Life Up North

DD Eat & Drink Duluth Review - Tavern on the Hill

This edition of Eat & Drink Duluth brings us to Tavern on the Hill in the Black Woods restaurant family. Located at 1102 Woodland Avenue, next door to the Shops at Bluestone - and very close to UMD - the restaurant is simultaneously upscale yet approachable.

While the menu offers trendy items like ahi tuna and ancient grains, the restaurant also serves all the comfy classics. Tavern’s menu leans towards the casual side, featuring items like burgers, sandwiches, pizza, salads, bowls, and tacos. There are happy hour specials from 3-6 pm and again from 9 pm – close, Monday through Friday.

Tavern provides the perfect setting for after-work appetizers and drinks, a leisurely weekend brunch, or even a special date night. The restaurant’s versatility is a big part of its appeal.

Please join us as we Eat & Drink Duluth … Tavern style!

History

Tavern on the Hill opened in 2014. As the newest member in the Black Woods Group family (joining Black Woods Grill & Bar, Black Woods Catering, and Greysolon Ballroom), I liken Tavern to being the pretty, yet approachable, little sister.

The restaurant is smack-dab in Duluth’s Mount Royal neighborhood, which many college students call home. Tavern is located between the upscale Shops at Bluestone and Bluestone Flats apartments – two of the hottest tickets in town, particularly for students.

Vibe

Tavern features an urban, trendy ambiance featuring drink specials written on chalkboards, artistic drop lighting, and enormous murals. Your seating options include a huge outdoor patio (with a cozy fire), a spacious dining area, or a large and well-furnished bar. So, you can choose your preferred seating depending on your mood … and Duluth’s ever-changing weather.

Our fellow diners on the night we visited included couples, large groups, and families with infants and kids. However, Tavern’s style seems most geared towards millennials and the happy hour crowd. Whether your workplace attire consists of scrubs, dressy casual, or a suit and tie, this is a comfy and casual place to grab a beer and a bite after work.

Food

Tavern’s menu is approachable, yet modern. There are appetizers, artisan pizzas, street tacos, sandwiches, salads, soup, bowls, and more.

Andrea selected the Cali Club. From the menu:

Off the secret staff menu! Slow-roasted turkey, bacon, lettuce, cranberry aioli, and tomatoes on toasted cranberry wild rice bread.

I asked our server, Charlie, about this “secret staff menu” designation. He explained it was created by Tavern’s creative kitchen manager, Noah, and originally available to staff only. But this sandwich was so well-loved that it was eventually moved to the regular menu.

The bread, which is sourced from The Good Bread Company in Minneapolis, was thick and chewy and toasted up to perfection. Large slices of thick-cut turkey and crisp bacon formed the bulk of this sandwich. Lettuce and thinly sliced tomatoes added some freshness and crunch. The cranberry aioli was rich and creamy and added a hint of sweetness to the sandwich. A few spicy cucumber coins served on the side added a satisfying crunch and saltiness. Eating just half of the Cali Club was satiating, and I took half home for lunch the next day.

I subbed out the kettle chips for a house salad with homemade ranch. I also added avocado to the sandwich.

The house salad featured mixed greens, thin slices of parmesan, red onion, sunflower seeds, and a few tomato quarters. The house-made ranch was thick and creamy. The salad was served with a whole wheat roll.

Mike selected the Walleye Fish Basket. From the menu:

Walleye hand-breaded and fried to crispy, golden perfection. We serve it with all the traditional fish fry trimmings: coleslaw, tartar sauce, and lemon. We add a Minnesota touch by serving it up with a snit of beer on the side.

This dish contained one large fillet of Walleye, which was golden and crisp with a cracker-like breading. The coleslaw was their proprietary “Tavern slaw,” which is mostly red cabbage prepared with zesty taco seasonings. The fries were thin and crisp, and the tartar was rich, smooth, and creamy. A whole wheat roll was also included. The fish basket was served in a pretty metal tray, which provided a unique presentation. The snit of beer accompanying the dish was a smooth-drinking Castle Danger Cream Ale brewed in Two Harbors, MN.

Beverages

Tavern offers many beverages, including cocktails, mocktails, soda, house-made moonshine, and tons of domestic and craft beer. Mike and I each selected a red wine to accompany our meal.

I chose the 1000 Stories Pinot Noir from California, which features notes of wild cherry, black raspberry, and vanilla. This smooth and full-bodied wine paired deliciously with the club sandwich.

Mike selected the J Lohr Cabernet out of Paso Robles, California. The J. Lohr Cabernet Sauvignon offers rich, juicy flavors of ripe berries. Featuring blackberry and blueberry aromas, this wine was juicy, with a soft mouthfeel.

Service

Our server, Charlie Dwyer, originally from Brooklyn Park, MN, was incredibly personable and friendly. He has worked at Tavern for two years and is a student at UMD. He started out working at Tavern’s curbside station and bussing tables and was promoted to server about six months ago. His favorite menu item is the Maple Salmon Salad.

The restaurant’s General Manager, Cole Jacobs, also stopped by to introduce himself. He checked on us during the meal, too, to ensure we were enjoying our experience.

On the night we dined (a Friday, during happy hour), Tavern on the Hill was hopping. It was impressive to watch Charlie navigate between his many tables with ease and always with a smile on his face.

Verdict

Tavern on the Hill is a unique, locally-owned Duluth establishment with plenty of flair. The food is delicious, and the portions are big. There are vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. The décor and ambiance are modern and trendy, encouraging great conversations as you eat.

You’ll definitely want to check them out and bring your friends and family, too. Everything about Tavern aligns with their tagline, which is: Eat. Drink. Connect.

Please visit tavernduluth.com to learn more.

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth and regional freelance writer credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications. Her food column, Local Pairings, was first featured in Duluth.com magazine, and later published in the Duluth News Tribune from 2016-2018.

 

End the Year Laughing with Rubber Chicken Theater’s  Hilarious Holiday Comedy Shows

Rubber Chicken Theater has been writing and performing sketch comedy revues since the group's inception fifteen years ago. This year, they have two offerings to both end 2024 and to ring in 2025 with their “A Christmas Comedy Carol” and “New Year’s Clucking Eve.”

“A Christmas Comedy Carol,” or “How I Learned to Stop Scrooging and Keep Laughing,” is the traditional sketch comedy revue for which Rubber Chicken Theater is best known.

The show features original sketches and song parodies that have fun with Minnesota news items and general holiday silliness, such as the long lines at Chick-fil-A, wayward sheep, and one night in a newly named Duluth snowplow.

New Year's Cluckin' Eve” is a different show, except for a few of the most popular sketches from the “Comedy Carol” show revue. “Cluckin’ Eve” includes a new episode of Duluth Drunk History (the night Bob Dylan saw Buddy Holly at the Armory), Steve Solkela as Brad the Sheep singing "I've Been Everywhere,” and the interactive game show Minnesota Potluck. Donated giveaways from local businesses will be part of the festivities.

