Twin Ports History Fest Celebrates the Shore

Explore the region's rich history through exhibits, tours, and presentations at the annual event.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Twin Ports History Fest is returning to the Duluth-Superior area, offering a full day of activities that highlight the region's diverse cultural heritage. Visitors can tour historic sites, attend presentations on local lore and artwork, and learn about the area's Indigenous, logging, railroading, and commercial fishing legacies.

Why it matters

The annual Twin Ports History Fest provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the unique history and traditions of the Duluth-Superior region. By preserving and sharing these stories, the event helps foster a stronger sense of local identity and pride.

The details

The festival features a range of activities across multiple venues. At the Knife River Depot & Cultural Heritage Center, visitors can explore exhibits and tour a restored fish tug and Viking ship. Noatun Community Wooden Boatworks is hosting an open house, while the Two Harbors Depot Museum offers complimentary admission and historical talks. The Two Harbors Public Library will feature self-guided tours and presentations on topics like the history of Santa and reindeer in Minnesota. The Historic Harbor Theater will also be screening films and sharing the story of the iconic single-screen venue.

  • The Twin Ports History Fest will take place on March 27, 2026 from 10 AM to 5 PM.
  • The Knife River Depot & Cultural Heritage Center will be open from 10 AM to 2 PM.
  • Noatun Community Wooden Boatworks will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
  • The Two Harbors Depot Museum will be open from 10 AM to 5 PM.
  • The Two Harbors Public Library will be open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

The players

Paul von Goertz

Depot Agent at the Knife River Depot & Cultural Heritage Center who will share the history of Knife River.

Catherine Magi James

Executive Director of the Cook County Historical Society, who will present on the 'Witches of November: the Legend of Helmer Aakvik'.

Brian and Sue Matuszak

Professional artists and novice researchers who will share forgotten Northern Minnesota stories of artists and the artwork they created as part of the WPA's Federal Art Project from 1935-1943.

Marlene Wisuri

Duluth researcher and longtime member of the North American Sami community, who will present on 'Santa Visits Minnesota-A Reindeer Tale'.

Matthew Unzeitig

Owner of the Historic Harbor Theater, who will share the history of the iconic single-screen venue.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

The takeaway

The Twin Ports History Fest is a celebration of the Duluth-Superior region's rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the area's past through engaging exhibits, tours, and presentations. By preserving and sharing these stories, the event helps foster a stronger sense of community identity and pride.