Science and Technology
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
Lake Superior Estuarium is open every Friday and on the first Saturday of each month during the summer. A special activity is planned for each open Saturday.
The Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore.
An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.” Staff in the exhibit hall offer information about how fresh water, ecology and culture coexist and thrive in the Lake Superior watershed.
The Estuarium is hosted by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and is a red building on Barker’s Island in Superior.
Species-Finding Field Trip: Frigga Fritillary and Red-disked Alpine
With all the biodiversity in the greater Sax-Zim Bog ecosystem, seeing the uncommon, rare or difficult-to-find species can require special, targeted effort. This field trip is focused on finding two unique butterfly species: Frigga Fritillary and Red-disked Alpine. These two butterflies are specialists of open bogs, which are not very common in this area, and feature Bog Willow, Cranberry and sedges.
Please note: this is a strenuous field trip with almost all the hiking done off-trail in wet and uneven conditions.
Field Trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers entry to all field trips and programs, excluding workshops, in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org. Registrants meet at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center and Lois King Education Center at noon. The field trip concludes at 5 p.m.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds
For thousands of years, mankind thought the Earth was the center of the Universe. It is now known that planets like Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in the Milky Way galaxy. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, humans are able to explore more and more of the universe. What has been found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
Reptiles and Amphibians Field Trip
Northern Minnesota is home to an impressive diversity of reptiles and amphibians, with 14 species present in the greater Sax-Zim Bog ecosystem, alone. On this field trip, attendees will spend time searching for and observing many of these species, including turtles, frogs, snakes, toads, salamanders and maybe more. Attendees will also learn tips on how to better observe or find reptiles and amphibians on their own adventures.
Field Trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers entry to all field trips and programs, excluding workshops, in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org.
Wonderstruck Wednesday Planetarium Show
Explore the wonders of the cosmos at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium during free shows on Wonderstruck Wednesdays.
June Schedule
June 3 – Exploring the June Sky
June 10 – Presentation by the Arrowhead Astronomical Society
June 17 – Mythbusters: Astronomy
June 24 – The Mystery of the Northern Lights
For descriptions of upcoming shows visit d.umn.edu.
Limited seating is available. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium.
UMD Planetarium Show: Expedition: Moons
Our solar system has more than 150 moons. Hop in the MWAP spaceship to explore some of the most interesting moons our solar system has to offer. There’s a moon full of volcanoes, another with a giant ocean, and more.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
A Closer Look Series: Bumblebees
Come take “A Closer Look” and learn more about some interesting species groups with this talk series. These 1.5 hour talks with Head Naturalist Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus will informative deep-dives. The first talk in the series will investigate the lives of bumblebees. This will be an indoor class in the Lois King Education Center.
Field trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers entry to all field trips and programs, excluding workshops, in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org. Registrants meet at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center and Lois King Education Center at 10 a.m. The field trip concludes at 11:30 a.m.
Shaker-Style Coffee Table Class Series
Students will make a cherry wood coffee table to take home during this class series. The fee includes all materials. Sessions are on Saturdays — June 13, June 20, June 27 and July 11 (if needed) — from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Instructor Jessica is a hobbyist woodworker who focuses on furniture and DIY around the house.
Tools used:
Jointer
Planer
Table saw
Mitre saw
Router
Sander
Domino joiner
Safety gear:
Hearing and eye protection
A Closer Look Series: Frogs and Toads
Come take “A Closer Look” and learn more about some interesting species groups with this talk series. These 1.5 hour talks with Head Naturalist Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus will be informative deep-dives. Our second talk in the series, this summer, will investigate the curious lives of Frogs & Toads. This will be an indoor class in the Lois King Education Center.
Field trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers entry to all field trips and programs, excluding workshops, in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org. Registrants meet at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center and Lois King Education Center at 12:30 p.m. The field trip concludes at 2 p.m.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds
For thousands of years, mankind thought the Earth was the center of the Universe. It is now known that planets like Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in the Milky Way galaxy. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, humans are able to explore more and more of the universe. What has been found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
A Closer Look Series: Warblers
Come take “A Closer Look” and learn more about some interesting species groups with this talk series. These 1.5 hour talks with Head Naturalist Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus will be informative deep-dives. The third talk in the series will investigate the lives of warblers. This will be an indoor class in the Lois King Education Center.
Field trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers entry to all field trips and programs, excluding workshops, in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org. Registrants meet at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center and Lois King Education Center at 10 a.m. The field trip concludes at 11:30 a.m.
A Closer Look Series: Carnivorous Plants
Come take “A Closer Look” and learn more about some interesting species groups with this talk series. These 1.5 hour talks withHead Naturalist Clinton Dexter-Nienhaus will be informative deep-dives. The fourth and final talk in the series will investigate the wild world of carnivorous plants. This will be an indoor class in the Lois King Education Center.