The shows feature the onstage talents of Minden Anderson, Jeremy Churchill, Tate Haglund-Pagel, Kaylee Matuszak, Tina Makela, Chris Nollet, Nathan Payne, Steve Solkela, Joel Youngblom, and revue newcomers Sally Churchill and Hailey Eidenschink. Linda Bray is the piano accompanist.

Matuszak said of his pianist Linda Bray, who has been playing his holiday shows since 2008, “Not only is she fabulously talented, but she laughs at every sketch in rehearsals, no matter how many times she has heard it. Helps us remember it's funny. She also is able to figure out just about any crazy piece of music we throw at her. Need Christmas music that sounds spooky? She'll make it happen. Need ‘Waterloo’ by Abba but only need the first two verses, then jump to thof the song? She's got it!”

Matuszak’s daughter, Kaylee Matuszak, started in a few cameos in holiday shows and has been a full-time cast member since 2018. ”It's nice to know we have someone who can deliver the goods on the song parodies. Last year, she sang every Broadway parody we had as Emily Larson. Her "Don't Cry for Me, Zenith City" brought the house down. She's amazing!” said Matuszak.

Information on Rubber Chicken Theater’s Holiday Shows

“A Christmas Comedy Carol, or How I Learned to Stop Scrooging and Keep Laughing”
Studio Four in the St. Louis County Depot
506 West Michigan Street, downtown Duluth
December 20-21, 27-28 at 7:30 p.m.
Studio Four in the St. Louis County Depot
$25 per person. Cash or Venmo only. Seating is general but call-ahead spot reservations are accepted. Seats are held until 7:20 pm

“New Year’s Cluckin’ Eve”
Studio Four in the St. Louis County Depot
506 West Michigan Street, downtown Duluth
December 31 at 7:30 p.m.
$30 per person. Cash or Venmo only. Seating is general but call-ahead spot reservations are accepted. Seats are held until 7:20.
For more information on both shows, call (218) 213-2780,  e-mail  brian@RubberChickenTheater.com

Find Rubber Chicken Theater on Facebook, X, and Instagram (@rchickentheater) and now on Bluesky (@rchickentheater.bsky.social)

 

 

 

 

Holiday Tunes in Four-Part Harmony Bring the Christmas Spirit to Boat Club Production

It is 1968, and the annual “Harper’s Hardware Holiday Happening” is about to begin. The show’s humorously implausible “tinsel-thin” plot tells the story of four young employees decorating the hardware store in advance of the festivities.

While frantically trying to find their lost boss, Mr. Harper, who is supposed to be playing Santa in the holiday pageant, the women need to keep the party going by entertaining the store employees (“played” by the audience).

The adorable triple-threat “beauty shop” quartet: Betty Jean (Reagan Kern); Suzy (Sofia Salmela); Cindy Lou (Bea Martin); and Missy (Margaret McMahon) play off each other well, having great fun together, with the occasional spats and jealousies thrown in for humorous effect.

While at times the cast’s microphones were too loud, blurring a few of the vocals, the four women’s voices got stronger and the harmonies tighter as the show went on.

Standout group vocal numbers included “Christmas Around the World” with a ridiculous medley of what the Wonderettes thought was giving the audience an authentic ethnic experience.

The over-the-top “Bells Medley” had audience members participating onstage and seated in the audience, adding to the evening’s fun. The women would also choose random men in the audience to flirt with, and even the light board operator got involved in using lights in reaction to Suzy, his girlfriend.

Each woman had strong solo moments where they were given a chance to shine. “This Christmas” was one of McMahon’s best vocals, while her voice was also uniformly sweet and crystal clear in some smaller solo parts in full ensemble songs.

The Act II number, “Suzy Snowflake,” was Salmela’s cute solo song, complete with a light-up costume and even the show’s only tap dancing. “All Those Christmas Clichés” had Martin delivering a tragically sweet solo about the sadder side of Christmas, showing that not everyone has happy memories of Hallmark-like holidays.

Kern had her strongest vocals in the Act I closer “Christmas Will Be Just Another Lonely Day,” and towards the end of the show with “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” showing the beautifully softer side of her big Broadway-belt voice.

A live band, with co-music directors Cory Clay and Paul Christenson at the helm, and Linda Bray and Christenson (keyboards); Kyle Gondik-Anderson(bass); Clay(guitar); and Matt Groom(drums), kept the place rocking from high atop their perch above the set.

Fabulous period “color-coded” costumes and accessories from Costume Designer Alice Shafer, helped to distinguish the girls and their characters, and along with Jamie Snyder, always on-point with her hair and makeup designs, helped to establish the time period convincingly.

Amber Burn’s choreography, with various styles that helped the Wonderettes sell each song, added to the cuteness factor and gave each actress more ways to show her character’s personality.

Set and scene designer Curtis Phillips’s classic small-town hardware store set, with its purposeful explosion of way too many Christmas decorations, provided even more color and the perfect place for the Wonderettes to “play.”

The absolute area wizard of lights, Patrick Mulcahy, who has quietly been the best lighting designer in town for decades on every stage, had over 900 light cues to highlight each character and give each song a different mood.

Director Peter Froehlingsdorf rings all the bells with lively pacing and moments of absolute hilarity, heartfelt emotion, and often downright corniness. He has created a show that looks as colorful as a 1960s holiday card, with vivid stage pictures throughout.

Producer Jason Vincent has been a marvel at offering shows that meet the demands of the tiny Fitger’s Spirit of the North stage, giving audiences musical and play offerings they may not have seen before and providing an intimate theatrical experience with every show.

The quartet built to their best harmonies of the night in the closing number, “Winter Wonderland,” leaving the audience wanting more and sending them off into the frosty night humming a whole catalog of Christmas classics.

After a preposterously cold and windy week, the opening night audience quickly got warmed up from the first moment and in the mood to laugh, clap, sing along, and then go home to “deck the halls” themselves.

Make an early holiday present of tickets “to go walking with the Winter Wonderettes” to make the season bright for everyone from kids to grandparents.

Information on “The Winter Wonderettes”

Boat Club Productions presents “The Winter Wonderettes”
Directed by Peter Froehlingsdorf
Produced by Jason Vincent Boat and Club Productions
Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s at 600 E. Superior St.
December 5-8 and 12-15 (Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm)
Written and Created by Roger Bean
For tickets, go to boatclubproductions.com or call Box Office Phone Number: (218) 623-7065
Read a profile of co-music director and guitarist Cory Clay at destinationduluth.org

Next up for Boat Club is their annual Theater Gala on January 4, where they will announce their new 2025 season. The evening includes appetizers, dinner, a silent auction, games, a talent showcase, a look back to celebrate a successful 2024 season, and a sneak peek into the upcoming performances to help raise money to keep high-quality local theatre in the Twin Ports at the Spirit of the North Theatre. 100 percent of ticket proceeds will benefit the 2025 Boat Club Productions Season.

