What does Duluth, MN offer that Iowa doesn't? (Minneapolis, Cloquet: 2009, credit card)

[natedogg202]

How old do you need to be to make hotel reservations?

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

How old do you need to be to make hotel reservations?

Generally 18 with a credit/debit card to hold the room.

[big daryle]

Originally Posted by Sheridan1962

Duluth is beautiful, and offers you a doorway to some pretty cool wildnerness in northern Minnesota. We lived in the Twin Cities for 8 years, and went up to Duluth for mini-vacations at least once a year. I would have loved to live there except for one thing---the snow. Lots and lots of snow. Yes, we had lots of snow in the Twin Cities, but the lake effect snow in Duluth...I saw pictures, and it was scary. You'd need an industrial sized snowblower, lol.

I'd take Duluth over any city in Iowa (except for the tons of snow). The Canal Park area is beautiful, and my kids loved driving up north along, oh darn, what highway is that, to Gooseberry Falls State Park.

You are talking about State Highway 61, formerly US 61. It goes all the way to the Canadian border and then to Thunder Bay, Ontario and their stinky paper plants!!!!!!!!!

[big daryle]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

I am strongly considering taking my girlfriend up to Duluth. I am planning on asking her to marry me by Lake Superior. She will be 20 and I am 19, I was wondering if anyone knew of any cheap yet decent hotels. Since we are both college kids, and fairly poor haha . Also, if anyone could give me some tips on planning a trip to Duluth, or tips on things to do, that would be great. Are the attractions expensive or are they basically free? What is the best month to visit?

By the way does proposing to my girlfriend by Lake Superior sound pretty cool or not?

My friend, I do not want to interfere, but you are too young to get married, or even engaged for that matter. Play the field for a few more years and then get serious about a lady.

[Minnesota Niiiccceee]

The rednecks are just a symptom of the greater problem, lack of quality jobs. Unless you wanted to condemn your family to a life of service work, Duluth isn't the place to live.

[pirate_lafitte]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

I am very interested in moving to Duluth in the near future. So I guess my question is what does Duluth offer that a city in Iowa doesn't? What is Duluth like? I heard there are a lot of rednecks? Is that true?

Duluth has a view of one of the largest lakes in the world. Iowa has a view of the Mississippi river, but a lake is very lovely. Not to mention Duluth is very hilly compared to Iowa. As for the "redneck" factor, I don't know. I have only been to Mpls, not Duluth.

[aluminumpork]

Originally Posted by Minnesota Niiiccceee

The rednecks are just a symptom of the greater problem, lack of quality jobs. Unless you wanted to condemn your family to a life of service work, Duluth isn't the place to live.

When you say service work, are you referring to all of the terrible doctor and nursing jobs? Or the graphic design, web design and computer programming opportunities? It is widely misconceived that unless you're going into to nursing (or another medical field), that you won't be able to find work in Duluth. While other skilled job types may be more limited here than elsewhere south in the state,the jobs certainly do exist.

Compared to almost everywhere else in northern Minnesota, Duluth has a very low redneck factor. In fact, Duluth has quite the "hippy/liberal" population, which may be bad for big business, but good for the arts, local music and overall "active" vibe. It creates interesting places like the Fitgers complex, Amazing Grace, Sir Bens or Jitters. It makes Duluth very different, and appealing to me.

Enough with the doom and gloom, by no means will choosing Duluth to raise your family condemn your children to anything but a happy, healthy childhood. My parents chose Duluth over 24 years ago, and I've managed without much help from others, to make a successful life for myself here. A successful life not... *gasp*, wiping down tables.

[natedogg202]

Originally Posted by big daryle

My friend, I do not want to interfere, but you are too young to get married, or even engaged for that matter. Play the field for a few more years and then get serious about a lady.

Well, my friend, my girlfriend and I have dated for 4 years this summer. I don't think I need to play the field any longer. I am serious about this girl, and I love her.

[kuan]

Instead of taking her to Duluth, take her Ely for a few days, rent a tandem canoe, go boundary waters camping. If you still get along after the trip ask her to marry you.

[Duluth07]

Originally Posted by natedogg202

I am very interested in moving to Duluth in the near future. So I guess my question is what does Duluth offer that a city in Iowa doesn't? What is Duluth like? I heard there are a lot of rednecks? Is that true?

Well, I haven't spent much time in Iowa other than the trips back and forth to Kansas City to see my cousins...as far as the climate (social, political, physical) here, it's a mixed bag. I know everyone says this about their city, but Duluth is a city like none other. I've never been to a place with nearly 90,000 people (that is 165 miles away from the closest metro area) where you see a little of everything. You see gays and lesbians, you see blacks, you see Native Americans; with four colleges and universities here we see a lot of other international students who bring that flavor with them. In that respect, it's nice. Growing up here I felt very lonely and bored but after moving back I found a new respect for Duluth...you have a city with a downtown, an urban feel, and within 20 minutes you are in the woods or along the lakeshore. One big difference with Duluth and other parts of the upper midwest is the lake. Driving up Highway 61 and looking at the lake, the landscape, the quaint shops and homes, you feel more like you're along the east coast than Minnesota.

There are two main highways leaving Duluth going north to Canada; Highway 61 (along Lake Superior towards Thunder Bay, Ontario) and Highway 53 (through the Iron Range to Fort Frances, Ontario). I have found that the further inland you are the more of a redneck feel you will find. Basically because the communities along Lake Superior attract so many tourists and artists, which rubs off on the locals a little. Going north on Highway 53 (especially that last stretch towards International Falls) it's not uncommon to see no other cars for almost an hour. People aren't exposed to much other than what they see every day in their town.

Getting back to Duluth, it's hard to describe the people. I find most to be very nice and trusting; some do come off as very homophobic (the longer I'm here I think it's more naievity than anything). People do not move here to get rich. You don't see the social snobbery you would see in Uptown Minneapolis. People here often have more kids than usual, meaning that if you are a single, childless adult you will stick out like a sore thumb (I know). The stigma of being single here sucks because everyone at work either has a spouse, fiance, or is a single parent with kids (which doesn't really count as 'single' because they do have a life, lol!). In that regard it's hard to connect with other single adults who are open minded and just plain fun to hang out with. But give it time, and you will find what you are looking for here.

What I like the most is - while there are certainly these types of people in Minneapolis, the pace of everything is much faster and the metro area goes on for almost 90 miles - chances are you will never see some people again. Here, often times you run into people when you least expect it (that can be good or bad). Most people here are well-educated, again not rich or looking to get rich, but they are passionate about their communiy (just do a google search on the Duluth School District 'Red Plan'). The downtown doesn't look too hot right now but that's changing with the restoration and new buildings going up. We have a lot of potential here if more people would stick around for a while. Right now my concern is that...if you have a really good job here, and lose it, it's really hard to find another one here. A lot of people I know, if they get promoted, want a transfer to another metro area where there are more opportunities. We need people to hang in there and help out so we can get more businesses or at least get them to notice us. The school thing is going to be a nightmare but that's been going on for almost 40 years...