Looking for Duluth Insight
I’m a new student at UMD and I have been in Duluth for almost a month now. I have been to Canal Park, downtown, Enger Tower, and other well-known places, but that’s kind of it. Other than what I’ve observed from points of interests and basic knowledge from Wikipedia, I really don’t know much about the city. So I was wondering if there was a person(s) out there that I could just chat with to learn about Duluth’s politics, culture, accomplishments, struggles, people, places, history, future, or whatever I should know. Ultimately I am just trying to get an insider’s perspective of Duluth beyond UMD. If you would want to chat sometime or could refer me to somebody just send me an email, so we can hopefully set something up.([email protected]) Thanks!
I’d suggest a steady diet of Perfect Duluth Day. It will cover all of what you mentioned above.
Welcome to Duluth. It’s awesome that you want to plug into the community. First thing … the reason we’re all still here is the Lake! Look at it every day, I’ve lived here, off and on, my whole life. It’s different every morning. Secondly, don’t get discouraged when it seems like it’s taking forever to find a circle … you posted here, you’ve found a circle. Thirdly, when the dark depth of February rears it’s soul wracking oblivion of frigid bleakness upon you, find a sauna with friends, light some candles and play some Settlers of Catan.
-Take a bus to West Duluth, have lunch at Beaner’s Central, visit Central Sales, and then walk around the neighborhood.
-Get a map of the Superior Hiking Trail, and walk the length of it inside Duluth’s city limits over the course of a few weeks. There are lots of other trails that are fun to walk, too.
-PDD archives … oh yes.
If you’re at the UMD library, and you’re looking for something to do–the history center upstairs is pretty interesting. Also, if you’re there late at night, an evening spinning through the very old Duluth newspaper microfilms are pretty interesting/hilarious. Also, there are lots of books on Duluth history in the stacks.
Yes, PDD archives are made just for you.
Contrary to Baci, I’d suggest that if you want a true insider’s perspective, you should spend a lot of time in places where you CAN’T see the lake.
Someone should start a Cultural Big Brother/Big Sister program pairing newcomers with established residents.
When I was a student at UMD, I found the Celtic Jam at Sir Ben’s on Thursday nights and consequently the Tamarack Dance Association. I’ve come to accept that not everyone loves this stuff as much as me, but my early connection with musicians in Duluth was a great way to get off campus and is likely why I ended up sticking around. There’s also the monthly square dance.
I agree in principle, Barrett, but the most depressing days of my short life here (6 yrs) have been the days when I leave so early and come home so late, I do not see the lake in the dark.
Start by Googling “Duluth Ripsaw History.” The first 10 links will offer a shorthand lesson on the subjects you mentioned.
Perfect Duluth Noob…
we can show him where his locker is and how to get to the cafeteria!
I love Duluth. I’m originally from Plainfield, WI. I moved up to Superior to go to college in 2006. Fell in love with Duluth and Superior, coming from a town full of fields. I moved away (hour in a half south) couple years ago. Even though it’s driving distance, I miss out on everything and miss the city like you wouldn’t believe. This site is the only thing that really keeps me updated to what is going on. Thank you!
Try to find Graffiti Graveyard.
Welcome to Duluth and your quest for information.
Hike Chester Park. Enter at Fourth Street, walk along the creek/falls to Chester Bowl, then back down again. Do this in the fall. It’s amazing. This preserved wilderness should tell you a lot about the Duluth philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
After you’re done, stop at Burrito Union for some grub and a local beer if you’re old enough. If not, the root beer is awesome.
Volunteer at different arts and service organizations and at diverse events and talk to the other volunteers. Also, ride the bus.
I’ve been living here for 12 years and I’m still seeking Duluth insight.
Good luck.
Go to art openings and literary events and talk to people, you will be amazed at the talented people who call this city home.
Hiking is a great way to see the area. If you have a car, short drives up the North Shore will take you to Paliside Head, Split Rock, Tettagouche, etc. Trail heads are easy to get to and the hiking, especially this time of year, will be gorgeous. Just watch for ticks.
Hiking in town is a treat too — Chester Park, Hartley, Lester River/Seven Bridges Road, Congdon Park. And don’t forget to visit Grand Marais!
Hiking was the way I grew to love this area. Welcome, and have fun.
And don’t forget the Zinema–a great art film cinema with Two Hearted Ale
And last (and then I’ll shut up) Baci is right on. The lake is so beautiful, every day, and is why I live here even when it’s a zillion degrees below zero.
+1 for the SHT…though it’s getting a little late in the season to do any major hiking. November brings hunting season, and a lot of the trail cuts through prime hunting land. They usually post restrictions on the Superior Hiking Trail website.
Superior’s kind of a fun place to poke around, too………
Off topic but, Stephanie — Plainfield in Waushara County? I grew up in Almond! Small world. I always feel so out of sorts when I go back to visit my family — all those monocropped fields of corn or soybeans, it’s depressing — and I’m so, so, so glad to get back to Duluth.
You really ought to read By the Ore Docks.