Top 8 Places in Duluth to Play Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go seemed to take over the world this summer. Going out into the real world to catch and battle pokemon has only been dreamed about by longtime fans of the franchise. Even though that dream still hasn’t quite become reality, we are one step closer and young and old fans alike have fully embraced it.
While the hype for the game has fizzled for some since its release two months ago, it’s still as popular as ever and doesn’t plan on going anywhere with the constant updates the game receives.
Duluth has proven to be an excellent place to set off on a pokemon adventure with its various environments and many outdoor landmarks. Below are some of the best places in Duluth to play Pokemon Go, all of which are free to explore.
#8: Miller Hill Mall
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
With only one gym and one pokestop, the Miller Hill Mall isn’t a huge hotspot. But if you have filled your pokedex and don’t have many left to find, this is the perfect place to boost your trainer level as it is always teeming with Pidgeys, Rattatas, and other common pokemon that can be evolved quickly and boost your trainer level. Once winter hits and the outdoor spots don’t seem quite as enticing, this will be one of the few places where you will be able to walk around, catch plenty of pokemon, and hatch eggs.
#7: Park Point
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
Cross the Aerial Lift Bridge and cruise through park point (with your passenger playing the game for you) all the way to Park Point Beach. On your journey, you will be surprised at how many pokestops, gyms, and rare pokemon will appear. Once you reach Park Point Beach, put the phone down, sit in the sand, and enjoy Lake Superior! Multitasking is okay, too.
#6: The Lakewalk
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
What better way to hatch some pokemon eggs than walking, running, or biking along the 7.5 mile lakewalk? There are plenty of pokemon to catch, gyms to control, and pokestops to spin along the way, not to mention the great views.
#5: UMD
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
Don’t overlook our own campus as a great destination to catch some pokemon. With two gyms and 18 pokestops generously scattered around campus, don’t be surprised if you find a fellow classmate catching a pokemon, fighting in a gym, or accidentally bumping into something. If you’re daring enough, you might be able to get away with setting a lure during class and watching all the pokemon come to you.
#4: Bayfront/AMSOIL Area
Photo by Kevin Ott/ Statesman
Home of Bentleyville and numerous summer time festivals, Bayfront Park has its fair share of gyms and pokestops to visit. While you will find the disappointing Pidgey, Rattata, or Weedle from time to time, the proximity to the lake allows rarer pokemon to appear on a frequent basis.
#3: Downtown Duluth
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
Downtown Duluth has plenty of statues, memorials, and fountains for pokestops as well as several gyms throughout the area. The rarity of pokemon places this destination high on the list, however the number of Drowzees that appear is almost eerie.
#2: Canal Park
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
Still grinding 400 Magikarp candies for that Gyrados? Look no further than Canal Park. Looking to fill your item bag within a few minutes? Look no further than Canal Park. Looking to take control of the Aerial Lift Bridge gym, only to have it get taken over again right as you leave? I think I’ve made my point.
Canal Park definitely has the coolest gyms and highest amount of pokestops, but for the rarest pokemon and quickest way to earn trainer experience, Leif Erickson Park is the way to go.
#1: Leif Erickson Park
Photo by Kevin Ott/Statesman
Leif Erickson Park is a daily Pokemon Go party. The thing that separates Leif Erickson Park from all other destinations is the nine pokestops that can all be passed through in just a few minutes by walking. During the summer, several hundred people walked around the same loop with lures placed at every stop until the park closed. In the fall, you won’t find quite as many people, but lures are still very frequent. Stick around here for a couple hours, or until your phone battery dies, and you will have yourself a nice new collection of pokemon.
