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Attracted To Duluth

by The Lake Superior Zoo & St. Louis County Depot

Each episode we talk about weird & wonderful attractions in Duluth (past & present) and the people keeping it that way.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Feb 10, 2026 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. The Fitzgerald Story That Starts at the Bottom of the Lake with Ian Grant

    What does it take to tell a story everyone thinks they already know? For Ian Grant, it meant dropping a camera 750 feet down to a Lake Superior wreck and standing with the families of the Edmund Fitzgerald on the 50th anniversary. Most Fitzgerald stories end at the bottom of Lake Superior. Ian...

  2. The King Who Burned: Duluth's Forgotten “Burning Man”

    A twenty six foot Roman god stood in Canal Park for three and a half years, then burned to the ground before anyone could get a photo of it. We still don't fully know why almost nobody remembers this happened. Ron Gustafson found us by accident. He came by the office to drop off a gift for Jay...

  3. This Might Be the Most Important Building Project in Duluth Right Now with Dave Schaeffer

    Every Duluth kid who grew up racing down Chester's ski hill has a memory tied to that little brown chalet. We sat down with Dave Schaefer, executive director at Chester Bowl, to talk about the Tom Storm Chalet renovation, the Growing Up Chester capital campaign, and of course Fall Fest, which is...

  4. The Scandalous Secret Past of Duluth's Favorite Tourist Spot

    Before Canal Park had lake walks and gift shops, it had brothels, knife fights, and a woman named Madam Gain who basically ran the whole street. We're not making this up. This week is another one of our history deep dives, and it might be the wildest one yet. Hailey spent time digging through...

  5. Wigs, Wind, and Bayfront: A Drag Coordinator's Guide to Pride Weekend

    Forty years of Pride in the Twin Ports and we got to sit down with two of the people making this year unforgettable. Grab your sunglasses and lash glue, because we are talking drag, community, and everything happening this Labor Day weekend. We invited ThatQueerIsa Cassadine, the new drag...

  6. Building a Legacy with the Minnesota Monsters

    From the Harlem Globetrotters to Arena Football, with Meadow Lemon and Ben Waalkens Duluth's most attractive podcast just got a little bit louder. This week we're joined by Meadow Lemon and Ben Waalkens from the Minnesota Monsters Meadow is the CEO of the Minnesota Monsters, Duluth's professional...

  7. We're so back

    FOUR YEARS IN, AND WE FINALLY HAVE FACES We've been ambiguous blobs in audio space for four years, and now you can finally see us. You're welcome. Or we're sorry. Either way, we're here.

  8. Another Sexy Duluth Historical Romance with Jay Gabler

    One Duluthy historical romance novel wasn't enough! This time on Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey are joined by Jay Gabler for another episode of romance book club. Tune in to hear the trio recount the incredible tale of love, loss, shipwrecks, and ghosts that is Ashland Price's In From…

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  9. The Shipwreck of The Mataafa with Kaylee Matuszak

    Which shipwreck with a Duluth connection has a big anniversary this year? If you guessed the Edmund Fitzgerald, you're not wrong, but on the latest episode of A2D we dive into the story of an older wreck. For this installment, Caroline and Hailey are joined by friend of the show, local musician,...

  10. Visit Duluth with Haley Hedstrom

    On this episode of A2D, Caroline and Hailey sit down with Haley Hedstrom, the new Executive Director of Visit Duluth! We talk about her background working within Duluth's tourism industry, advice for the next generation of leaders, and her thoughts on Taylor Swift. You know, just standard…

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  11. Blood and Timber - Part 3

    Tune in to the latest episode of A2D for our thrilling conclusion in a murder mystery over 100 years in the making. This finale has lawsuits, two divorces, and an entirely unrelated additional murder... Or is it? Join Caroline and Hailey as they speculate wildly on the mysterious death of John...

  12. Blood and Timber - Part 2

    In this sensational second part to Blood and Timber, Caroline and Hailey delve even deeper into the mysterious death of Duluth millionaire, John McAlpine. This episode has bankruptcy, family infighting, a break-in, and even more lawsuits! Be sure to tune in and hear this next installment as we…

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  13. Blood and Timber - Part 1

    What killed John McAlpine? The millionaire lumberman, in his basement, with a handgun. It sounds like something out of the board game Clue, but the mysterious death of John McAlpine was all too real. In our first ever multi-part series, Attracted to Duluth explores the 1913 death of a wealthy...

  14. 100 Things to Do in Duluth with Jay Gabler

    On this latest episode of Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey are joined by journalist and friend of the pod, Jay Gabler. Tune in to hear all about his new book, 100 Things to Do in Duluth Before You Die, as well as his personal history with writing. This episode is packed with cool Duluth...

