There are a few of us driving from different directions but all will pass through Duluth. Is there a place we could park a vehicle or two that is legal, safe for about a week?

In the past… there have been a couple forum members who live in Duluth that have graciously allowed other members to part in their driveway. I’m sure they will chime in if they can still accommodate

Walmart

Maybe try Zenith Basecamp. A hostel trying to be an adventure jumping off point would allow parking?

Another option would be a Duluth church of your personal affiliation.

Reach out to management at the Holiday Inn downtown. They have a parking ramp that's rarely at capacity and with a conversation in advance, I'm sure would be good with it.

As far as free spots...short of a member volunteering, nothing comes to mind.

I don't stay in Duluth often enough to know if this is the norm, but the last time I left my truck parked overnight in downtown Duluth at a hotel before heading up camping the next morning, my truck windows were smashed in and most of my camping gear (and everything else) was stolen. Needless to say, had to change our plans and stop at a hardware store to duct tape the windows up to get back home.

My mistake for leaving anything out and visible even if it was all in totes. The officer that took our report did note it was common downtown.

A long time ago, I parked at the airport. I'm sure it paid something, but I think it was minimal.

Mike

portagerunner: "I don't stay in Duluth often enough to know if this is the norm, but the last time I left my truck parked overnight in downtown Duluth at a hotel before heading up camping the next morning, my truck windows were smashed in and most of my camping gear (and everything else) was stolen. Needless to say, had to change our plans and stop at a hardware store to duct tape the windows up to get back home.


My mistake for leaving anything out and visible even if it was all in totes. The officer that took our report did note it was common downtown."

Downtown Duluth has certainly had it's ups and downs over the years and in recent years...really since about 2015 has been on a downward trend. Since that time, loitering laws were changed, drug arrests and sentences we're heavily relaxed. Homeless encampments popped up all over and have been mostly left untouched - lots of drug use, lots of property crime. That combined with an increasing difficult (regulations and taxes) business environment, many downtown businesses have closed and left the area. It's quite a shame.

I'll add it even more common out in west duluth, where zenith basecamp is located. A few years back - i worked out in west duluth near zenith. We had issues frequently with homeluss and proprety destruction. One morning we came in and there was a strange smell in the office, attempting to locate it...we found a homeless guy all tweaked out and hiding under the conference room table. Everything was locked...we never did figure out how he got in. He had to have snuck in the day prior and hid somewhere until we all left. Then set up in the conference room and smoked meth all night. Frustrating, as with the right vision and leadership - Duluth could be so much more than it is.

That said - the ramp I recommended earlier, should be safe. It's monitored, but the airport is another great idea. There will be fees at each, but not exorbitant.

Duluth airport is pretty pricey...$15/$18 per day depending on the lot. Not cost-prohibitive considering it's a "vacation" but driving all 3 vehicles to Ely is probably cheaper...

Are you meeting in Duluth for an overnight? If so, you could ask the hotel if they offer a "park and fly" rate.

BEARnMOOSE: "Maybe try Zenith Basecamp. A hostel trying to be an adventure jumping off point would allow parking?"

I have stayed here a few nights. Good people. Most of their parking was across the street. Your room name corresponds with a parking spot. Not sure if they had additional

You didn’t say if you are staying a hotel in Duluth, but I have picked up a person who left their car in the hotel lot for a week no problem. I would recommend that over a Walmart parking lot.

soundguy0918: "Another option would be a Duluth church of your personal affiliation."

I think this is a great suggestion.

soundguy0918: "Duluth airport is pretty pricey...$15/$18 per day depending on the lot. Not cost-prohibitive considering it's a "vacation" but driving all 3 vehicles to Ely is probably cheaper...


Are you meeting in Duluth for an overnight? If so, you could ask the hotel if they offer a "park and fly" rate."

We didn't pay anything. They must have changes it

Where and when are you planning to be in the area.
I have a place off Lake Co 2 and am retiring soon so could have a safe space.

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. A few look promising. I'll follow through once we finalize our plans.