Field trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers free entry to all field trips and programs, excluding workshops, in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org. Registrants meet at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center and Lois King Education Center at 12:30 p.m. The field trip concludes at 2 p.m.
Wonderstruck Wednesday Planetarium Show
Explore the wonders of the cosmos at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium during free shows on Wonderstruck Wednesdays.
June Schedule
June 3 – Exploring the June Sky
June 10 – Presentation by the Arrowhead Astronomical Society
June 17 – Mythbusters: Astronomy
June 24 – The Mystery of the Northern Lights
For descriptions of upcoming shows visit d.umn.edu.
Limited seating is available. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium.
Hartley Sustainability Workshop Series
This workshop series aims to connect community members with local environmental experts to instruct about local environmental challenges and solutions shaping the region. Workshops take place on the third Thursday of each month and will run through July 2026.
Nerd Nite Duluth
An evening of laughs, learning and geekiness featuring three presentations on nerdy topics like sci-fi book art, spacecraft design and the story of Virginia, Minnesota’s naming. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar available.
Orchids of the Sax-Zim Bog Field Trip
The Sax-Zim Bog is home to at least 20 species of orchid. This field trip will cover a lot of ground to find orchids that represent the diversity of the bog. This trip will likely involve a little “bog stomping,” so rubber boots are a must.
Field Trip attendance is free for Friends of Sax-Zim Bog members. The $25 membership fee covers free entry to all field trips and programs — excluding workshops — in a 12-month period.
Registration is required at saxzim.org. Registrants meet at the Friends of Sax-Zim Bog Welcome Center and Lois King Education Center at 10 a.m. The field trip concludes at 5 p.m.
UMD Planetarium Show: Sunstruck
Discover the wonders of the Sun. Its incredible energy has supported life on earth for millennia, but is now threatening human technology and our way of life. Travel to the distant future to discover the Sun’s connection to the universe’s cosmic cycle of life and death.
The June 13 showing at 4 p.m. is a special sensory-friendly edition.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
UMD Planetarium Show: Out There: The Quest for Extrasolar Worlds
For thousands of years, mankind thought the Earth was the center of the Universe. It is now known that planets like Earth are nothing special in the cosmos. The Sun is just one ordinary star among hundreds of billions in the Milky Way galaxy. With the world’s most powerful telescopes, humans are able to explore more and more of the universe. What has been found so far has surpassed even the wildest expectations of scientists as well as authors of science fiction. Most stars have planets — it turns out they are more common than thought. A huge diversity of different worlds is out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Each show is followed by a live presentation of the night’s sky.
Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for senior citizens ages 60 and up, kids ages 3-12 and University of Minnesota Duluth students; and free for kids age 2 and under. Tickets are available at tickets.umn.edu or at the door. UMD students are required to show their student identification for the discounted admission.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium. Proof of purchase must be ready to show at the door.
Summer Solstice 2026
Summer solstice occurs when the Earth’s rotational axis is most inclined toward the star it orbits. The Sun reaches its highest position in the sky on this day, and the Earth’s gravity pulls humans toward beaches.
Wonderstruck Wednesday Planetarium Show
Explore the wonders of the cosmos at the Marshall W. Alworth Planetarium during free shows on Wonderstruck Wednesdays.
June Schedule
June 3 – Exploring the June Sky
June 10 – Presentation by the Arrowhead Astronomical Society
June 17 – Mythbusters: Astronomy
June 24 – The Mystery of the Northern Lights
For descriptions of upcoming shows visit d.umn.edu.
Limited seating is available. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Food and drinks are not allowed in the planetarium.
LLO Science on Deck
Scientists and staff of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Large Lakes Observatory invite the community to board and tour the Blue Heron research vessel on the Duluth Harbor at Pier B Resort. The Science on Deck event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tours are provided by scientists, crew and students to provide an overview of the R/V Blue Heron’s layout and research capabilities.
At 1:30 p.m. LLO Director Dr. Catherine O’Reilly gives a presentation titled “Underwater Soundscapes.”
The Blue Heron is part of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System and is chartered by research scientists to explore any of the Great Lakes. For more info visit scse.d.umn.edu.
Pollinator Powerhouse 2026
Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District hosts its seventh annual Pollinator Powerhouse event celebrating National Pollinator Month. The event includes children’s activities, lawn games, pollinator merchandise, food trucks and music. A coloring contest for children 10 and under offers prizes. Local vendors are available to peruse and Carlton SWCD hosts Conservation Talks on local natural resource conservation objectives and opportunities for landowners to access technical and financial conservation support.
The event serves as the location for the Carlton SWCD Native Plant and Seed Mix Sale order pick up. The last day to order plant kits and seed in this sale is June 14.