Duluth hosts a six-week long Winterfest, which begins in early January and ends in early February. It includes cross-country ski races and downhill events at Spirit Mountain and concludes with the legendary 400-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. The grueling race, which hosts up to 80 teams and over 700 dogs, commemorates the old mail run between Duluth and Grand Marais along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Log onto spiritmt.com, visitduluth.com and beargrease.com for more info.