Welcome to Northlandia: a place to bring your curiosity, because you will find curiosities. Here we celebrate the Northland's distinctive people, places and history. Each episode, we're joined by our fellow reporters who share the unique and fascinating stories they've discovered while exploring the northland.
New episodes are released monthly on Tuesdays, which include the reporter's full article, photos, and sometimes even video. Be sure to check out the column at duluthnewstribune.com/topics/northlandia to get the full story. Join us along this journey and discover the extraordinary stories that you just might miss if you're not in the right place, at the right time, ready to step off the beaten path with no rush to return, here in Northlandia.
Some Northland Carnegie libraries still serve original purpose, but others have new lives
Are you familiar with Carnegie libraries? The Northland was once home to several libraries started with funding from industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Some of them still operate as libraries. Some were torn down. Some have found new lives.
For this episode of Northlandia, News Tribune features reporter Teri Cadeau and digital producer Dan Williamson discuss these historic homes for hardcover (and paperback) books. Of the Northland Carnegie libraries, those still operating as libraries are in Coleraine, Mountain Iron, Eveleth and Two Harbors. Carnegie libraries were torn down in Hibbing, Virginia and West Duluth. Duluth still has two Carnegie library buildings that remain, but have taken on new purposes. Other places where they've been repurposed include Grand Rapids and Superior (two). Superior was home to Wisconsin's first and last Carnegie libraries, which was discussed in a 2022 episode of the Superior Telegram's Archive Dive podcast.
You can find this column for Northlandia at duluthnewstribune.com/topics/northlandia (https://duluthnewstribune.com/topics/northlandia).
This will be our final episode of the Northlandia podcast. This podcast began in March 2023 and between new episodes and bonus episodes, this is the 100th Northlandia episode. As they say, "never say never," but that is the plan at this time. From everybody involved with the podcast, we would like to say thank you for listening and for your loyalty. It is truly appreciated!
You can still look forward to the News Tribune's monthly Northlandia feature in print and online at duluthnewstribune.com
The Northlandia podcast is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune. Please consider supporting our work with a subscription at duluthnewstribune.news/subscribe. Your support allows us to continue providing the local news and content you want.
7 Apr 2026
Russ Kendall's Smokehouse is a Highway 61 institution
Using a traditional hot smoking process, Russ Kendall's Smokehouse in Knife River, Minnesota goes through 1,200 pounds of fish a day. The multi-generation business is a tourist destination in the summer and in colder months, locals remain loyal.
For this episode of Northlandia, News Tribune arts and entertainment reporter Jay Gabler and digital producer Dan Williamson discuss the unique history of the popular place and scenic site along Old Highway 61. You'll also hear from Russ Kendall's co-owner Gordy Olson.
You can find the column for Northlandia, which features articles, photos and sometimes video, at duluthnewstribune.com/topics/northlandia. The Northlandia podcast is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting our work with a subscription at duluthnewstribune.news/subscribe. Your support allows us to continue providing the local news and content you want.
3 Mar 2026
Meet the people behind 3 Elys in St. Louis County
What's in a name? A single county contains a city, a lake, an island and a peak all named Ely — but not all were named for the same Ely.
You can find the column for Northlandia, which features articles, photos and sometimes video, at duluthnewstribune.com/topics/northlandia. The Northlandia podcast is a product of Forum Communications Company and is brought to you by reporters at the Duluth News Tribune.
If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting our work with a subscription at duluthnewstribune.news/subscribe. Your support allows us to continue providing the local news and content you want.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 59 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
87
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
76
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