March

FunFair

218-727-1170

This annual event is held in early March and features “Family Fun for Kids and Parents Too”

Admission is charged. Call for specific information

Late April – Early May

Home Grown Music Festival

Duluth’s Homegrown Music Festival usually celebrates its annual event in either late April or early May.

Thanks to the collaboration of originator Scott “Starfire” Lunt with the Twin Ports Music and Arts Collective and the Ripsaw, Homegrown endures. With over sixty acts in the showcase, Homegrown will once again uncover Duluth’s profuse local talent. Be there to experience the unveiling firsthand.

June

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

This annual tradition is more than a 26.2-mile race: it’s a celebration of running, live entertainment, fabulous food and activities for the whole family. On top of that, this world-class event highlights the best of what Duluth, Minnesota has to offer, including breathtaking scenery, unmatched hospitality and passionate community spirit.

July

Fourthfest

An annual event for the whole family.

Summer

Bayfront Blues Festival

This annual event is one for every visitor. A host of blues performs will entertain

Fall

Hawk Watching

Hawk Ridge Nature Reserve, located in Duluth, Minnesota, provides some of North America's best autumn hawk watching. A seasonal average of over 93,000 raptors migrate across Hawk Ridge from mid-August through mid-December.

Quilting on the Waterfront

Usually held in early September

Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center

Viewing of quilts is held daily.

Adventure Duluth: 6 Extreme Events For the avid athlete

A combination of events:

1. Lake Superior Swim and Beach Run

Swim 1 mile along the Park Point beach in Lake Superior. All swimmers will walk one mile south of 13th street (Franklin Lot on the lakeside) and then race back to the Franklin Lot. Long sleeve wet suits and neoprene head beanies are required. No hand wear will be allowed.

2. Sea Kayak

Paddle 9 miles from the Franklin Lot on the lakeside of Park Point under the Aerial Lift Bridge and up the St. Louis River to Indian Point Camp Ground. Choose the standard single sea kayak or the unlimited racing kayak division. A Coast Guard approved PFD is required. Rental kayaks are available on a first come, first served basis.

3. Mountain Bike

This 18-mile journey begins at Indian Point Campground and follows the shoreline of the St. Louis River on the Western Waterfront Trail. It connects with the Munger Trail before heading up into the Spirit Mountain Trail System. Racers will enjoy spectacular views of the river basin on a combination of old railroad grade, dirt roads, and single track trails. The journey circles back to the Munger Trail and ends at the Riverside Community Center. A bike helmet is required.

I4. In-line Skate

In-Line skate 12.25 miles on the Munger Trail to the UMD Outpost in Thompson. The trail is a seven-foot wide asphalt surface that will be shared with the public on race day. A bike helmet is required.

5. Whitewater Canoe

Paddle across the Thomson Reservoir on the St. Louis River and then portage up a one way trail to the base of “Electric Ledge”. Paddle across a section of moving water to meet the fur trader and collect your goods. Continue paddling through the Class II-III rapids or choose a longer portage route in the woods to avoid the whitewater. A safety team will be located in the whitewater section to help you if you have any problems. This is a four-mile round trip journey. Choose the standard open canoe or unlimited racing open canoe division. A Coast Guard approved PFD and bike or whitewater helmet is required. Rental canoes are available on a first come, first served basis.

6. Trail Run

The last journey is a 10 mile marked point to point run following the established Jay Cooke State Park hiking trails. All runners must stay on the marked race trail. The exit point from the Jay Cooke State Park is the Spruce Trail, which takes you to Hwy 23. You will run approximately one mile on shoulder of Hwy 23 to the Chamber’s Grove finish line in Fond du Lac.

December

Festival of Lights

Enjoy the Holiday Season with this annual festival, lighting up your dreams.

Contact the Visitor and Convention Bureau for additional information and specific dates

800-438-5884

Historic Home Tour and Holiday High Tea

Start the Holiday Season in style by visiting the Duluth Bed and Breakfast Inns. They are in costume and decorated for the Holidays. Tea is served daily

Contact the Visitor and Convention Bureau for additional information and specific dates

800-438-5884

John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon

This 500 mile event is usually held in February and is a qualifier for the Iditarod.

