First Street, Duluth MN (Minneapolis: crime, to buy, casino)

[diagnostic]

I was in Duluth this past weekend for a fishing trip on the Brule. This wasn't my first trip to the city as I've been there countless times before. However, this was the first time i had found myself in such a precarious situation while strolling through downtown and was introduced to an unfamiliarity that I never knew existed within the city. My friend and I were looking to grab a bite to eat at the Luce' on Superior street; fortunately we couldn't get a table due to a show taking place there and discovered the Thirsty Pagan in Superior WI, which turned out to have the best pizza and beer we have had in a long time. Anyway, before leaving the city we found ourselves on First Street and we were both amazed at what we saw, which seemed to be the polar opposite of superior street. Of course we plan on visiting the city again in the future and my question is, is First street as dangerous as it seems or are both our perceptions off: we both live in Mpls. so it's not as if we haven't been exposed to any potentially threating situations before. Should First be avoided after dark?

[DSCBully]

I have live in Duluth for 8 years. I would not be scared to be on First Street after dark. There are a few areas where it seems sketchy but as long as you don't start any problems you wont have any trouble. This is mainly on East First Street for a block or two. West of Lake Ave are some good resturants and bars just like on Superior Street. The crime in Duluth is low and I consider myself safe everywhere.

[pedro161]

I work on 1st street and the (locals) as we like to call them are pretty harmless. It is I think what most people in duluth would consider to be the bad part of town but its not nearly as bad as it seams. Looks a little scary after dark but nothing worse then the cities.

[Slig]

Originally Posted by pedro161

I work on 1st street and the (locals) as we like to call them are pretty harmless. It is I think what most people in duluth would consider to be the bad part of town but its not nearly as bad as it seams. Looks a little scary after dark but nothing worse then the cities.

It's funny you mention that. When I was visiting Duluth with my wife somebody was telling us about Duluth. I mentioned that we may check out the Fon Du luth Casino to try our luck at blackjack and he started warning us about the area, and to stay away from Lake Avenue north of Superior St. He said "I don't want to see you guys get mugged or anything, it isn't like Lake St in Minneapolis or anything but it isn't somewhere you want to walk." Beings that we live a few blocks from Lake St I found this quite humorous. When we went there I parked the car on the corner of 1st St and Lake Avenue behind the casino. There were some people loitering around there but nothing overly threatening. I guess I could see why people would be concerned about it though.

[knke0204]

My buddy got jumped outside of The Score Nightclub on 1st street.

[whatnow]

OP - your perceptions are right on, stay away. What I am trying to figure out is where would anyone want to go on First St, really?!

[newcastle]

Originally Posted by whatnow

OP - your perceptions are right on, stay away. What I am trying to figure out is where would anyone want to go on First St, really?!

Well, I like to buy flowers at Angela's Bella Floral, eat Pizza at Sammy's on 1st, and I also enjoyed the Thai Kra Thong when it was there. Now I hear that their is another good restaurant in that spot. I think the YWCA is on 1st street too. The only bad part of First is on the East end of the street.