Faces of Duluth tells the stories of the people behind Duluth’s iconic attractions, hidden gems and everything in between. Faces of Duluth provides the locals’ tips and tricks for seeing all the city has to offer.
Alyssa Johnson embraces Duluth. The lessons she learns from the changing seasons and spending time outside remind her what is important, who she is, and what she wants to do with her life, providing balance and grounding for her on-the-go lifestyle. As the program manager for the St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) she enjoys the opportunity to connect people to the water. In addition to her role at SLRA, she plays an important part in the annual Great Lakes Outdoor Summit, bringing the event to life with her behind-the-scenes work to connect people with each other and the amazing outdoor spaces of Duluth and the Great Lakes region.
What’s your Duluth story?
I came to Duluth when I was seven years old with my grandparents. I still remember the rock I stood on at Enger Park looking out at that big, beautiful lake. Little did I know that I’d return to the city as an eager college student a decade later. I attended and graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and then left to travel. Everywhere I went I was constantly brought back to the memories of this place, and in 2019 I finally made it my permanent home. I met my husband, adopted a dog, had a baby, and found work I love, and I feel very, very lucky to call Duluth home.
What is the Great Lakes Outdoor Summit?
The 2024 Great Lakes Outdoor Summit, hosted by the Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA), is a gathering for people who love the outdoors. Whether you’re an outdoor recreation professional or someone who likes to walk in the woods, there is something for everyone. DAOA is a coalition of outdoor recreation organizations, including nonprofits, user-groups, educators, land managers, retailers, and individuals, working together to grow outdoor access in a sustainable way. The Summit provides an opportunity for in-person connection within this space.
Why should people attend the Summit, and what can attendees expect?
The Summit is a breeding ground for new partnerships and friendships, it helps connect the community to the people who are doing the work and inspires us all to continue to push for more resources to maintain our green spaces. It also leaves you feeling inspired by highlighting what communities throughout the Great Lakes region are doing to help get people outside in a sustainable and equitable way, and tangible ways to implement those same projects or strategies in our own community. Those who can’t attend the Summit but want to get involved can connect with DAOA online.
What’s something people may find surprising about outdoor recreation in Duluth?
That it takes A LOT of volunteers and resources. Most of our trails are run by very small nonprofits/user-groups with teeny tiny budgets (or no budgets at all), and within those budgets we make huge strides. But it is hard work, and often underfunded, and capacity is a tough thing to have enough of. Every outdoor recreation nonprofit needs your support – whether that is through volunteer hours, financial contributions, showing up at events, or simply sharing things on social media. The trails you enjoy are managed by someone, and it’s important to not take that for granted and to support those working so hard to preserve and improve these spaces.
What are some of your favorite ways to recreate outdoors in all four seasons?
- Winter is my favorite time to be outside – I love playing hockey, the snow, and the cold.
- Spring – Spring thaw on Park Point beach walks, planning my garden, watching things begin to bloom.
- Summer – Swimming in the big lake and lying on the beach.
- Fall – Hiking, biking, bonfires.
What do you love about Duluth?
Everything. Throughout all my travels, there is nowhere that compares. It is a special blend; you have the convenience of a city and within ten minutes you’re in the quiet of the country. There are so many pocket communities, and you can find your people no matter what your interests are; food, art, music, outdoors, science, gardening. I love the seasons and that no day is the same, every year is different, and there is always an exciting weather change to look forward to. I love swimming with a northeast wind, the way everyone crawls out of their cozy homes to shovel after a big snowstorm, the art scene… I love the raw, abundant beauty of our natural spaces, and the people who call this place home. At least once a week I catch myself saying ‘This is where I get to live,’ and that is a special feeling.
What do you enjoy doing in Duluth?
We live on Park Point, so we spend a lot of time at the beach. Our favorite hike is the Brewer Park Loop. Wussow’s Concert Cafe is a favorite for food. That is where I met my husband and a whole community ready to wrap you up and bring you in as one of their own, plus it was the first place that welcomed me in for a solo photography show. They do an incredible job supporting people and creating a space and stage for anyone who has something they want to share, and they are the original café for supporting local farmers whenever possible, and do it at a fair price.
I have also really gotten into gardening/growing, and started a fun project called Little Bean Blooms where I grow/recycle flowers and donate them to new moms at the St. Luke’s Birthing Center.