Cloquet MN Community Development

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.

05/19/2026

Welcome to downtown Cloquet Kayla Moorhead!

The woman-owned small business recently opened a storefront on Cloquet Avenue.

05/19/2026

CITY OF CLOQUET AFFIDAVIT OF CANDIDACY NOTICE
The following four-year term seats for Cloquet Mayor and City Council will be on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot:
Mayor
Ward 1 Council Member
Ward 2 Council Member
Ward 3 Council Member
The filing period for the above seats is Tuesday, May 19, 2026 through Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Affidavits of candidacy will be accepted by the City Clerk at Cloquet City Hall, 101 14th Street, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. City Hall will remain open until 5:00 on the last day of filing. For more information on how to file visit:

The following four-year term seats for Cloquet Mayor and City Council will be on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot: 

05/18/2026

A big thank you to Courtney Greiner Director of Esko Mini's and Kids Count on Us for speaking about the state of child care in the Northland, and across Minnesota - the realities of staffing, lack of staff benefits, certification requirements, affordability for families, quality care, facilities and insurance, and the math of a model that doesn't currently work and needs future state support considerations. Thank you to you and to all the other care givers who attended this event, kudos for all you do to support our workforce! Thank you to our wonderful sponsors: USG and Upper Lakes Foods fordrinks and treats! Thank you to our partner the Cloquet Area Chamber of Commerce who helped host and market the event to businesses to engage in the discussion on regional child care.

05/18/2026

Sometimes life has a way of redirecting our path. For Dr. Jonathan Herbert, a personal football injury years ago became the catalyst for a career dedicated to helping others heal. Today, that journey has brought him to Cloquet, where Northland Chiropractic & Kinesiology is providing a unique approach to health and wellness. One focused on understanding how the body, brain, nutrition, and emotions all work together.

In 2011, Dr. Jonathan made the decision to return to Minnesota to be closer to family and opened Northland Chiropractic & Kinesiology in Hermantown. Fourteen years later, balancing the demands of family life and career led him to make another move. This time closer to home. In spring 2025, he relocated his clinic to Cloquet. “The office location here in Cloquet is working really well for my team. While I lost some clients with the move, overall I’ve gained twice as many clients here,” shared Dr. Jonathan Herbert.

Originally from Ohio, Dr. Jonathan’s educational journey took him through Pennsylvania for college and Missouri for postgraduate studies. But it was a personal experience with sciatica following a football injury that introduced him to chiropractic care and ultimately shaped his professional direction. That experience sparked an interest that evolved into advanced training and certifications in Applied Kinesiology and Internal Health. He also earned his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist designation through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and pursued studies in pediatric craniopathy to further support children and families. Checkout our business tour, full interview, and podcast on Northland Chiropractic & Kinesiology - Where Brain, Body, and Wellness Work Together:
https://www.thehiddengemsofcloquet.com/post/northland-chiropractic-kinesiology-where-brain-body-and-wellness-work-together

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.

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast: Northland Chiropractic & Kinesiology Sometimes life has a way of redirecting our path. For Dr. Jonathan Herbert, a personal football injury years ago became the catalyst for a career dedicated to helping others heal.Today, that journey has brought him to Cloquet,...

05/13/2026

As sauna culture continues to rise in popularity across the country, many people are rediscovering what Nordic families have known for generations: wellness starts with slowing down. What started as inspiration from a grandfather’s workshop has grown into Nordic Legend Products, a fast-growing Northland business rooted deeply in Finnish heritage, craftsmanship, wellness, and community. Founded by entrepreneur Troy Persaud, Nordic Legend is more than a sauna company. It’s a business built on legacy, culture, and creating spaces where people can slow down, reconnect, and recharge.

Recently, Troy purchased and extensively renovated a commercial building in Cloquet’s West End Historic District, transforming it into a showroom, office space, and active manufacturing facility where custom saunas, cedar tubs, and specialty products are hand-built right here in northern Minnesota. Walking through the building feels less like touring a business and more like stepping into a modern version of an old Finnish woodworking shop. One room showcases premium sauna stoves, cedar hot tubs, cold plunge tubs, and wellness accessories. Customers can personalize their sauna with porch additions, lighting packages, premium wood finishes, and custom layouts to fit their property and lifestyle. Inside the Timberline models, customers will find insulated walls and ceilings, western red cedar interiors, fold-down bench seating, laminated, functional windows for ventilation, and handcrafted details, all built in Cloquet. Nordic Legend carries an impressive lineup of premium sauna stoves that are electric, wood-fired boiler stoves, and wood-fired stoves with inside or outside feed systems.

For customers looking for flexibility, Nordic Legend offers multiple financing solutions. Saunas are delivered fully assembled for convenience and can be shipped throughout the United States, with custom shipping quotes available for locations beyond 250 miles. Not quite ready to purchase? Nordic Legend even offers sauna rental options, giving customers the opportunity to experience the wellness benefits of sauna living for a weekend before making an investment.

In addition to saunas, Nordic Legend Products also manufactures the popular Perro Barrel. A handcrafted outdoor cedar pet shelter designed to protect dogs from wind, heat, rain, and cold weather. Each Perro Barrel is handmade to order and can be personalized at no additional cost.

Check out the full business feature and podcast on Nordic Legend Products: https://www.thehiddengemsofcloquet.com/post/nordic-legend-products-bringing-finnish-tradition-wellness-and-craftsmanship-to-cloquet

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: Nordic Legend ProductsWhat started as inspiration from a grandfather’s workshop has grown into Nordic Legend Products, a fast-growing Northland business rooted deeply in Finnish heritage, craftsmanship, wellness, and community. Founded by entrepreneur Troy Persaud, Nordic L...

05/12/2026

With two recent funding awards for the Cloquet Terminal Railroad this year, folks may be wondering about shortline railroads in the region, their purpose, and economic impact? Great article in Business North this month!