As a native, I of course own an inherited pair of snow shoes- therefor I've never shopped for snow shoes. However, the River Bend Nature Center in Fairbault has a good reference page on basic snow shoe info   http://www.rbnc.org/schoolunits/snowshoe.htm

I think Hartley has a few kinds of snowshoes for rent - you could try the different styles out.

I've gotten two pair used from UMD's rec sports.

Being a former TrailFitters employee, I would definitely recommend giving them a look.  They carry Atlas brand which is a subsidiary of K2 and they have a lifetime warranty.  I don't know what their stock looks like but the highest they carry in the Atlas series (8-12) is a 10 which is a pretty good happy medium between crazy light and super basic. (These are the modern aluminium variety of course)

...With that said, I would say check out the aforementioned local Northern Lites brand first.  I did not know they existed to be honest and I wish TrailFitters would pick them up instead!  

For shoppings sake, TrailFitters is located in the lower level of the Fitger's Complex.  I'd recommend just checking them out in general if you have never been.  They're a great source for clothing and gear as is Duluth Pack for more traditional gear.

Redfeather, Tubbs, and Atlas aluminum snowshoes are great, and often can be purchased online or even used on ebay.  The local Ski Hut and Continental Ski stores have some good aluminum snowshoes.  Showshoes are often sold by how much the wearer weighs, so make sure to get a pair that suits you.

My wife and I got new snowshoes for Christmas.  The brand is MSR, which is well known for making high quality outdoor adventure gear, and they are made in the U.S.  Ours were purchased at REI in Bloomington, but I would imagine you can find them in Duluth too.  Mine are MSR Denali Evo Ascent, and my wife's are MSR Lightning Flash.  They have awesome traction, are lightweight and strong.

Thanks everybody, your advice is much appreciated. This is why I love PDD -- I knew you all would steer me in the right direction!

I'll be sure to let you know what I get. I am psyched. 

(And, In.Dog.Neato, I knew you weren't in church before the New Year's Day bacon, bacon, bacon party.)

My husband bought my Yukon's at Northwest Outlet a couple years ago. Best gift ever! I've been using them every day this winter out my back yard and woods.

Update! I bought a pair of Tubbs snowshoes at Continental, their Flex NRG series, and went hiking around Chester Bowl. It's sunny, but cold, and the view of Lake Superior from the crest of the ridge above the bowl was spectacular! Thanks, everyone, for your advice and comments. See you in the woods!

No offense, but lack of local availability is precisely the reason why I would be hesitant to buy Crescent Moon. In hindsight, if I had done better homework on my brands I would have likely settled on Redfeather, due to its Wisconsin origin.

If they're not readily available here then the chances of finding maintenance and repair support are equally as scarce.

Just want to clear a few things up: 

- Tubbs are made in the cradle of snowshoing...CHINA....that is a fact. They were at one time made in Vermont - have never been made in Washington, and are disributed out of Vashon Island by K2. 

- Old fashioned wood snowshoes are great - for floatation(better than aluminum - simple matter of surface area). However they are pretty much useless for going up anything steep (with the exception of a few that do have crampons on the bindings).

- Aluminum shoes take ALOT more abuse - I am rather abusive to my snowshoes so I go with aluminum. Plus the traction for climbing is far superior. I can climb vertical with mine. If I were strolling lakes, fields and Tamarack swamps I would use some huge woodies.

-There are alot more differences between brands as well. Too much to type though.  That's why - regardless of where you live, it is best to talk to a local shop about what is best for you. Buy local y'all.

Tubbs is a great brand -- no doubt.  I just like Atlas (also made in China) better for various reasons. That's why I sell them. We at Skihut are seriously considering an American made brand for next season -- maybe Crescent Moon -- but will still carry Atlas because they are the toughest out there right now.