Free

Shark Watching Society Bonfires – SWSB

Every Wednesday night in August

In an effort to keep the waters of Lake Superior shark free, join us every Wednesday night in August, to keep post while enjoying a bonfire on the shore of Lake Superior.

Glensheen is the only legal location for a bonfire on the shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota. A perfect Duluth summer night activity at a prime location, right on the shore of Lake Superior.

Sunset this week is at 7:59 p.m.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase. If you’d like to ensure a comfortable spot, it is suggested that guests bring their own chairs.

Please note: the distance from Glensheen’s parking lot to the Boathouse/Pier area is roughly 500 feet.
Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on the grounds. Service animals are permitted.

Chester Chat: Bees

Many plants rely on bees for pollination. Across the nation, bee numbers are declining at what some say is an alarming rate. Glensheen is proud to have collaborated with local company, Lake Superior Honey to house a hive at Glensheen. The bees not only help keep Glensheen’s gardens beautiful but also gardens and plants as far as four miles from the hive.

Jon Otis, from Lake Superior Honey will explain the importance of bees. He is even bringing their locally made honey to sample!

What are Chester Chats?

Fun, fast-moving presentation series of three speakers who are each limited to ten minutes. Each month a important topic to the future of Duluth is chosen. To help promote the casual nature of the event, there will be a cash bar with great wine and local beers.

Presentations will be held in Glensheen’s Amusement Room in the lower level of the mansion. Guests will enter through the mansion’s front door.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. 
Happy half hour from 7–7:30.
Speakers begin at 7:30.
Beer and wine are available for purchase.

Zenith City on Tap – Early 1900s Liquor Myths

On Thursday, September 24th, Glensheen and Zenith City Online present “Early 1900s Liquor Myths”. Featuring Glensheen’s director, Dan Hartman and Zenith City Online publisher, Tony Dierckins. The event is a modification on the popular “TED Talk” style presentation; each speaker tackles the topic in just fifteen minutes. For years at Glensheen, tour guides have talked about how strict the family was. How there was no alcohol at Glensheen because of their religion. How Clara was part of the local movement to end booze. How they were such strict Methodist that there wasn’t a ballroom because dancing wasn’t allowed in the religion. Well, after some research at the Legislative library and in the local newspaper record, the actual story may be different and more interesting. Come learn what we have learned.

Tony Dierkins will cover Lakeside Liquour – The myths and the truth.

Dan Hartman will speak about Chester & Clara Congdon and whether or not Glensheen was really dry in 1912?
Doors open at 6:45, “happy half hour” from 7:00 – 7:30 with wine and local beer available for purchase. The first speaker begins at 7:30. The event is free and open to the public. Guests may enter through the front door of the mansion. The event will take place in the Amusement Room.

Like Knives?

Earn a FREE ticket to Glensheen’s Spooktacular the fun way! 

Carve a pumpkin at Glensheen. When you’re done, receive you FREE ticket to the opening night (10/22/15) of Glensheen’s Spooktacular to see your personal touch on among the 1,000 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns.

Larger groups are encouraged to schedule a carving time by calling 218-726-8910 or emailing info@glensheen.org

A bus will bring carvers to Glensheen on a continuous loop from UMD’s White Lot W between 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE UMD PARKING MAP

Zenith City on Tap: Historic Glensheen

Traditionally the event takes place on the last Thursday of the month. However, this month’s Zenith City on Tap is on Tuesday, November 24th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

This month’s topic is Historic Glensheen. Tony Dierkins from Zenith City Online will focus on historic aspects of Glensheen’s past and points covered in his Historic Glensheen 1905-1930, Photogtraphs from the Congdon Estate’s First 25 Years book. Dan Hartman, Glensheen’s Director will talk about Glensheen today.

What is Zenith City on Tap?

The event is a modification on the popular “TED Talk” style presentation; each speaker tackles the topic in just fifteen minutes.

Presentations will be held in Glensheen’s Amusement Room in the lower level of the mansion. Guests will enter through the mansion’s front door.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. 
Happy half hour from 7–7:30.
Speakers begin at 7:30.

Beer and wine are available for purchase.

Official Guide Book Launch

Duluth’s Zenith City Press will release “Glensheen: The Official Guide to the Historic Congdon Estate,” a 160-page coffee table book created by photographer Dennis O’Hara and author Tony Dierckins. Both Dierckins and O’Hara will speak about their experiences writing this challenging book.

Come celebrate with us! Beer and wine will be available.

Zenith City on Tap

This month’s topic is “The NorShor: Duluth’s Marquee Movie House.” Duluth historian and Zenith City Press publisher Tony Dierckins will present the history of the 1941 Art Deco movie house—about to undergo a $30 million restoration—along with the stories of the two theaters that preceded it at the same location: the 1910 Orpheum vaudeville house and the 1889 Temple Opera House.


What is Zenith City on Tap?

The event is a modification on the popular “TED Talk” style presentation; each speaker tackles the topic in just fifteen minutes. Presentations will be held in Glensheen’s Amusement Room in the lower level of the mansion. Guests will enter through the mansion’s front door.

Beer and wine are available for purchase.

Topic to be announced