Chester Bowl - Chalet Reconstruction
Project Status: Design
Project Overview:
Chester Park is a forested, hilly oasis in the middle of Duluth and is home to the community's cherished Chester Bowl ski hill, located at 1801 E Skyline Parkway. The Thom Storm Chalet (Chalet) at the base of Chester Bowl has served as the heart of Chester Park for over 50 years. Through an agreement with the City, the Chalet and associated programming are managed and operated by the Chester Bowl Improvement Club (CBIC), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
CBIC provides year-round programming, recreation, and environmental education opportunities for people of all ages, including ski/snowboard programs, summer and fall day camps, community-based festivals and concerts, and youth leadership development opportunities. Unfortunately, the Chalet is outdated, in disrepair, and past its useful lifespan. The Chalet is unable to meet the needs of a modern nature-based recreation and education facility; it's too small for CBIC's programming demands, it's not accessible to all persons, and it lacks sufficient multi-use community spaces.
Through a collaborative effort between the City and CBIC, this project will reconstruct the Chalet into a modern, accessible, and inclusive community resource. The Chalet will expand from a 3,330 square foot, 2-story building, to a 5,220 square foot, 3-story building, incorporating improved infrastructure, additional multipurpose spaces, a viewing deck, an accessible elevator, and accessible restroom facilities. The reconstruction is designed to meet modern sustainability standards while preserving the Chalet's central role as a vibrant, all-season educational and recreational programming hub for generations to come.
Project Update:
In October 2025, Duluth City Council authorized acceptance of grant funds to implement this project, authorized a funding and project management agreement between the City and CBIC, and authorized a professional services agreement with LHB for final design of the Chalet. Next steps include entering into a grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, developing final designs and biddable documents, and soliciting and selecting a contractor for construction in the spring of 2026.
Funding Source:
$2.312 million in funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state's air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
Katie Bennett, Senior Parks Planner, is responsible for overseeing the Trust Fund award for this project. Katie can be reached at kbennett@duluthmn.gov or via the comment form below.
Additionally, CBIC's hard work to run the Growing Up Chester capital campaign has resulted in a truly community-supported project. Funds raised as part of the capital campaign will support the additional $1.5 million in estimated project costs.
Timeline:
Early Spring 2026: Bid project and select a contractor
Spring 2026: Begin demolition and reconstruction
Late Fall 2026: Complete construction and host community celebration
Important Documents:
