendly and Feature a Wide Variety of Events, Live Music and Brews

DULUTH, Minn. – Staff at Ursa Minor Brewing is excited to announce they’ll be hosting their first community event on Saturday, December 22. The event is known as the Winter Solstice Celebration and Inaugural DiffeRUNce. The Winter Solstice Celebration is an all-day celebration of winter in Duluth and all the people that make the community such a great place to live,…