For Gala tickets go to boatclubproductions.com

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About Sheryl Jensen
DD Arts & Entertainment Editor

 

A retired educator with the Duluth Public Schools, Sheryl Jensen has been a theater director of over 60 school and community productions. Her production of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew at East High School won the National High School Theater award from the BRAVO television network.
Having written theater, music, dance, and opera reviews for the Duluth News Tribune for many years, she now is the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Destination Duluth.A retired educator with the Duluth Public Schools, Sheryl Jensen has been a theater director of over 60 school and community productions. Her production of William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew at East High School won the National High School Theater award from the BRAVO television network.

Having written theater, music, dance, and opera reviews for the Duluth News Tribune for many years, she now is the Arts & Entertainment Editor for Destination Duluth.

Lover of Cycles, Hunting, Ships is Now Sailing the Great Lakes

Mike Novak’s maritime roots are deep. His grandfather sailed on the Edmund Fitzgerald from 1961-64 before being drafted to Vietnam. His great-uncle sailed the Great Lakes for many years for Columbia Transportation before retiring in 2008.

From the title of his photography page "Don't Slow Down", one can deduce he is a man of many passions; 50k races, hunting, photography, cycling, now sailing the Great Lakes aboard the Wilfred Sykes. "This is my first ship and my first ship job," Mike states, adding "I came on as a wiper with the intent to work my way up."

Before this I was a boat chaser just like some of the other amazing people who see us off at these ports.

From Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Mike says, “My grandpa was a huge trapper, he owned a fur shed and all of that, so once I was old enough, I hit the trap line with everyone else, I used to skin and put up pelts for a number of years. He continued, “I loved it, it was really good money back in the day, we used to get raccoons, muskrat, mink, and beaver cause they fetched the most profit.”

Mike loves Duluth, stating, “I took a cycle ride up to Duluth last May for my birthday and loved it," and added,  "It's such a beautiful, amazing place with so much history tied to it.”

Life Aboard the Wilfred Sykes

In his first year as a sailor aboard the Wilfred Sykes, Mike is a wiper in the engine room with the intent of working his way up. “As I start my career as a sailor, I've been documenting my journey and all the firsts for me.”

On leave in September, he visited the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point, Paradise, Michigan. “Getting to see the bell they recovered off the Fitz (at the) was such a cool feeling,” Mike states, “my grandpa sailed on her from 1961-64, he knew 14 of the people on board when she went down. So it meant a little more to me than most to stand in front of her.”

The Wilfred Sykes made its first visit to the Duluth port on Thanksgiving for a load of ore. Mike said, “Usually, we run stone, slag, and coke ore.  But late in the season, when the stone docks close down, we start running iron ore.

The most frequent ports for the Wilfred Sykes are Port Inland, Michigan; Cedarville, Ohio; Drummond Island, Michigan; Indiana Harbor in East Chicago, Indiana; and Burns Harbor, Indiana.

After his first visit to Duluth as a sailor, Mike concludes, “Getting to take a video of us departing Duluth with a huge master salute under the beautiful aerial lift bridge was truly amazing!”

Mike records the Sykes' salute to the Aerial Lift Bridge as they depart the port of Duluth. Video by Mike Novak.

 

2024 Christmas at Glensheen Features 12 Themed Rooms Of Classic Christmas Stories

Constructed in the Jacobean revival architectural style - a type of English Tudor - Glensheen Mansion was built over the span of three years: from 1905 – 1908. Upon its completion, Glensheen became home to one of Minnesota’s, and certainly Duluth’s, wealthiest men – attorney and capitalist, Chester Congdon.

And, although today it is known as a “historic house museum,” Glensheen was the private home to Chester and Clara Congdon and their family for many years, until it was donated to the University of Minnesota in 1979.

The magic of this classic home shines brightest during the holiday season. A Christmas visit to Glensheen is simply a “can’t miss it” Duluth activity.

Christmas

Christmas was a particularly important time for the Congdon family. Through the astute management of Glensheen’s staff, the home still retains this holiday magic today. The Christmas season is perhaps the best time of year to visit Glensheen.

“Our Christmas experience is magical and enchanting,” said Glensheen’s Marketing Manager, Mike Mayou. “Of course, we have the historical house with so much history, such as the original furniture and artwork dating back to the Congdons.

“But we are also trying to meld the past with the present by offering things like themed rooms, and Christmas trees with different colors.”

Guests don’t have to celebrate Christmas to have a great time. Glensheen welcomes people of all faiths – and those with no religious affiliations at all.

“At Glensheen, we celebrate Christmas because that’s what the Congdons did,” noted Mayou. “But it’s an experience for everyone. We want to provide a place for folks of all denominations and all backgrounds to experience the season as a whole.”

Highlights

Glensheen and the surrounding property are immense, and require a lot of effort to prepare for the holiday season. Glensheen features 27,000 square feet - and 39 rooms - of living space. There is also a gardener’s cottage, a boathouse, and many stunning gardens - all set on twelve gorgeous acres.

In fact, Glensheen Mansion closes for several days in November so staff can prepare the home and property for the holiday season. It closes again for several days in January, so employees can take everything back down.

“It’s all hands on deck,” noted Mayou with a chuckle. “It takes all of us to hang the lights, garland, ornaments, and put up all the trees. But it’s a great bonding experience for the staff.”

Once complete, it’s a fully immersive experience that is well worth the effort. There are a total of 25 beautifully lit Christmas trees at Glensheen, with the main attraction being an immense, 12’ tree in the main hallway. Many of the original ornaments from the Congdon family will be on display – both on the trees themselves, and in display cases so guests can get a better look.

Guests of all ages will enjoy Christmas music during their visit, too. During their holiday season, Glensheen will be playing classic holiday tunes – all from 1950 and earlier.

Classic Elements

In many ways, Glensheen will be decked out similar to how the Congdon family would have decorated in the early 1900s. This includes many original ornaments and stockings. The dining room will also be staged for a holiday meal, and guests can see some of the Congdons’ original silver collection on display adjacent to the dining room table.

Guests can view the family’s unique cookie cutter, featuring the ability to cut twelve cookies at once. And guests can even take home a copy of Clara Congdon’s sugar cookie recipe.

New this Year

This year, there will be a few exciting new additions: Six of Glensheen’s rooms will be themed to match six classic Christmas tales: The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Elves and the Shoemaker, The Snow Queen, and 12 Days of Christmas.

All of Glensheen’s Christmas tours will be self-guided, and folks can go at their own pace. But plenty of staff will be on hand to answer any guest questions that arise.

Stories

Mayou shared a couple personal stories about Christmas at Glensheen, as told by members of the Congdon family.

“A Congdon family member has told us that the Congdon children would line up from oldest to youngest to receive their gifts. This happened in the living room on the main floor.

“And, we know that every Christmas, Clara Congdon would call her sister on the phone from the staircase landing. All of the children would gather around to listen to the holiday greeting.

“To me, this story really transcends time,” he added. “Now with today’s Zoom calls, we can all relate to getting together remotely to celebrate.”

