# Lakeside – Lester Park (Duluth)

Lakeside – Lester Park is a neighborhood located in the eastern part of Duluth, Minnesota, situated along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Its landscape is marked by the expansive Lester Park and Lester River. The neighborhood is also characterized by its tree-lined streets and a commercial corridor that serves as a hub for local businesses and services. Lester Park Golf Course and Lester Park Elementary School are also located in the neighborhood.

## History

Lakeside – Lester Park was originally developed as a residential area in the early 20th century. The neighborhood grew with Duluth's expansion, with many homes dating back to the period of initial development.
Until 2016 Lakeside was a "dry neighborhood". No alcohol was sold in store or available for purchase and restaurants. There were no laws against residents consuming alcohol in their own home or at private events. The ban was ended by the city council in 2016 following a non-binding citywide referendum.

### Structures

The Lester River Fish Hatchery, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1882. It is owned by University of Minnesota Duluth, and temporarily housed the Great Lakes Aquarium administrative offices at the beginning of the aquarium's operations. The complex consists of the Hatchery/Bunk-room Building, Boat House, Pump House, Supervisor's Cabin on the south side of Congdon Boulevard, and a Superintendent's House on the north side of Congdon Boulevard.
Another historic structure is 5217 London Road. The house was originally built in 1889 at the former New London School, a four-room schoolhouse located at Regent Street and 46th Avenue East. It was deconstructed in 1900, moved to its current location, and rebuilt as a house for Bradford C. Church, then President of the Imperial Milling Company in Duluth.

## Geography

The neighborhood stretches along the eastern edge of Duluth, from 40th Avenue East to 60th Avenue East. London Road (MN 61), East Superior Street, and Glenwood Street serve as main routes in the community.
The neighborhood also encompasses the Lester River and includes the popular Lester Park, known for its hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls.

### Hawk Ridge

Located just above Lakeside, is Hawk Ridge, a popular place in the fall for "Hawk Watch", which many do all year round. It looks over lakeside towards Lake Superior, and if you travel down the road you will cross Seven Bridges road, taking a scenic way through Lakeside.

## Demographics

Lakeside – Lester Park is predominantly White, with 93.8% of the population identifying as such. About 4.5% of residents are of two or more races, and the remaining 1.7% are other races.
The primary language spoken at home in Lakeside – Lester Park is English with 97.4% of residents speaking it. Other languages make up the remaining 2.6%.
The residents of Lakeside – Lester Park show a high educational attainment. Only 3.0% have less than a high school education, while 14.5% have a high school diploma or GED. A significant number, 29.3%, have attended some college or earned an associate’s degree. Those holding a bachelor's degree represent 32.7% of the population, and 20.5% possess a graduate or professional degree. Overall, 97.0% of residents are high school graduates or higher, with 53.2% having a bachelor's degree or higher.

## Festival

The Lester River Rendezvous festival takes place every September in the neighborhood. This annual event draws people from all over since 1998. It also is a time of neighborhood and community togetherness. The event is sponsored by the Lakeside–Lester Park Business Association and the Duluth Parks and Recreation Department. This fall tradition in Lester Park features food, crafts, and entertainment.
A special feature of the Lester River Rendezvous is the Voyageur Village, where members play out the day in the life of a voyageurs camp from the late 18th century in northern Minnesota. This re-enactment by local residents includes dressing up as voyageurs in the fur trading era, demonstrating outdoor cooking techniques, as well as telling stories of their historic adventures.
There are also games by the Duluth Children's Museum and pony rides. Musicians perform either at the park stage, strolling the park, or at the entrance gates.