Residents of the Lake Superior Zoo (7210 Fremont St., 218/733-3777, www.lszoo.org [1], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily Apr.–Sept., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. rest of year, $9 adults) come from around the globe, but the focus is fittingly on northern species. The zoo has had some hard times—including losing its Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation in 2006—and it shows in the condition of some of the exhibits. But the facility is on the mend again after the city of Duluth [2] ceded management to a private nonprofit in early 2009.
StoraEnso (100 N. Central Ave., 218/722-6024) offers fascinating one-hour paper mill tours (9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Mon., Tues., and Fri. summer, free) in their high-tech facility. You’ll get a video overview of the process and then see (and hear!) the giant rolls being wound. You must call in advance to reserve the free tickets. Open-toed or high-heeled shoes and children under 10 are not allowed.
Links:
[1] http://www.lszoo.org
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/minnesota/the-arrowhead/duluth