Quintessential Duluth Experience

Whether you’ve lived in Duluth all your life, or are just passing through, visiting Glensheen Mansion at Christmastime is simply a must-do experience.

“From the moment you walk on the grounds, you’ll feel the magic of the Christmas season at Glensheen,” Mayou said. “Visiting on a cold, snowy day will give you a warm, fuzzy feeling. People say that they love Glensheen because it doesn’t feel like a museum - it really feels like a home.

“It’s so amazing to have this incredible historic home right here in Duluth,” he added. “As someone who has lived in Duluth my whole life, I recognize what a special asset Glensheen is. It has really stood the test of time.”

Christmas tours at Glensheen will take place from November 22^nd – January 5^th. Options include the Classic Christmas Tour, Full Mansion Christmas Tour, and Candlelight Christmas Tour. Please visit glensheen.org to learn more.

 

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making magic on her guitars, Cory is a favorite area musician.

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From Destination Duluth Managing Director Jerry Thoreson–
We are grateful for Sheryl Jensen’s work as Destination Duluth’s Arts and Entertainment editor. Most of her artist profiles are of people playing the lead role in an upcoming production; you know, the ones the audience gives a standing ovation for. Often going relatively unnoticed are the musicians in the orchestra pit.  We are thrilled to highlight one of the area’s finest – Cory Clay, the musical co-director and playing in the upcoming Boat Club Production of  Winter Wonderettes, December 5-15 at Fitger’s Spirit of the North Theatre. For information and tickets, go to destinationduluth.co/BoatClubProductions

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Acoustic, electric, bass, classical, twelve string, banjo, mandolin, and even ukulele…Name nearly any instrument in the guitar family and Cory Clay knows how to play it and play it masterfully and probably even owns one in her vast collection.

Cory recalls, “At age 13, I knew that studying music and guitar was going be my jam—for life. Like putting on an old shoe, it just fit. I didn't know it at the time, but it was my path to finding authenticity.”

Living in Europe for a few years when she was a child, the family came back to the U.S. and took up residence in Florida. Moving to Duluth from Florida, Cory graduated from Denfeld High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Music Education at UMD and her M.Ed., with a focus on Music Education, also at UMD.

Her entry into being a professional musician had her playing with area bands in various local venues. While she often played gigs on the weekends and evenings, she was also a Band Director/Music Teacher for the Two Harbors and Duluth Public Schools. Cory was a Classic Guitar Instructor at the University of Minnesota Duluth for over fifteen years.

“As a band teacher/director it’s also necessary to play all band instruments. While in high school I played largely Woodwinds—which included Bari-Sax in Marching Band, or any other horn that other students weren’t interested in because it was too large and cumbersome. I have not played bagpipes. I’m not sure whether that’s in my future or not.”

Cory added, “I’ve had many former students express gratitude for my encouragement to continue studying their instrument, and not just give up when things got tough. Quite a few of these former students are now professional musicians, or make their living in some form in the music industry. Some have gravitated to the theatre where they teach me about living and loving life in the theatre world."

Loving Duluth and Finding the Area Theater Scene

After many a childhood spent mostly in Florida, Cory was excited to move to Duluth. “I love the lakes and desperately wanted to live where the seasons change.”

“I continue to be content living in the Northland. I like snow, and winter is my favorite season,” Cory said. “I’m grateful to be happily settled in Northern Minnesota, in a comfortable home with my wife, Ginger, and our two rescue dogs, Mister Boo and Annie.”

Cory’s first theater experience in Duluth was in 2010 playing in a pit band for a Zeitgeist/Alan Zeppa production of “Man of La Mancha.” Playing guitar for this iconic musical opened Cory’s eyes to the camaraderie and sense of family that is so key to a successful theatrical production.

“I remember before ‘La Mancha’ shows, the cast and musicians would be in the little Green Room singing songs and making music together to warm up, everything from from show tunes to Beatles’ song. It was so much fun.”

From there, Cory never looked back and has gone on to play as a pit musician, music director, or both, for nearly fifty shows, at the Playhouse, Zeitgeist, and UMD.

“After playing in bars for more than 35 years, working as a pit musician is a welcome blessing. Theatre people are some of the most passionate, loving, and humble humans I’ve had the pleasure of working with. For me, walking into the theatre is like coming home. The environment is so affirming and welcoming. I feel a sense of belonging.”

Cory has been able to use her guitar skills for a number of different styles, playing on a wide variety of instruments. “As a Pit Guitarist/Musician, it’s necessary to play all related instruments. I have quite an arsenal at home to choose from, ranging from classic guitars, acoustics, electrics, 7-string, banjo, mandolin, several basses and specialty instruments . . .”

“My favorite quote is from Pablo Picasso, as it sums up my life as an educator and as a theatre pit musician, ‘The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.’” Cory will be sharing her musical gifts in the upcoming Boat Club Production of “The Winter Wonderettes.”

Clay noted about “The Winter Wonderettes,” a show that she will be both playing for and co-music directing with Paul Christenson, “This show is unique in that it’s basically scored as a barbershop quartet for young women. The harmonies are tight, close, and require solid ear training, pitch control and the ability for independent part singing.”

“Our four young Wonderettes, played by Reagan Kern, Margaret McMahon, Sofia Salmela, and Bea Martin are vocally very talented, and they’re probably the youngest cast I’ve had the privilege of playing for in a professional setting. This show format is a first for me, and I’m always up for a new experience,” she added.

After “Winter Wonderettes,” Cory will play in “The Last Five Years,” another Boat Club Production, opening in February 2025.

Information on “The Winter Wonderettes”
Boat Club Productions presents “The Winter Wonderettes”
Directed by Peter Froehlingsdorf
Spirit of the North Theatre at Fitger’s at 600 E. Superior St.
December 5-8 and 12-15 (Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm)
Written and Created by Roger Bean

From the Boat Club website
“Winter Wonderettes continues the story of Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, (from “The Wonderettes”), who return to organize the Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. Set against the backdrop of the 1968 holiday season, the Wonderettes entertain the audience with classic seasonal tunes and holiday cheer. “Winter Wonderettes” captures the magic of the season, inviting audiences to experience the joy of the holidays with these long-time friends.”

 

Buy tickets online at boatclubrestaurant.com or call 218-623-7065.

Pack 7+ Uniquely Duluth Experiences - ALL in ONE 3-Day Weekend 

Whether you’re a local or just paying us a visit, you’re in luck:

Duluth offers SO many exciting activities to celebrate the holiday season. And there are plenty of enjoyable attractions for all ages, budgets, and interests.

We at Destination Duluth have curated a helpful itinerary (with options!)– so you don’t have to!

Here is everything you need to plan your BEST. EVER. Duluth Holiday Weekend!

