Outdoors calendar: ATV, firearms classes offered in Northland (2024)

Positive Energy Outdoors day camps: June 17-21, July 15-19, July 29-Aug 2 and Aug 26-30. Learn more at campscui.active.com/orgs/PositiveEnergyforYouth?orglink=camps-registration. Kayak, big canoe and stand-up paddleboard rentals available on the waterfront on Fredenberg Lake. Call 218-428-5990 or go to outdooredventures.org.

Casting Thursdays: 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays, field by Homecroft Elementary School, 4784 Howard Gnesen Road, Duluth. Instructor: Todd Heggestad, a certified fly casting instructor through International Fly Fishers. Anyone who needs help with casting or just wants practice is welcome.

ATV Safety Field Day Class: 9 a.m.-noon June 22, Ranger Snow/ATV Club Building, 901 Dorchester Road, Hoyt Lakes. Instructor: Brian Chapman. To register or for questions, contact Brian at 218-780-6690 or email bchapman.backcountry@gmail.com. Requirements: Must be 10 years old before class start date and have completed the online course.

Firearm Safety Training Class: 5-7:30 p.m. June 24-26, John A. Smith Memorial Building Resource Management/Tribal Court, 28 University Road, Cloquet. Field day: 8 a.m. June 29. Instructor: Shawn Fairbanks. To register or for questions, contact the FDL Conservation Department at 218-878-7155 or terriredding@fdlrez.com. Requirements: Must be 11 years old before class start date.

UMD Recreational Sports Outdoors Program offers these programs. For more information, go to umdrsop.org or call 218-726-7128.

• Sea Kayak Tour: Duluth Harbor: 6-9:30 p.m. July 6, UMD Boat Shed, 1401 St. Louis Ave. Experience the activity of Duluth's working Harbor with its expansive skyline and bird sanctuary island. Register by 4 p.m. July 3. Cost: $30 UMD student members, $71 Non-UMD student members/community; minimum three people required. Equipment and instruction provided.
• Sea Kayak: American Canoe Association Basic Strokes and Rescues Course: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 27, UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Ave. The course will prepare paddlers to comfortably and safely paddle on protected flatwater environments. Ages 12 and older. Register by noon July 26. Cost: $40 for UMD student members, $135 non-student members/community. Equipment and instruction provided.

Firearm Safety Field Day: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 22, United Northern Sportsmen's Club, 7229 Rice Lake Road, Duluth. Instructor: Michael Harr. To register or for questions, contact Michael Harr at 763-245-7268 or email thebrute48@hotmail.com. Requirements: Must be 11 years old before class start date.

Dwight's Point Sea Kayak Adventure: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 4, UMD Boat Shed, 1421 St. Louis Ave., Park Point, Duluth. All sea kayaking and safety equipment, cold-water immersion wear (as needed), and instruction included. Will caravan to Woodstock Bay Landing and paddle to Dwight’s Point for lunch. Bring bottled water and bagged lunch. No kayaking experience necessary. All equipment and instruction included. Space limited; registration required. Cost: $75 for St. Louis River Alliance members, $100 for non-members (includes SLRA membership). Register at tinyurl.com/Dwights-point-paddle.

Firearm Safety Field Day: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 17, United Northern Sportsmen's Club, 7229 Rice Lake Road, Duluth. Instructor: Michael Harr. To register or for questions, contact Michael Harr at 763-245-7268 or email thebrute48@hotmail.com. Requirements: Must be 11 years old before class start date.

Firearm Safety Training Class: 6-9 p.m. Aug. 19-23, Kimberly Town Hall, 32631 Dam Lake St., Aitkin (town hall just off Highway 47 on Aitkin County Road 4, or Dam Lake Street). Field day: 6-9 p.m. Aug. 23. Instructor: Brian Anderson. To register or for questions, contact Kevin Hoge at 218-549-3337. Requirements: Must be 11 years old before class start date.

Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center open: now through Sept. 30, 8793 Owl Ave., Toivola. Daily hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, except for the Fourth of July. Talk to a naturalist, shop the Sax-Zimporium (store), use the "World's only Outhouse/Art Museum" and enjoy a hike on trails and boardwalks. No admission. Upcoming field trips in June feature butterflies, boardwalk tours and wildflowers; find a schedule at saxzim.org. Field trips are free for members (those who have donated at least $25 in the past year).

Duluth Parks and Recreation Division offers youth activities to 55+ programs, community events, mobile recreation, introductory outdoor experiences and more through May. For more info, visit duluthmn.gov/media/agijotyx/parks-brochure-winter-spring-2024-for-web.pdf. To register for programs, visit duluthmn.gov/parks/register.

Free Park Day at Minnesota State Parks: Nov. 29. For info on rental equipment and other recreational opportunities, go to mndnr.gov/parkfinder .

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