Come see sled dogs at their finest,

Contact the Visitor and Convention Bureau for additional information and specific dates

800-438-5884

Winter Fest

Winter activities-over 50 events.

Hockey and broomball tournaments.

500-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon, a qualifier for the Iditarod.

Horse-drawn sleigh and cutter parade.

    Sports

Sea Kayaking & Rock Climbing

UMD/Outdoor Program10 University Dr.

Duluth, MN 55812 218-726-6533

Friday 1-5, Sat, 9am-1pm, early July – Early August . Rock climb outside or on our indoor climbing wall: Monday & Wednesday, 6-9pm, Sat, 2-5pm.

Admission Charged Paddle next to anchored ocean freighters and the Aerial Lift Bridge.

Seaplane Rides Orville Air, Inc.5000 Minnesota Avenue (end of Park Point at Sky Harbor Airport) Duluth, MN 55802 218-733-0078

Call for days and hours of operation

Admission Charged

Scenic seaplane rides

Duluth Huskies Baseball Club   Historic Wade Stadium

34th Avenue West & Grand Avenue Duluth, MN 55807 218-786-9909

Call for exact schedule

Admission Charged The City of Duluth welcomes the Northwoods League to the area with the introduction of the Huskies. The  team features baseball stars of tomorrow.  Baseball has been a Duluth staple since 1903. Wade Stadium has been a longtime landmark for many future major leaguers and Hall of Fame inductees. Northwoods baseball is entertainment focused for family fun at an affordable price. Tickets are offered on a game day basis, season tickets and group outing plans are available. The Huskies will play a 64 game schedule, with 32 home games between early June and the end of August.

Skiing

Sawtooth Mountain Park at Lutsen Mountains 90 minutes NE of Duluth on Lake Superior's North ShoreSki Hill Road Lutsen, MN 55612 218-663-7281

Open mid-May through mid-October 10am - 5pm

Mountain Tram:  Two-mile ride in enclosed four-person aerial gondola to Moose Mountain summit. Scenic views of Lake Superior and North Shore mountains. Hiking Trails. Mountaintop Deli. Spectacular Fall Colors.

Alpine Slide: A summer luge run offers  fun for all ages. Scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Eagle Mountain, followed by an exhilarating sled ride down through dips and hairpin curves. Homestead Stables: Horseback riding through the Sawtooth Mountains. Trail Rides. Lunch Rides. Dinner Rides. Mountain Bike Park : 30 miles of designated bike trails. Lift access to mountaintop trails. Rental bikes available.

Spirit Mountain 9500 Spirit Mountain Place Duluth, MN 55810 218-628-2891or 800-642-6377

Call for operating schedule

Admission Charged for Skiing  With over 175 skiable acres on 24 runs, the Big Air Terrain Park, two full-size half-pipes, the Freestyle Park, three beginner areas with instructional classes, cross-country ski trails and the best snowmaking and the latest grooming equipment, Spirit Mountain is designed to please. After a day on the slopes, enjoy the comfort of the enormous chalet with ample space for relaxing or refueling.

Giants Ridge Gold and Ski Resort

Biwabik, MN 55708 800-688-7669 Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort offers 36 holes of the Midwest's most magnificent golf, 34 downhill runs, more than 60 km XC trails, MN's hottest terrain park and access to more than 2000 miles of snowmobile trails. Onsite lodging, dining, shopping, lake access and much more! Only one hour north of Duluth.

