Link to Duluth News Article

Should be a good place for many to stop and pick up fishing gear, camping gear, licenses, etc for many on their way to the BWCA.

I for one am excited to have something like this in the area again. Sounds like they're going to be right where Gander Mountain used to be.

Your link is a paywall. But thanks for the news.

HERMANTOWN — Bass Pro Shops announced a new 70,000-square-foot retail store is slated to open in Hermantown in 2025.

Bass Pro Shops Outpost will be located in the former Camping World building, 4275 Haines Road, Assistant City Administrator Joe Wicklund confirmed Monday. Camping World closed last fall.

Camping World in Hermantown closed Oct. 20. Jed Carlson / 2023 file / Duluth Media Group
Before Camping World, the building was home to a Gander Mountain and later Gander Outdoors.

The new Bass Pro Shops Outpost location marks the outdoor and conservation company’s fifth Minnesota store, with the other sites in East Grand Forks, Owatonna, Rogers and Woodbury. There are 173 retail stores in total throughout the U.S. and Canada, according to the company's website.

Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)

When I interviewed with Cabela’s at their headquarters more than 25 years ago (didn’t get the job) and they’d started opening more stores, I mentioned they should open a store somewhere in MN en route to the BWCA. The new BassPro coming is nice news, though IMHO the pre-merger Cabela’s was much more in tune with fishing up north and with cold weather outdoor activities in general. (heck, they were Iditarod sponsors and mushers used their gear!) While I still like BassPro stores, I miss the quality of old Cabela’s.
There are times when I need to grab some gear on the way up. If I don’t hit Scheel’s in Eau Claire, knowing BPS is near Duluth is good to know.

thegildedgopher: "Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)"

This. Support local for sure.

thegildedgopher: "Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)"

I'm stoked for the Bass Pro shop, at the same time am a big supporter of Russ and family at Marine General. You won't find a nicer, harder working guy than Russ. He's done so much to support and grow the fishing community in the Duluth/Superior Area and he was recognized for it, inducted into the MN Fishing Hall of Fame.

If you've never been to his store on London Road, swing in - you'll be amazed at the selection of fishing gear he has stocked in that shop.

This is good news, especially for fisherman. I have found the bass pro camping sections OK, bit focused more on car campers than wilderness camping. So much of the stuff they sell is heavier and bulkier. Not sure if they still sell canoes, or at least good ones.

thegildedgopher: "Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)"

Taco John’s is based in Wyoming, where it started. Culver’s is a cheesehead creation. If you’re looking to plug “incredible local businesses” in Duluth, here are some more authentic suggestions:

gravelroad: "

thegildedgopher: "Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)"

Taco John’s is based in Wyoming, where it started. Culver’s is a cheesehead creation. If you’re looking to plug “incredible local businesses” in Duluth, here are some more authentic suggestions:



"

Thank you for posting this. Duluth Grill is my absolute favorite stop.

Swing into Corktown Deli or Burger Paradox - same owner as Duluth Grill. Great food and great atmosphere.

If you are looking to support local business, not Duluth local businesses but the concept of local business, consider purchasing these items from outfitters in Ely if you are making the purchases to use in the BWCA. Ely local businesses survive on these kinds of purchases more than a BPS in Duluth will.

To be frank, Ely is a city in decline and has been for decades since the departure of natural resource extraction employment. Ely is stabilizing at a lower population that depends to a very large extent on spending from out of town tourists visiting the BWCA.

gravelroad: "

thegildedgopher: "Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)"

Taco John’s is based in Wyoming, where it started. Culver’s is a cheesehead creation. If you’re looking to plug “incredible local businesses” in Duluth, here are some more authentic suggestions:



"

That’s a fair point. For me though, I spend so much time at MG that I usually need to make lunch a real quick stop so grabbing TJ’s on the way back down London is my go-to. I used to live in Duluth and visit frequently, and when I have more time on my hands I am always happy to enjoy some local fare.


Re: buying everything in Ely or Grand Marais… sorry, but doesn’t compare to Marine General when it comes to fishing gear. And I hate to be that guy, but I can think of one well-known tackle/bait shop in Ely that openly posts religious content on their social media. That is their right, but it makes me less likely to stop in.

thegildedgopher: "Please support incredible local businesses like Marine General if you are able to do so. For most coming up 35 on the way to the BWCA it will be a lot quicker to hit MG than to head to Hermantown. And if you’re targeting lake trout there isn’t a better place to shop in the entire state. Bonus, stop at Taco Johns or Culver’s on London Rd. :)"

Marine General is far superior to Bass Pro in all ways and conveniently located in Duluth.