Cloquet MN Community Development

06/20/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18mgrDk3xa/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Here's this year's schedule of events.

06/18/2026

On December 1, 2025, Graceful Strides Thrift Store officially opened its expanded location at 1309 Avenue C in Cloquet, having outgrown its previous space. The new facility has allowed the organization to create dedicated areas for sorting, pricing, repairing, and displaying merchandise, making the shopping experience more organized and enjoyable for customers.
The larger facility has also created opportunities for future growth. Plans are being explored to expand the Farm & Country Store concept and create a dedicated ReStore-style area featuring building materials, fixtures, and home improvement items.

Graceful Strides is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission extends far beyond selling donated goods. The organization provides meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while offering affordable household goods, furniture, clothing, décor, and everyday essentials to families throughout the region.

The organization employs approximately 20 staff members and serves a variety of populations, including low-income families, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. Every purchase made at Graceful Strides helps support the organization's broader mission. Excess proceeds are reinvested into programs and services that benefit target populations throughout Carlton County and the surrounding communities. The store's motto, "Changing Lives One Stride at a Time," reflects its commitment to creating opportunities for independence, dignity, and community connection.

Donations are accepted during designated drop-off times, and store staff are available to coordinate larger pickups when needed. Looking ahead, the organization hopes to expand its reach even further by offering select merchandise through online sales, allowing shoppers from outside the region to support the mission while discovering unique finds. Check out our feature and listen to the podcast here:

Listen to the Podcast Here: Graceful Strides Thrift StoreWhat started as a small thrift store along Cloquet Avenue has grown into something much bigger than a place to shop. Today, Graceful Strides Thrift Store serves as a community resource, employment center, donation hub, and nonprofit organizati...

06/15/2026

You are invited by the property owners to an Open House & Ribbon Cutting for Solem Lofts at 915 Cloquet Ave in downtown Cloquet from 2 - 4pm Wednesday July 8th. For questions see flyer for email info or visit their website: https://propertymanage.biz/solemlofts

06/10/2026

Affordable housing is one of the most important foundations of a strong community. For nearly six decades, the Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has quietly worked behind the scenes to provide safe, affordable housing opportunities for residents throughout the Cloquet and Carlton County region. While many people may not realize the breadth of services offered, the impact of the Cloquet HRA is felt every day by individuals, families, seniors, and community members who rely on affordable housing options. "Our residents are more than likely your aunts, uncles, grandparents, neighbors, and friends, and they are proud to call Aspen Arms home," shared Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) Director Shari Olson. "It's incredibly rewarding to help provide housing opportunities for people who need them and appreciate them." Check out the FULL feature and podcast Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) - Building Stability, Creating Opportunity, and Strengthening Community: https://www.thehiddengemsofcloquet.com/post/cloquet-housing-redevelopment-authority-hra-building-stability-creating-opportunity-and-streng

The “Hidden Gems of Cloquet” is a partnership between Shelly Peterson of Promoting Me LLC and the Cloquet Economic Development Authority to spotlight people which is what makes these businesses and agencies so great.

Listen to Podcast Here: Cloquet HRAAffordable housing is one of the most important foundations of a strong community. For nearly six decades, the Cloquet Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has quietly worked behind the scenes to provide safe, affordable housing opportunities for residents through...

05/27/2026

Sue Ryan, President of Upper Lakes Foods, Inc. was an active community member and incredible Cloquet Economic Development Authority Commissioner who passionately advocated for child care, housing, improved broadband, and intentional quality business growth. She will be dearly missed as a presence at the table, however we will not forget her lessons of quiet kindness, careful consideration, and speaking up strongly when it matters most. Thank you for your service Sue, we will not forget your impact. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1H8BcTNEAi/

View Susan R. Ryan's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

05/26/2026

In the heart of Cloquet’s Historic West End Business District, a unique destination is bringing together collectors, gamers, families, and enthusiasts from across the region – Treasure Chest Games. Owners Ryan and Hollie Peterson officially opened the storefront doors on December 31, 2025, but the journey started years earlier. Ryan, originally from Hermantown, spent time working as an electrician in Kentucky, while Hollie grew up in England. Their story is one rooted in connection through gaming itself. The couple met through gaming, married in 2023, and made Cloquet home in 2024.

What began as an online-only business operated from their garage and home in 2019 quickly outgrew its space in a memorable way. “We literally had a floor joist buckle under the weight of the cards,” laughed owner Ryan Peterson. That moment helped launch the next chapter. The brick-and-mortar storefront currently operates seven days a week, creating an inviting environment for beginners and seasoned collectors alike. Treasure Chest Games specializes in collectible trading cards, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, tabletop games, accessories, and sought-after collectibles. Today, customers travel from as far as 30 miles away to participate in game nights, leagues, tournaments, and “Learn to Play” events that are featured on the store’s monthly calendar.

Approximately half of Treasure Chest Games’ business revolves around buying and selling cards. Customers can sell cards for approximately 50% of appraised value or receive 60% in-store credit. Ryan and his team showcased an impressive backroom inventory filled with cataloged cards that are digitally searchable. Customers can place orders online for items like high-end singles or pick them up at the store. A dedicated staff of ten employees work hard daily on fulfillment orders. Learn more by viewing our FULL business feature and podcast on Treasure Chest Games: https://www.thehiddengemsofcloquet.com/post/treasure-chest-games-learn-play-buy-and-connect

This business is featured in “the Hidden Gems of Cloquet” project and we want to thank them for operating in our commercial districts and keeping them vibrant and thriving! The project is a partnership between Shelly Peterson, Founder / CEO of Promoting Me, LLC and the Cloquet Economic Development Authority and spotlights the people of our City, which is what makes these businesses so great.

Listen to Podcast Here: Treasure Chest GamesIn the heart of Cloquet’s Historic West End Business District, a unique destination is bringing together collectors, gamers, families, and enthusiasts from across the region. Meet Treasure Chest Games. A growing community hub built around learning, gamin...

05/21/2026

https://www.bestofthemidwest.com/roadside-attractions-worth-stopping-for-between-rochester-and-duluth

From a classic covered bridge to a Cambodian Buddhist temple, these hidden gems are worth getting off the interstate to see.