• THURSDAY EVENING (November 23 – December 28): America's Largest and #1 Free Public Holiday Lights Display, famously known as Bentleyville
• FRIDAY MORNING: Skiing/Snowboarding/Tubing at Spirit Mountain (After Thanksgiving, conditions permitting)
• FRIDAY AFTERNOON (November 22 – January 5^th): Christmas at Glensheen Mansion (39 Rooms, 27 Christmas trees, and more!)
• FRIDAY OR SATURDAY EVENING (December 6-21): Explore the Zoo Lights (and meet the critters) at the Lake Superior Zoo
• SATURDAY OR SUNDAY MORNING (November 30 - December 22): See SCUBA Santa at 11 AM the Great Lakes Aquarium 
• SATURDAY AFTERNOON or FRI-SAT EVENING (December 6-22): The Duluth Playhouse presents Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella
• SATURDAY EVENING (November 29 - December 21): Take a train ride on the Christmas City Express 
• SUNDAY AFTERNOON (December 13 – 15): A ballet performance of The Nutcracker

Here are the details on each of these uniquely Duluth holiday attractions and events.

THURSDAY EVENING: – Bentleyville
With so much to do, you'll want to take Friday off and make your first stop Bentleyville! Thursdays are an excellent choice because it's not quite as busy as the weekends.

For 2024, the centerpiece 128 ft tree has ALL NEW LIGHTS.

“This is the largest makeover in the past 15 years that we have had on the tree,” said Nathan Bentley, the founder of Bentleyville.

The annual walk-through holiday light display features over five million lights, live characters, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, popcorn, s’mores, special events and a large variety of themed displays. Children under 10 can visit Santa and get a stocking hat. Best of all, admission, refreshments, and hats for kids are ALL FREE! (Parking nearby is $10)

Bentleyville typically welcomes an astonishing 300,000+ visitors per year. While many are local residents, others, including global tourists, visit Bentleyville from far and wide.

Founder, creator, and "Mayor of Bentleyville" Nathan Bentley, shared what’s new this year:

• The iconic Bentleyville tree, the center piece of Bentleyville, is celebrating its 15^th season of shining bright and with that a makeover. All 150,000 existing LED net lights were removed and new RGB lights were installed on the 128’ tree. “This is the largest makeover in the past 15 years that we have had on the tree,” Bentley said.
• A new apple cider building will be located near the firepits. For $2.00, guests can stop to get a fresh cup of apple cider with a touch of cinnamon.
• A 60th anniversary Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer display, including an Island of Misfit Toys display.
• 12 new places for photo opportunities have been added, including a life-size gingerbread house.
• New gnome displays.
• Bentleyville’s 4,000 square foot gift shop has a new grand entrance, as well as an expanded variety of Bentleyville merchandise.
• A life size “Bumble” character will be available to greet guests.
• Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving by helicopter this year on November 23^rd between 4:50 – 5:00 pm

Bentleyville Tour of Lights opens November 23^rd, and runs through December 28^th. The event is open from 5-9 PM Sundays - Thursdays, and 5-10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Fireworks will happen BOTH opening and closing nights - Saturday, November 23^rd (at 5:30 pm), and the final night, Saturday, December 28^th - at 5:30 pm.

They provide a planning guide and tips at  bentleyvilleusa.org. In case of inclement weather, announcements are made on the Bentleyville Facebook page.

For a story on the history (including why it's called Bentleyville), finances, and heart-warming stories, go to our story 2024 Bentleyville is Bigger, Brighter, and Better than Ever

Just Announced! Bentleyville #1 Light Display in America for third consecutive year! 

Bentleyville has won back-to-back 1st Place Reader's Choice USA Todays 10Best Public Holiday Light Displays and it was announced last week that they were voted the #1 Light Display in the USA for 2024! Read the USA Today article: Where to find the best holiday light displays in the US

FRIDAY MORNING – Winter Fun at Spirit Mountain
(Beginning after Thanksgiving, conditions permitting)

Spirit Mountain offers 22 Alpine runs, 175 acres of skiable terrain, a 700' vertical drop, five chair lifts, and three surface lifts.

They also offer fat-tire biking, tubing (ages three and up), and the largest terrain park and half-pipe in the Midwest, with fabulous views of Lake Superior from all runs.

For cross-country skiers, Spirit’s Upper Nordic center features 22km of groomed Cross-country ski trails (classic tracks and skating) that are mostly intermediate and run through dense hardwood forest.

For more information and tickets, go to Spiritmt.com

FRIDAY AFTERNOON - Christmas at Glensheen

Christmas at Glensheen Mansion is an immersive experience, perfect for all ages. Mike Mayou, Marketing Manager at Glensheen, shared several highlights:

• 27 beautifully lit Christmas trees
• Many original ornaments from the Congdon family will be on display
• This year, there will be a few exciting new additions: Six of Glensheen’s rooms will be themed to match six classic Christmas tales: The Night Before Christmas, The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, Elves and the Shoemaker, The Snow Queen, and 12 Days of Christmas.

“It’s a really magical time of year,” Mayou said. “Especially after a fresh snowfall. Guests can wander around the grounds and then come in and see the mansion where it’s warm and cozy inside.”

Christmas tours at Glensheen will take place from November 22nd – January 5^th. Read the Destination Duluth feature on Christmas at Glensheen.

Information on hours, tickets, and more can be found at glensheen.org.

FRIDAY EVENING: - Lake Superior Zoo

This year, the Lake Superior Zoo will host their fourth annual Zoo Lights event!

Guests will enjoy a magical walk-through experience featuring holiday light displays, larger-than-life animal inflatables, free s'mores, visits with Santa, and more! LS Zoo’s main building and Primate Conservation Center will be open to see the animals and warm up on a cold night. Local schools will be featured each night, singing carols or playing holiday music. Guests will also enjoy a special free craft activity each night!

Zoo Lights is open 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights in December through 12/21.

To learn more, please visit Lake Superior Zoo, or search for Lake Superior Zoo on Facebook.

SATURDAY OR SUNDAY MORNING - Great Lakes Aquarium 

The folks at Great Lakes Aquarium shared that they will have two interesting highlights during the holiday season this year.

SCUBA Santa will be making his appearance on-site at the Aquarium every Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 am from November 30 - December 22. You can find SCUBA Santa in the Isle Royale exhibit.

And the Aquarium’s annual holiday membership drive begins November 25 and runs through the end of the year. During this time, the Aquarium will offer perks and bonuses for new or renewing members.  Special bonuses and incentives include passes to the Duluth Children’s Museum and bonus bucks to the Aquarium’s Explorers’ Cove gift store.

To learn more, please visit Great Lakes Aquarium or follow them on Facebook

SATURDAY AFTERNOON OR EVENING – Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella - Dec 6-22 at the historic NorShor Theater

With a hilarious new script by Tony Award nominee Douglas Carter Beane, this contemporary adaptation invites audiences to build a better, kinder world together. Featuring a sweeping score by Rodgers & Hammerstein that includes “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible,” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” this romantic Broadway musical is guaranteed to warm the hearts of audiences of all ages.

For all the show times and tickets, go Cinderella at Duluth Playhouse. 

SATURDAY EVENING – Take the Christmas City Express by North Shore Scenic Railroad

The Christmas City Express is a storybook experience recommended for families with children under 10 … and for the young at heart. Photo Courtesy North Shore Scenic Railroad.

The performance begins in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, where you’ll be treated to a book reading of the new Christmas City Express story. Guests will also enjoy carolers and a visit from a special guest.

Then, guests will climb aboard the train for a 30-minute ride up to Lake Superior. Once onboard, guests will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, cookies, and holiday tunes.

Space is very limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged.

More info and tickets are available at Christmas City Express .

Start Making Plans Today!

There you have it! A packed three-day holiday weekend tour with memories that will last a lifetime!

 

Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

Chulala offers permanent jewelry, eternal roses, tooth gems and more at their new store at the Miller Hill Mall

Chulala, LLC is a brand-new retail shop at the Miller Hill Mall. The shop’s name, which rhymes with “oooh la la,” loosely translates to “beautiful” in Spanish.

Here, owners Jose and Consuelo Nava, a married couple, sell unique items including eternal roses, permanent jewelry, and tooth gems. The couple has watched the popularity of these trendy items take off on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, and decided to bring them back to Duluth.

For the Navas, their end goal goes much further than simply selling merchandise. “We offer much more than a product,” Jose said. “We create memories. And, we want to make a difference in people’s lives.”

The Couple’s Background

Jose Nava is originally from Riverside, California. He and his family later moved to New Mexico, which is where he met his future wife, Consuelo.

The couple have a lot in common. They are both first-generation Americans, with parents from Mexico.

They bonded quickly over their shared cultural traditions, like food, faith, and close relationships with their extended family. “In our culture, we have lots of big parties, and everyone gets together for the holidays,” Jose said.

“We also have big celebrations for young women when they turn 15, called Quinceañera,” added Consuelo. “And, we always make sure our events have lots of good Mexican food, like tamales.”

In New Mexico, Jose worked in the oil and gas industry, while Consuelo stayed home to raise their four children: Sophia (12), Jose III “JJ” (11), Mateo (7), and Juan “JD” (4).

Once the kids were a bit older, the couple explored entrepreneurship, and opened a small cleaning business. They found they loved working for themselves. They also share a strong work ethic, which made owning a business a natural fit.

From South to North

The Navas relocated to Eagle River, Wisconsin in 2022, to be closer to Jose’s family. His step-father is originally from Wisconsin, and his parents had relocated here several years ago.

A job transfer ultimately brought the couple to Superior, where Jose now works full-time as an operator for Cenovus Energy. While they occasionally miss New Mexico, they both have discovered a love for life in the Twin Ports.

“I love Lake Superior,” Jose said. “Spending time at the beach (both Wisconsin Point and Park Point) take me back to my childhood in California. I also love the woods, the fall colors, and the scenery in general.”

“I love how green everything is,” Consuelo added. “I’ve never seen a place this green. I don’t miss the triple digit heat of New Mexico. And, there are no rattlesnakes!” she added with a chuckle.

The Navas will concede, however, that they do miss the plentiful Mexican cuisine down south. “I’ve never eaten as much pizza in my life as I do here,” Jose said with a laugh.

They’ve found that one local delicacy has some surprising similarities to Mexican cuisine, though: pasties.

“We’d never eaten pasties before until we moved here,” Consuelo said. “They’re somewhat similar to Mexican empanadas, although empanadas are typically sweet.”

Chulala

The Navas relocated to Superior in June 2023. While Jose worked at Cenovus, Consuelo got the children settled, and began volunteering at their school - Maranatha Academy. Now that their children are a bit older, they revisited the idea of opening another business.

Consuelo wanted to work with what she knew. “I love shopping, and I love cute and sparkly stuff,” she said. “Especially handmade stuff, and crafts. I also love the confidence boost you get from wearing something nice.”

They opened Chulala, LLC in June 2024. It began as a “mall cart,” but was successful enough to move to a regular storefront just two months later. Chulala is located between American Eagle and Bath & Body Works, in the Miller Hill Mall.

Chulala specializes in three unique items: permanent jewelry, eternal roses, and tooth gems.

Permanent Jewelry

Chulala sells necklaces, bracelets, and anklets in three finishes: gold-filled, rose gold, and sterling silver. You can accessorize with a variety of charms, or add multiple bracelets to form a “stack.”

The unique aspect of the jewelry is the “permanent” component. “We weld it on. There is no clasp,” Consuelo said. This type of jewelry is meant to signify commitment and is often purchased by pairs or groups of loved ones: couples, friends, family members, etc.

Eternal Roses

These are handmade rose bouquets constructed from high-quality ribbon. “They are 100% customizable when it comes to the colors and accessories we can add, like crowns, butterflies, or your name,” Jose said.

These bouquets make wonderful gifts for anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, and other special events. And, unlike a regular floral bouquet, they last forever.

Tooth Gems

Tooth gems are sparkly Swarovski crystals affixed to the tooth using dental composite. They are semi-permanent, meaning they will last anywhere from a week to a year, depending on the pH of your mouth. Options include hearts, stars, diamonds, circles, opals, and more.

These gems can be applied right in-store. However, to remove them, the customer must either wait for gems to fall out naturally or have them removed by a dentist.

Demographics

Chulala’s merchandise is especially popular with teens and young adults. Women are also a significant part of their demographic.

The Navas also see a lot of groups, including sisters, moms/daughters, friends, and couples. Customers enjoy using the store’s multiple “selfie booths,” where they can snap a picture (in private) of their new items.

And soon, due to a new partnership with Superior Boutique, Tiny Riot, Chulala will be selling a variety of women’s clothing, including bodycon and club dresses. “People can come in to get the perfect glamorous outfit, plus all their jewelry and accessories,” Consuelo said.

Chulala also offers permanent jewelry and tooth gem parties for any special occasion. They can either host your group on-site, or travel to any venue.

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift, Chulala gift cards are a great option, as items sold there are so unique and personal to the wearer.

Personal

Between work and family, the Navas are always on the go. In his limited spare time, Jose loves working out at the gym.

Consuelo also loves working out. Additionally, she cooks, bakes, and loves to shop and do crafts. With her boundless energy, she also volunteers at her kids’ school early in the morning, before work.

Church is very important to the Navas: they attend both Central Assembly in Superior, and Alliance Community Church in Duluth. Consuelo also volunteers her time at the church café.

In addition to their four children, they also have a pampered Jack Russell Terrier named Lady, who is typically decked out in pink sweaters and accessories.

Joys of Entrepreneurship

The Navas have found immense enjoyment in owning their own business. “I love knowing I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life,” Jose said. “Life is about connection, and being an entrepreneur allows us to connect with others.”

“I love serving people,” Consuelo added. “I enjoy talking to people and connecting with them. And I love making them feel good about themselves.”

Chulala, LLC is open Tuesdays – Saturdays, from 11 am – 6 pm. For more information, please check out Chulala, LLC on Facebook or Instagram.

