Bob Dylan Way, Duluth, MN

Duluth, Minnesota was the native town for Bob Dylan. In honor of the musician Duluth created Bob Dylan Way in May 2006. It was a commemorative move to celebrate the performer's 65th birthday. Citizens of Duluth raised private funds to install 30 street signs in Duluth. These signs point the Bob Dylan Pathway which extends 1.8 miles through the downtown section of Duluth.

The pathway begins on Michigan Street at 5th Avenue West and runs to 15th Avenue and London Road. These roads are part of Lester Park neighborhood and other significant downtown tourist locations. Tourists who wish to spend their time following the pathway can drive or walk the 1.8 miles. The streets are fairly easy to navigate though London Road is one of the main roads of the area. Michigan Street and Superior Street are also main thoroughfares for the downtown area.

Bob Dylan Way will link the cultural and historically significant areas of downtown for the tourists. For example the Depot and the historic Armory are on the pathway for visitors to enjoy during their walk. An exhibit based on Bob Dylan is found along the pathway at Fitgers on Superior Street.

The performer, Bob Dylan was born in Duluth in 1941. However, his family didn't stay in Duluth for long. Instead in 1947 he and his family moved to Hibbing. Though his stay in Duluth was short, the city certainly remembers his strong ties to the community. They also wish to celebrate his honesty, artistic freedom and more. It is just one way Duluth celebrates the artists that have been born or spent time in their city. Many local artists and their art are always mentioned and celebrated in Duluth.

The pathway is just one way that Duluth remembers Bob Dylan and his short time in the area. They have an annual birthday celebration which takes place at Fitgers. The celebration is always held on his birthday. Fitgers is a brewhouse where the celebration starts at 7pm with music from the artist as well as other important singer/songwriters. They also have contests for other would be stars.

The Bob Dylan Way Committee offers music for Grandma's Marathon. The marathon is another annual event in the downtown section of Duluth. Each year runners will sign up to end up at Grandma's Restaurant for a celebration. It is here that the music is played.

Mentioned above was an exhibit at Fitgers about Bob Dylan. The exhibit shows some of the songs, memorabilia, and other aspects of Bob Dylan's life for visitors. It is possible to have lunch or dinner while viewing the exhibit to make it a true experience. The Bob Dylan Way can be commemorated with buttons which are available at 21 West Superior Street and the Electric Fetus at 12 East Superior Street. The buttons are $5. It gives tourists to the city something to remember their journey along the pathway of Bob Dylan's life while they stay at any of the hotels in the downtown section.