Bat Night on Minnesota Point
Bat biologists are investigating a group of the nocturnal creatures that call Minnesota Point home. The general public is invited to join them for Bat Night on Minnesota Point.
This event is weather dependent; it will occur on one night in the range of Sept. 14-19, from 6 to 10 p.m. For the exact date of the event keep an eye on the Park Point Community Club and the Minnesota Scientific & Natural Areas‘ Facebook pages or email arika.mcgraw @ state.mn.us to be added to an email notification list. The date will be determined the week before the event.
The evening begins at Lake Superior Waterline Pump Station #1, or Walter F. Stock Pumping Station, near Sky Harbor Airport. Attendees should make sure to factor in the time needed to hike the 0.8 mile of trail from the parking area to the station. At 6 p.m. there is an introduction to the bats of Minnesota, what the Minnesota DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service are working on with bats, and Indigenous storytelling about bats. Then the group will move on to the data gathering activities.
- Observe DNR mammologists as they gather bats that were caught in carefully placed nets to bring back to a processing tent near the pumping station. There they will record information such as species before releasing them.
- Join scientists as they go on walks up and down the beach using Echo Meters to record the sounds bats make to help navigate and find food. These devices are connected to a tablet and detect and record the bats in real time. Participants can see the color spectrographs of the bats’ echolocation and even get a potential species identification.
Both of these activities happen simultaneously and participants can filter back and forth between them.
Apostle Islands Sea Kayak Camping
Explore an island with sea caves, a lighthouse, historic artifacts of past inhabitants, away from the noise of the city and under the milky way, clearly visible and sparkling on a cloud free night. The first night will be spent on the mainland at Little Sand Bay, learning about how to pack gear, set camp, and cook dinner. The next day, instructors will lead a basic strokes and rescues course to prepare participants to maneuver safely and confidently in a sea kayak before paddling 3-5 miles to the campsite. While on the island we will explore as many of the island’s treasures as time and weather allow.
The course runs August 7, 1:00 p.m. to August 9, 6 p.m. Register by Tuesday, August 4th at 6 p.m.
UMD Rec Sports provides all sea kayaks, paddles, personal floatation devices, safety gear, cold-water immersion wear, dry bags for belongings, instruction, transportation from UMD, food and group camping gear (tents, rain fly, camp stove and cooking supplies, water filter).
Participants need to provide personal clothing and camping equipment (sleeping bag, sleeping mat, headlamp, rain gear, cup, bowl, spoon, etc). Don’t have it? Reserve it from the UMD Rental Center.
Meet at the UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802
Art Night Out: Send Flowers
This Art Night Out is a celebration of communication: a postcard-writing party. Artist duo Cody Paulson and Stephen Pestalozzi are giving an artist talk and inviting attendees to sit down and draft postcards, plucked off the gallery walls, to send to friends and loved ones.
Attendees are asked to bring mailing addresses for the postcards. All other writing and mailing supplies are included in the exhibition. Snacks and drinks will be available.
This is a pay-what-you-can event with a suggested donation range topping out at $50.
Registration is available at duluthart.org.
Public Fire Research on Minnesota Point
After more than 180 years of suppression and exclusion, fire (ishkode in the Ojibwe language) is coming back to Minnesota Point. For generations, Anishinaabe people used good fire to work with the land and maintain key foods and medicines. Descendants of these families still maintain connections on the Point. The DNR is working in partnership with Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, the USFWS, the City of Duluth, Minnesota Point 50 and community members to restore ishkode to this fire-dependent pine woodland. No experience necessary, just bring curiosity and enthusiasm.
This research project uses the mobile app and online web resource iNaturalist to collect information. There will be people and resources on site to help go through the basics and answer any questions. It is recommended to download the iNaturalist app ahead of time.
Stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. There will be a guided hike though burn unit B starting at 5:00 p.m. Park near the Sky Harbor Airport and hike 0.8 miles down the Park Point Nature Trail to the Walter F. Stock Pumping Station where the base of operations for this event will be located.
Eco3 Urban Farm Summer Sampler
Everyone is welcome at the Eco3 Urban Farm Summer Sampler open house where guests taste seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs grown on the farm.
Take a guided tour of the farm, meet the people who grow the food, enjoy yard games and participate in fun activities for kids. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast, a local food lover or simply looking for a fun afternoon with family and friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Superior Trails & Ales 5k and 10k Run/Walk
Superior Trails & Ales 5k and 10k Run/Walk is run in the Superior Municipal Forest. The event supports the growth of the city forest trail system.
Participants receive a pint glass and a free beer from Earth Rider Brewery. The top three finishers in each race win a Birkie Trail Run event entry.
Sea Kayak Sunset Harbor Tour
Experience the activity of Duluth’s working Harbor with its expansive skyline and bird sanctuary island. See freighters visiting from around the world and perhaps glide alongside the William A. Irvin, a docked 611 foot iron ore ship if the weather cooperates. This tour is appropriate for complete beginners, as well as experienced sea kayakers who would just like to get out on the water in the company of others. Register by Friday, July 24th at 6 p.m.
UMD Rec Sports will provide all sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold water immersion wear and instruction. Participants need to bring swim suit, towel, full water bottle(s), close-toed shoes or neoprene booties that will get wet, dry shoes to change into after the paddle, sunglasses with strap, optional sun hat and sun screen and a change of dry clothes for after the course.
Meet at the UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Avenue, Duluth, MN 55802
Plein Air Duluth 2026 Art Exhibit Reception
Plein Air Duluth is an annual outdoor landscape painting event with artists coming from around the state to create artwork at some of Duluth’s most beloved sites.
The culminating reception is held at the Great Lakes Atelier of Fine Art: a one-night pop-up exhibit where 40+ artists will share, celebrate and sell many of the pieces they worked on in the three days prior.
Light refreshments are served. All are welcome.
UMD Techno Club vs. Superior
The UMD Techno Club is the driving force behind the modern electronic dance music renaissance in the Twin Ports. Founded as a student-led collective, this high-energy movement bridges the gap between underground rave culture and mainstream nightlife by delivering immersive, high-production events across Duluth. Specializing in everything from driving industrial techno to groove-heavy tech house, the collective is known for transforming traditional spaces into pulsating dance floors and showcasing the region’s top emerging DJ talent.
Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
Sunflower Ball
Sunflower Ball is a drag show produced by the Coral Collective, an LGBTQIA2S+ arts organization in Duluth.
This event is for all ages. Tickets are available for $10, cash only, at the door.