 

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

 

EAT & DRINK DULUTH REVIEW - Grandma’s Saloon and Grill in Canal Park

We're bringing you a Duluth classic for this edition of Eat & Drink Duluth: Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Canal Park. The restaurant was established in 1976, making it positively middle-aged! As a long-term Duluth staple, Grandma’s remains well-known and well-loved by locals and tourists alike.

It has succeeded for many reasons: The Grandma’s menu is chock-full of yummy classics. The décor of the entire restaurant is steeped in history, with lots of old signs and other cool memorabilia. And its amazing location in the heart of Canal Park – just a stone’s throw from the Aerial Lift Bridge – certainly doesn’t hurt.

Please join us as we Eat & Drink Duluth – Grandma’s style!

History

Grandma’s was originally founded by local businessmen Andy Borg, Jr. and the late Mick Paulucci. It is now owned solely by Borg.

While Grandma’s Canal Park location came first, the Grandma’s “family” has grown to include:

• Grandma’s original location in Canal Park - (opened in 1976)
• The Garden (formerly Grandma’s Sports Garden) - opened in 1989
• Grandma’s Saloon & Grill in Virginia, Minnesota (opened in 1991)
• Grandma’s Saloon & Grill on Miller Hill (opened in 1992)
• Little Angie’s Cantina & Grill (opened in 1994)
• Bellisio’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar (opened in 1997),
• Catering by Bellisio’s (added in 2021)
• Adventure Zone, opened in 2001, a place for year-round family fun in Canal Park.

And, of course, there is another similar-sounding organization that has become synonymous with Duluth: Grandma’s Marathon. While the restaurant and marathon are now totally separate entities, their beginnings are inexorably intertwined. Grandma’s Marathon was so named because Grandma’s Restaurants was the original sponsor of the race.

And what about the company’s iconic figurehead, the legend known as Grandma Rosa Brochi? The legend-filled story woven around “Grandma Rosa” is that of a stern madam working on Duluth’s waterfront red-light district. The present location of the original Grandma’s restaurant was at one time a brothel, which served the sailors of the Twin Ports.

For the full back-story on Grandma’s and the restaurants built that help transform Canal park, please read the Destination Duluth story  Grandma's Restaurant Plays Key Role in Canal Park's Rebirth and from Grandma's Restaurant website on The Legend and The Real Story.

Vibe

The vibe at Grandma’s is classic American. The walls are painted in a rich, deep forest green. The floors, tables, and bars (there are a couple) are constructed of rich hardwood.

The walls feature cool old metal signs and neons advertising food and drink. There is even a gift shop with Grandma's-themed merch that hungry guests can browse as they await a table.

Seating options include the main dining room and a few “side rooms.” Seating is also available at the two well-appointed bars.

There is another dining area upstairs and a wonderful outdoor patio overlooking Canal Park and the Aerial Lift Bridge for warm summer days. The restaurant is located in one of Duluth’s hottest hotspots, making it a great place to gather.

Our fellow diners included pretty much all demographics: young families, groups of ladies, elders, and couples.

Food & Drink

Grandma’s menu offers a bit of everything: apps, salads, burgers, sandwiches, pasta and wild rice dishes, grilled items, and a kids’ menu. Beverages include cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer (with plenty of local representation, like Bent Paddle, Blacklist, Castle Danger, and Wild State Cider). Non-alcoholic options include Coca-Cola and Minute Maid products.

For his meal, Mike selected the Spicy Italian, a hearty pasta dish. From the menu:

Spicy Italian

Penne pasta with zesty Pomodoro sauce and spicy ground fennel sausage topped with Parmesan cheese. Served with a breadstick.

The dish arrived looking festive, with bright red tomatoes and vibrant parsley. Both the sauce and fennel sausage were indeed zesty, but not overly spicy. The sauce made a delicious place to dunk the still-warm, buttery breadstick.

I selected the Beef Tenderloin Kabob, a Grandma’s house specialty. From the menu:

Beef Tenderloin Kabob

A skewer of beef tenderloin, green pepper, and onions in Miracle Marinade and char-grilled. Served with choice of potato or rice and a breadstick.

The meat and veggies were perfectly grilled, and the meat had a salty/sweet flavor, courtesy of that Miracle Marinade. (A Grandma’s proprietary sauce). For my side, I opted for the wild rice – a Grandma’s classic, which was chewy and savory.

The dish was served with a mushroom cream sauce made from a Roux base. I also received a warm, chewy breadstick, which I alternated between dunking in the cream sauce and Mike’s Pomodoro.

We paired our meals with two different red wines. After receiving some excellent guidance from our server, Richard, I selected the Layer Cake Pinot Noir from California, which has strong notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and cranberry.

Mike ordered The Show Malbec – a bold Argentinian wine with notes of blackberry and plum. Both wines were a beautiful and tasty complement to our unique dishes.

Service

Our server, Richard Przybylek, is a veteran in the restaurant biz, with 28 years’ experience. He is originally from St. Augustine, Florida, and moved here about a year ago to get away from the hot, humid weather, and “rude people.” (He loves our concept of “Minnesota nice,” by the way, and will testify to its veracity).

Przybylek was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He is also well-versed in beverage pairings. He stopped by often to check in on us and chat.

Verdict

We had a wonderful meal at Grandma’s, with tasty food and friendly service. The restaurant’s Canal Park location and the visual interest of all the memorabilia undoubtedly adds to the experience.

It’s easy to see why Grandma’s has become – and remains - such a Duluth staple.

For more information about Grandma’s Canal Park, please visit: Grandmas Saloon and Grill restaurant - The 1976 Original in Canal Park. (grandmasrestaurants.com)

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Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.

 

Each November 10, Split Rock Lighthouse's beacon is lit to honor all mariners lost on the Great Lakes.  

On November 10^th, 1975, we lost the SS Edmund Fitzgerald – a majestic Great Lakes freighter - in a powerful storm. The massive vessel ultimately sank to her final resting place - the cold and desolate depths of Lake Superior. Tragically, all 29 crew members onboard the Fitz lost their lives.

This somber day will never be forgotten, in large part due to the dedicated staff at Split Rock Lighthouse. Since 1985, Split Rock has been commemorating this day with a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony.

This event will continue once again this year – on November 10^th. At 4:30 pm Central time, the lighthouse will close temporarily while the names of the departed crew members are read to the tolling of a ship's bell. Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit, and the tower will be open again to tour.

As in years past, the public are invited to attend. Another option is to catch the ceremony on a live stream.

For information about the event, please visit: Beacon Lighting | Minnesota Historical Society.

History of the Commemoration

Hayes Scriven, Site Manager - Split Rock Lighthouse, explained how the ceremony began. “In 1985, former Site Manager Lee Radzak lit Split Rock Lighthouse’s beacon on November 10th to honor the Edmund Fitzgerald on the 10th anniversary of its sinking,” he noted.

“A few neighbors noticed the tribute and appreciated the gesture. The following year, Lee lit the beacon again, drawing a small group of visitors. From there, the tradition steadily grew, and by the 1990s, the ceremony closely resembled the service held today.

“In 2023, the ceremony welcomed 1,520 guests on site. The online stream of the event has also seen tremendous growth in recent years, enhanced by improved production quality to give remote viewers a sense of being there.

“Last year, the stream reached over 200,000 people within just five days. In a historic first for 2023, the U.S. Coast Guard joined the ceremony, adding a meaningful dimension to the service. Their participation highlighted their connection to the U.S. Lighthouse Service and their crucial role in maintaining safety on the Great Lakes.”

 

Sinking of the Fitz

Scriven is well-versed in what happened the day the Fitz went down. He generously shared the story with us.

“On November 9, 1975, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald departed from Superior, Wisconsin, loaded with 26,116 long tons of taconite bound for Detroit, Michigan. Later that day, the Fitzgerald passed Two Harbors and was joined by the SS Arthur M. Anderson. With a storm approaching, both vessels opted to follow a northern route - a common practice during severe weather.

“By the early hours of November 10^th, previously issued gale warnings had escalated to storm warnings. As the ships neared Caribou Island on the eastern end of Lake Superior, Captain Cooper of the Anderson observed the Fitzgerald passing dangerously close to a shoal around 3:15 p.m.

YouTube video created by Joseph Fulton with Gordon Lightfoot's "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitgerald."

“In the hours that followed, the Fitzgerald reported various issues, including a broken fence rail, damaged vent covers, a noticeable list, and a loss of radar functionality. At 7:10 p.m., Morgan Clark, the First Mate of the Anderson, radioed the Fitzgerald to offer navigational assistance and asked how they were faring. Captain Ernest McSorley replied, ‘We are holding our own’ - the final communication ever received from the Fitzgerald. Moments later, at 7:15 p.m., the Fitzgerald vanished from sight and radar in a sudden snow squall.

“Between 7:25 and 8:25 p.m., Captain Cooper contacted other vessels and the Coast Guard, inquiring if they could locate the Fitzgerald on radar. None could. Shortly after, the Coast Guard declared the Edmund Fitzgerald and her 29 crew members missing. Initial search efforts recovered only scattered debris.

“In the days that followed, the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guards continued searching the lake. On November 14, 1975, an anti-submarine aircraft detected an object 530 feet beneath the surface, approximately 17 miles from Whitefish Point. In May 1976, an underwater research vehicle confirmed the wreck to be the Edmund Fitzgerald.”

What we Learned

Scriven shared that there were plenty of hard-earned lessons learned from the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. “The sinking of the Fitz led to several important changes in Lake Superior shipping,” he said. This includes:

1. Pre-November inspections of hatch and vent closures as well as lifesaving equipment became required by the Coast Guard.
2. Lake Superior navigational charts were improved and made more accurate with additional details.
3. To help locate ships in emergency and disastrous situations, all vessels were required to have Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) on board.
4. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began to use a different system to predict wave height.
5. In 1977, the Coast Guard required ships 1,600 gross register tons or greater to use depth finders.
6. In 1980, vessels were required to have survival suits with attached strobe lights in the crew quarters and at regular workstations.
7. Also in 1980, the LORAN-C (Long Range Navigation) navigation system was implemented over all the Great Lakes. By 1990, GPS took its place.
8. The 1973 Load Line Regulation amendment was repealed. This action prevented vessels from being overloaded which meant ships could sit higher in the water.

Ships Mataafa and Maderia are two other famous shipwrecks

Well before the Fitz, there were many other powerful storms and subsequent shipwrecks on Lake Superior, making lighthouses a necessary part of the shipping industry.

For instance, a powerful storm on November 27 - 28, 1905, ravaged Lake Superior, damaging twenty-nine ships and claiming the lives of 30 men. Shockingly, a third of the damaged vessels were uninsured.

Scriven shared details of two other devastating shipwrecks that occurred in 1905, of The SS Mataafa and the SS Madeira.

The Mataafa

During the storm, the Mataafa attempted to enter Duluth's port but struck the North Pier, tearing off its rudder. The vessel was then swept back out into the lake, where its stern collided with the South Pier. The ship eventually ran aground just outside the harbor, cracking in two. High winds prevented the nearby life-saving station from reaching the vessel until the following day. Tragically, nine men trapped in the aft section succumbed to exposure, while fifteen men in the forward section were rescued.

The Madeira

The Madeira, a schooner barge being towed by the William Edenborn, became separated during the storm - either by force of the waves or a deliberate release. The barge drifted and smashed into Gold Rock Point, about half a mile north of where Split Rock Lighthouse now stands. As the vessel struck the cliffs, crewman Fred Benson seized a moment to leap onto the rocky point. He climbed to the top and threw down a rope, helping save seven of his eight crewmates. Sadly, the first mate was swept overboard by a rogue wave and lost. The surviving crew waited on Gold Rock for two days until the tugboat Edna G arrived to rescue them.

As a result of these – and many other - shipwrecks, Split Rock lighthouse was built as a navigational aid in 1910.

The Role of Lighthouses Played

Scriven shared that lighthouses are still used today. However, many of them – including Split Rock - have been decommissioned and repurposed.

“Lighthouses are still used in several ways today. Some, known as active aids to navigation, are managed by the U.S. Coast Guard and mark hazards or ports.

“Many lighthouses are privately owned, while the Coast Guard maintains and monitors the light itself,” he added. “Then there are decommissioned stations, like Split Rock Lighthouse, which no longer serve as navigational aids and have been repurposed, often as museums or bed-and-breakfasts.”

Several lighthouses remain on Lake Superior’s North Shore, including Duluth and Superior:

• Grand Marais Breakwall Lighthouse
• Split Rock Lighthouse
• Two Harbors Breakwall Lighthouse
• Two Harbors Lighthouse
• Duluth North Pier Lighthouse
• Duluth South Pier Lighthouse
• Duluth South Breakwater Inner Light
• Minnesota Point Lighthouse (Ruines)
• Wisconsin Point Lighthouse

Respect Mother Nature

As we commemorate the sinking of the Fitz, it is important to remember that Mother Nature is always in charge. Scriven shared that it is his duty to continue to honor the Edmund Fitzgerald, while reminding people of Lake Superior’s immense power.

“I consider it part of my job to honor not only the crew of the Edmund Fitzgerald but also all those lost on Lake Superior,” Scriven noted. “By continuing to commemorate the tragedy of the Fitzgerald, I hope to remind everyone that while Lake Superior is beautiful, it can also be incredibly dangerous.”

Resources

For more information about the commemoration taking place on November 10^th, please visit Beacon Lighting | Minnesota Historical Society.

Gordon Lightfoot’s hauntingly beautiful song, “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald,” which was recorded in 1976, can be accessed here: Gordon Lightfoot - Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald (Official Audio)

May the 29-man crew of the Fitz and singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot (who died in 2023) rest in peace.

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​ Andrea Busche is a Duluth + regional freelance writer and small business owner. She is credited with over 1,000 bylines in local print and digital publications, and has been a frequent contributor to Destination Duluth since 2017.