  15. Toboggan or Not to Boggan

    In the late 1880s, what winter sport craze swept through Duluth? In this episode of Attracted to Duluth, we embrace the cold and make the best of it! Without winter we wouldn't have had goofy woolen uniforms, ice carnivals, or the opportunity to get frisky on a sled. Put on your snowshoes and…

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  16. Boubville: A Festival of (B)light

    This time on Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline are joined by Boubville representatives Annmarie Geniusz and Daniel Benoit. Located in Duluth's central hillside neighborhood, this immersive DIY holiday event flips everything you think you know about a Duluth Christmas event on its head!…

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  17. Pitching Mounds & Murder

    What baseball hall of famer spent time on Minnesota's Iron Range, and was even a witness in a Virginia murder trial? This time on Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline tackle the stranger than fiction story of Rube Waddell, the left-handed pitcher who loved fire trucks, fishing, and baseball……

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  18. Duluth Does The World's Fair

    What temporary event in 1893 attracted more than 27 million visitors? On this installment of Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline are talking all about the Chicago World's Fair! Chicago wanted to show the world that they were a major city of the world, and Duluth was eager to prove the same....

  19. Minnesota Ballet - A Love Story

    For this episode of Attracted to Duluth we're joined by two representatives from Minnesota Ballet, a husband and wife team, Karl von Rabenau and Jennifer Miller. We talk about their journeys to becoming professional ballerinas, their work with Minnesota Ballet, and how they first met through…

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  20. Mainly The Main Club

    Attracted to Duluth is back for another episode and this time Caroline and Hailey met up with Shawn Roos, the owner of The Main Club. This LGBT+ bar and club has been a beloved space in the Twin Ports community since 1983. It's survived a change in location, a change in ownership, and even the...

  21. Deep Dive with Deep Cuts

    This time on Attracted to Duluth, let your hair down as Caroline and Hailey meet up with Bee Golding, the owner of Deep Cuts. Tune in to hear about how Bee first discovered Duluth, how she opening up her punk-rock barbershop, and what it means to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community in The Twin…

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  22. Zenith City Horror Show

    On the latest installment of Attracted to Duluth, we're joined by Alice O'Callaghan of Zenith City Horror. For more than 15 years Zenith City Horror has been The Twin Ports' premier queer production company, and we sat down with Alice to hear all about the history of the group and some exciting...

  23. Duluth Superior Pride Spectacular

    On this episode of Attracted to Duluth, we're talking all things Duluth Superior Pride Festival with Public Relations chair, Josh Miller. This summer will be the festival's 38th year in the Twin Ports, and Josh takes us through his history with the festival, a major personal highlight, and a…

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  24. Show Us The Cars

    On this episode of Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey sit down with Michele Halti to learn about the annual and upcoming car show events in the Twin Ports. Tune in as we talk about some of Michele's beloved antique cars, the great stuff to do at these shows, and how you can get involved.

  25. Look at This Ghost Photograph

    Who was Frank N. Foster? In the latest episode of "Attracted to Duluth" we dive into the mysterious Minnesotan who scammed his way from coast to coast taking photographs of "spirits" all along the way. Tune in as Caroline and Hailey dig into the story of a man who defied the laws of nature and…

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  26. The Duke of Duluth

    What Broadway musical is named after Duluth Minnesota? On the latest episode of "Attracted to Duluth", we're joined by Cal Metts of the Lyric Opera of the North and filmmaker Mike Scholtz to talk about The Duke of Duluth, the short-lived musical that one New York review called "a painful jumble…

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  27. Getting the Scoop with Glensheen

    What historic home located on the shores of Lake Superior offers surprises all year long? In this installment of Attracted to Duluth, we chat with Glensheen director Dustin Heckman about all things history. With topics like local cemeteries, museum conferences, and mysterious discoveries on the...

  28. Superior's Syndicate of Sin

    Which prohibition playboy tormented the Twin Ports and lived rent-free in the mind of Ripsaw editor John Morrison? On the latest episode of Attracted to Duluth, Hailey and Caroline dig into the story of one Superior citizen who was persecuted for being a small business owner...That business...

  29. Fully Armed! Featuring the Armory Arts & Music Center

    What once-condemned building is now on track to soon welcome the community back inside? On this episode of Attracted to Duluth we're joined by Michelle of the Armory Arts & Music Center as she talks us through the history of The Armory, the fight to save the building, and the path ahead. You've...

  30. Happy Holidays & Historic Newspapers

    On this episode of Attracted to Duluth, Caroline and Hailey share some highlights from historic Duluth newspapers originally published during the holiday season. Grab a hot cocoa, crack open some oysters, and prepare to be visited by three ghosts sent by The Labor World newspaper to make you a...

  31. Shipwrecks are a Bummer

    What do Gordon Lightfoot, Hozier, Regis Philbin, and Florence Welch all have in common? On this installment of Attracted to Duluth, we're joined by Kaylee Matuszak and Ian Wallin to talk about the most famous vessel to wrestle with the witch of November, the Edmund Fitzgerald. Tune in as we learn...

  32. Heart of Fire with Jay Gabler

    Are you ready to fall in love? Because in this episode, we're giving Attracted to Duluth a whole other meaning! Jay Gabler joins us for our steamiest and most controversial episode yet as we discuss Laura Ashcroft's Duluth-based romance novel, Heart of Fire. You might not associate spiciness and...

