Duluth, Minnesota has all the amenities of a big city, but offers the simple pleasures and relaxed pace of a smaller town. The scenic shores of Lake Superior offer a beautiful setting to bask in the sun. While the city has been consistently recognized as a great place to live, this is not the case for all residents. There still are those who struggle with poverty. By working alongside local social service organizations and reaching out to both elderly and children, your group will have a unique opportunity to shine the light of Christ into the darker parts of this city.

Demographics

Duluth is located on the westernmost tip of Lake Superior—the largest freshwater lake in the world. It is halfway between the city of Minneapolis and the Canadian border. The city itself is built into a steep, rocky cliffside and was originally settled by the Sioux and Chippewa Indians. The city attracts 2.5 million visitors annually and the current population is 87,000. The city’s harbor, illuminated by a lighthouse, welcomes over 1,000 ocean-going and Great Lakes freighters annually. Duluth is one of four Minnesota seaports on Lake Superior. In 2002, these ports handled a total of 63.7 million tons of freight during their nine-month season. Once home to more millionaires (per capita) than any other city in the world, Duluth’s population today includes 15.5 percent who live in poverty—nearly double the rate for the state of Minnesota. Come partner with the community to help this city reach its potential for a high quality of life with your encouragement and service.

About the Ministry

Participants serve in a variety of ways during a YouthWorks mission trip. Students may spend all week at one ministry or switch between ministries during the week. Our goal is to partner with local organizations and programs that seek to address the very basic needs of residents. Students may serve at places like: Children’s Programs, Elderly Centers, Soup Kitchens/Homeless Shelters and Thrift Stores. We cannot confirm until all groups arrive exactly what ministries your students will be a part of during the week. We ask that you come with a willing and flexible spirit!

Activities

Evening activities during a YouthWorks week are designed to give participants insight into the lives of local residents and the culture of the area. A list of evening/cultural activities we have done in the past include: visit the Maritime Museum and Canal Park; serve a meal at Union Gospel Mission; go roller skating at World of Wheels; and spend an evening at Canal Park. These are examples of what your group might partake in during your mission week. These examples are subject to change due to weather or availability. In case of change, suitable substitutes will be provided. We try to arrange for free evening activities, but from time to time, an additional cost may be required for an activity. Please plan to bring an additional $10 per person to cover any extra costs. We will confirm the details closer to your trip.

Ministry Week

Partnering with Local Ministries.

Mileage

Duluth is located approximately 160 miles northeast of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Transportation & Travel

Each group is responsible for transportation to and from the site, and during the mission week. Duluth can only accommodate standard 15 passenger vans or smaller.

Additional Information

If you would like more information on what there is to do in Duluth and surrounding areas before or after your trip, check out these Web sites: www.visitduluth.com and www.ci.duluth.mn.us/city/mainpage.