Category: Outside Fun

We weren’t rated the Best Outdoor Town to Live in by Outdoor Magazine for nothing!

Lake Walk Galley Opens

Crabby Bill’s got a little bit of an overhaul and is now “billed” as the Lakewalk Galley. Today was the christening for the ol’vessel that resides at the beginning of the Lakewalk. The Lakewalk Galley opened in true shipping style with the Mayor breaking a bottle of champagne over the bow.



Justin Steinbach, who is no stranger to great food on a boat (the Vista), together with Derek Snyder of the Lake Avenue Café, have created a great mini restaurant. A lot of the fare will be the same as Crabby Bill’s (mini doughnuts!!!). That said, there are going to be some great additions to the menu; if it’s anything like Lake Ave, I’m sure it won’t disappoint (fish sandwich!!!). You won’t want to feed the birds with this – and besides, that’s illegal, please don’t feed the birds! This will be a great escape for a Friday lunch! The perfect distance from downtown to enjoy a good walk and a great lunch. See you there!

Our Lakewalk Friend

We were out for a quick Grandmas Marathon training run the other day and came across a (not so little) friend near the Lakewalk. We were just east of the 32nd Ave East and Tischer Creek when a fellow Duluthian flagged us down. “Hey, just so you know. There’s a bear about 100 yards up the path.” Well this is going to be interesting.

Thankfully, at this time, he was off the path quite a ways. He still looked pretty lethargic and was laying down basking in the sunshine (just like the rest of Duluth!). We watched him for a few seconds, snapped this bad picture, and went on our way.

On the way back he was still laying in the same spot, still soaking up the rays. We have heard of this bear around but have never seen him. From the sounds of it, he’s a regular in the Congdon neighborhood. Not sure if this is the famous Bert that was cooling in a kiddie pool a few years ago but it appears that they warm weather has woken up our furry woodland friends, so be sure to keep your furry family members on leash. The last thing you want is a run-in with Bert!

It’s been a good season

It's Been a Good Season

Hey Duluthians!

It's been a while since we've posted about anything. Since our last one, it's been a good season! Whether it's been the shipping season, or holiday season. It's always a good one here in Duluth.

Over the last year we have seen an increase in shipping traffic. More of our trails are getting finished. Some great businesses came to town, a few of left. We have started on changing the steam plant to a closed circuit, which would help it be more sustainable and energy efficient. There have been so many things that are happening in Duluth. Too many to name all.

Over 2017 what was something that stuck out to you? We'd like to hear about it.

In the mean time, enjoy this quick video I shot of one of the last Lakers making it's way to port. Until next time, Cheers Duluth!

Crashed Ice Hits the Hills at Mont du Lac

Only Red Bull would look at a perfectly good ski hill and think "Hey what if we went down a Snowboard Cross run on hockey skates?!" Well that is exactly what Crashed Ice is, and it has taken over one of the runs for the past two weeks at Mont du lac. Crews have been working hard to build this really gnarly course, and from the sounds of it, they have build quite a smooth one. The unfortunately for the skaters, the sun was out in full force Wednesday which did a number on the course. There was supposed to be a hill about mid way down that they had to cut out of the run due to softness. Also, with the next few days forecast, they have needed to change up some of the scheduling. For instance, time trails were supposed to start on Thursday but were bumped up to Weds night. There is still be some trails on Thursday, but those will be early in the morning. Before the sun gets up early. Yes, 5:30am early.

Even with all the rescheduling and part of the course being cut, the skaters seemed all really pumped. Some coming as far as Alaska to try this out. The field look to have a good mix of experience. Some were clearly fast, and had sponsors. Others looked to be trying it out for the first time, and after talking to a few of them, they have the bug. Where else can you lace up skates and get some serious air. Well, maybe a few other places in the world, but not that many. To me, it seems this strange sport is really just getting started, and who knows where it will end up... Olympics maybe?

Until then get your tickets here for the finals, head out to Mont du Lac on Saturday, watch an amazing sport, and stay for an awesome concert. (Its free to watch during the day, but to stay for the finals you need to have tickets, which also get you into the Brother Ali concert.)

If you want to know more about this sport check out these sites:

Red Bull Crashed Ice

ATSX Ice Cross Downhill

Hockey Day Minnesota in Duluth

What a blast! I heard one of the commentators on  KFAN say, "You could not have scripted a better, more scenic venue as Bayfront." I completely agree. The weather was great, the games were good (minus East's loss to Lakeville North) and the fans were great. Unfortunately for the ice, the sun came out for a little while. Just enough to make things sloppy and slushy. You could tell that the ice conditions were affecting the game play. By the end of the East game there were visible holes in the ice.

A big thanks to all the volunteers who made this day a huge success!