  33. Hoop Skirt Hoopla!

    Which women's undergarment did the state of Minnesota attempt to ban? This time on Attracted to Duluth, we compare Taylor Swift to the Chicago World Fair, discuss strategies for ladies hoping to avoid exposing themselves to insult, and one doughy little lawyer from Minneapolis. Put on your...

  34. We Could Be Heroes featuring Mark Armstrong

    What off-broadway play written by Will Arbery is coming to The Depot Theatre? On this episode of Attracted To Duluth, Depot Director Mary Tennis is subbing in for Kristin as we're joined by Director, Mark Armstrong as he talks about his production of "Heroes of the Fourth Turning." Tune in to…

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  35. The Historia Story

    What's the coolest web-based Minnesota documentary series coming out of Duluth? On this installment of Attracted to Duluth, you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be recruited to join an all-clown marching band. We're joined by local documentary filmmaker and weird history enjoyer, Mike Scholtz, as he...

  36. Trans Joy Fest!

    Attracted to Duluth is kicking off Pride month with our friends at Trans Northland! In this installment, we chat with Trans Joy Fest organizers Sean Hayes and Joe Murphy to talk all about their upcoming second annual event, as well as hear ways that we can support our transgender friends and...

  37. We Love Our Block!

    We Love Our Block! This week on Attracted to Duluth, we're joined by Sarah and Annika from The City of Duluth's Love Your Block program. The Love Your Block model encourages innovation and experimentation to reduce blight through resident and government partnerships. Together we talk about our...

  38. The Greatest Show on Park Point!

    What defunct Duluth amusement park once sat on Park Point? This time on Attracted To Duluth we explore the largely-forgotten amusement park that once boasted rides, attractions, and some absolutely wild live stunts and performances that are a miracle anyone survived! Step right up and listen to…

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  39. Fishy Fun, Featuring the Great Lakes Aquarium

    What Duluth attraction is home to North America's largest sturgeon touchpool? This week we're joined by Jay Walker of the Great Lakes Aquarium as he dives into the story of how the organization came to be, and how he came to join it. Be sure to tuna-in!

  40. Lighthouse Creeper! Featuring Ian Wallin, public historian

    Why are lighthouses the setting for so many spooky stories? This week we're joined by Ian Wallin, a lighthouse enthusiast and TikTok micro-influencer, as they drop some serious lighthouse knowledge on us. From Edgar Allen Poe to Willem Dafoe, horror media has loved lighthouses for over 100 years,...

  41. We Love Iron Will, Still! (And other "Hollywood" stuff)

    We Love Iron Will, Still Featuring The Upper Midwest Film Office and The Lake Superior Railroad Museum What Disney movie filmed in Duluth still manages to connect with our community 20+ years later? This week we're joined by Riki McManus and Ken Buehler as they discuss their involvement in the...

  42. Boats & Bathrooms featuring Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center

    What iconic Duluth attraction hasn't always been quiiite so tourist friendly? This week we're joined by special guest Kaylee Matuszak as we discuss Duluth's Canal Park through the ages, the appeal of non-decrepit bathrooms, and missing mannequin drama.

  43. Ghostplosion! featuring Superior Public Museums

    What do The Lake Superior Zoo, The Depot, and Superior Public Museums all have in common? Ghosts! Join us for this special episode of Attracted to Duluth, as we talk about all the things that go bump in the night with special guest Brittany Plachecki.

  44. Come On Over Valrie

    What Lake Superior Zoo resident was familiar with the inside of a pilot's cockpit? Here's a hint, she also met Hedy Lamarr! Join us for another episode of Attracted to Duluth, as we dive into a tale that will leave you hungry for more!

  45. The Ups and Downs of the Duluth's Incline

    What now defunct Duluth attraction originally served tourists, citizens and horses? Anyone have a guess? Join us as we explore the history of Duluth's hillside, the glory days of hot-air balloon launchings, and a flaming car rushing through town.

  46. Ballad of Mr. Magoo

    Which famous Duluthian recieved a federal pardon from execution and whose survival would be described by President John F. Kennedy as "a classic example of government by the people"? Join us as we learn more about this fascinating and really cute story that is authentically Duluth.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Each episode we talk about weird & wonderful attractions in Duluth (past & present) and the people keeping it that way.

HOSTED BY

The Lake Superior Zoo & St. Louis County Depot

Produced by Kristin Johnson

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Attracted To Duluth have?

Attracted To Duluth currently has 46 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Attracted To Duluth about?

Each episode we talk about weird & wonderful attractions in Duluth (past & present) and the people keeping it that way.

How often does Attracted To Duluth release new episodes?

Attracted To Duluth has 46 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Attracted To Duluth?

You can listen to Attracted To Duluth on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Attracted To Duluth?

Attracted To Duluth is created and hosted by The Lake Superior Zoo & St. Louis County Depot.
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