Tours

Grampa Woo III Excursions Milepost 52 Hwy 61PO Box 448 Beaver Bay, MN 55601 251-421-4211

8pm daily. Cruise the shoreline of Lake Superior from Encampment Island, Split Rock Lighthouse and Palisade Head to Thunder Bay, Canada. Daily scenic cruises, dinners, weddings and corporate fishing trips. Special week-long trips. Overnight Fall Color tours from Minnesota to Canada. River trips to Gulf in winter. (Nov-May, contact (251) 981-8241) 7:30am-

Isle Royale Scenic Tours Departs from Grand Portage, MN Duluth, MN 715-392-2100 or 888-746-2305

Departs daily mid-June through mid-September at 9:30 a.m. Arrives back at 5:30 p.m. Experience the majesty of Lake Superior and historic scenery on a day trip to Isle Royale National Park. Highlights include the Witch Tree, the sunken steamship "America", the Rock of Ages Lighthouse, and the park's pristine wilderness.

Superior Whitewater Raft Tours 950 Chestnut Avenue Carlton, MN 55718 218-384-4637

Trips run daily, May through September

Admission Charged Here's your chance to explore the wet, wild and wonderful world of whitewater rafting! Superior Whitewater Rafting is located on the St. Louis River in Carlton, just 15 miles south of Duluth. On-water trip time is two to three hours. Everything is supplied - equipment, shuttle service and the friendliest, most experienced guides you'll find on any river trip.

Four to six persons share a raft (you'll be paired up with others to fill a raft if necessary). No experience required. Trips are ideal for both beginners and seasoned paddlers. Go early in the season for high-water adventures or late in the season for still exciting, but less challenging, flows. Rafters must be in good health and a minimum age of 12 years.

Golf

Black Bear Golf Course 1791 Hwy 210 Carlton, MN 55718 218-722-8633

Call for tee times

Admission Charged The new Black Bear Golf Course, located adjacent to the Black Bear Casino and Hotel Golf Resort on interstate I35 and Highway 210 in Carlton, Minnesota. This par 72, 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, which measures 6,470 yards, was carved out of a Northern Minnesota forest and wetlands. Designed with ten lakes, natural streams and rock outcroppings, the course provides natural beauty as well as challenges for all golfers. Large, multi-tiered fine bent grass greens provide distinctive challenges. The signature Hole #7 features a 25-foot Bear Claw sand bunker strategically placed for premium shot makers to go for the green.

Lester Park Golf Course 1860 Lester River Road Duluth, MN 55804 218-525-0828 Duluth offers two championship golf facilities with great golf, great views and great prices. Each facility offers 27 holes, driving range and short game practice area, full snack bar and golf instruction from PGA golf professionals. Groups and corporate outings welcomed!

Nemadji Golf Course 5 N 58th Street East Superior, WI 54880 715-394-0266 A 4 star rated 36 hole public golf course located on the edge of Superior, WI. Tee times may be made 30 days in advance by calling (715) 394-0266 or on our web site Nemadji offers a full service lunch and banquet clubhouse, fully stocked pro-shop, driving range and a 3 hole, par 3 practice course. Custom club fitting and lessons are also available. Nemadji offers Country Club service and conditions at an affordable price.

Arts and Entertainment

Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra 506 West Michigan Street Duluth, MN 55802 218-733-7575 For seventy years, the Orchestra has performed a diverse repertoire ranging from the traditional Western European classics to the contemporary commissioned works by current composers. The Orchestra performs seven masterworks programs and three pops programs on a subscription basis. It also supports three youth ensembles as well as educational programs. It is one of the leading arts organizations of northern Minnesota.

Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra Duluth, MN 55801-0434 218-724-2141 Founded in 1987, the Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Warren Friesen, is a summer festival orchestra. Concerts are held on five Wednesday evenings in June and July at the Weber Music Hall on the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth, at 7:30 p.m. The LSCO has gained an enviable reputation for artistic excellence and innovative programming. We continually provide a showcase for talented regional soloists and a performance outlet for established and emerging professional regional composers.

Duluth/Superior Entertainment League 

On the Skywalk

317 West Superior Street Duluth, MN 55802 218-722-2000 or 800-622-2003

Call for prices and schedule

Admission Charged

The Duluth/Superior Entertainment League offers a series of national touring productions and other entertainment, all presented at Duluth's DECC Auditorium. The League's annual "Best of Broadway" season runs from fall through spring, featuring everything from classic musicals to more contemporary productions.