Locals of Hermantown live near regional attractions without the hubbub
Hermantown is a primarily residential suburb located 150 miles from the Twin Cities and down the road from Lake Superior. “The main reasons people move to Hermantown are its great school district, it’s a wonderful place for family, and it’s a suburb of Duluth — so the yards are bigger, and it’s quieter,” says Realtor Nicki Conrad with Messina & Associates Real Estate, who has 30 years of experience selling in the region. With Interstate 35 a few miles away and Duluth International Airport right next door, Hermantown residents enjoy accessibility and convenience. However, the area’s back country roads and large properties provide privacy and seclusion.
Newer housing options in Hermantown than in Duluth
Apart from 55-plus manufactured homes, the market mainly features single-family properties. “Duluth was built in the early 1900s by lumber barons, so if you’re looking for newer developments, you’d come to Hermantown instead,” Conrad says. “Duluth has historic woodworking homes, whereas Hermantown has newer construction from the 1970s through the 2000s.” Some roads have a rural feel, with towering trees serving as a barrier between properties. Other streets are more densely populated. Single-family styles range from modest ranch-style homes and Cape Cods for $230,000 to $600,000 to farmhouses and contemporary builds on dozens of acres for $700,000 to over $1 million. Manufactured homes sell from $35,000 to $110,000.
Students attend some of St. Louis County’s highest-rated schools
According to Niche, the Hermantown Community Schools district ranks No. 1 in St. Louis County and among the top 100 for athletics in America. Hermantown Elementary scores an A-minus, and Hermantown Middle has a B-plus. Hermantown Senior High also earns a B-plus and offers a College in the Schools (CIS) program, through which students can earn up to 51 college credits in partnership with the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
Outdoor parks and indoor amenities provide year-round entertainment
Hermantown offers plenty of recreation spaces, from Lake Superior’s beaches 8 miles east to local athletic facilities. Hermantown Community Park has baseball and softball diamonds, and Stebner Park features soccer fields and a playground. Keene Creek Park hosts hikers during the warmer months and cross-country skiers over the winter. The area has a big hockey community, and the NorthStar Ford Arena for leagues of all skill levels is set to open in December 2025. The YMCA at Essentia Wellness Center is another popular recreation spot with an aquatics center, gym facilities and group classes.
Department stores, grocers and restaurants off the highway
Most of Hermantown’s shopping and dining options operate off U.S. Highway 53. Plazas have big-box stores like Target, Super One Foods and Fleet Farm, and Miller Hill Mall has dozens of retailers. Along with fast-food spots, the community includes plenty of independently owned restaurants. Valentini’s has served authentic Italian dishes in the Duluth area for over 90 years. Beacon Sports Bar & Grill is one of the few dining options in the center of town, away from the highway. Open since 1960, Beacon has been a go-to spot for viewing sports and live music on the weekends. It also features an adjacent field for adult softball leagues and cornhole tournaments.
Transportation between cities and an airport within minutes
The main thoroughfare in Hermantown is U.S. Highway 53. The highway leads to Interstate 35, a straight route into the Twin Cities, 150 miles south. Drivers can quickly reach Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin, within 10 miles. “Commutes are easy wherever you go,” Conrad says. “Everything, whether in Duluth or Wisco, is 20 to 25 minutes away.” Duluth International Airport, on the northeast corner of Hermantown, offers commercial flights to and from Minneapolis, Chicago and Fort Myers.
