On Saturday, the annual 2025 Winter Out West at Memorial Park in Duluth brought together visitors of all ages, building community connections.

“We’re all here. We’re all kind of in one place at one time, starting with new people, talking to new people, doing new things, trying new things, and just having a fun time. And that’s, I think, really builds a strong community,” said volunteer Joshua Hoffman.

Visitors at Winter Out West not only got to meet new people, but also get to try new winter weather activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country, skiing, and fat tire biking.

“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to just get access to winter skiing and going outdoors on winter bikes and all the sorts of stuff,” said Hoffman.

Giving people a chance to experience winter fun without cost.

“It’s a great way to get together with the community and do something for free,” said Lindsay Ames, who came to Winter Out West with her family.

Amidst the frozen weather fun, community connections would be the lasting impact of 2025’s Winter Out West.

“I believe that the main part of the happiness is the sense of community because I am a strong believer in something that we learn. Is that without like a good solid support system, it is hard to have like a good sense of happiness. So, relying on others, finding your people is a good way to endure happiness. So that’s what people here are doing is that we’re bringing the sense of community together and participating in fun games, making friends and finding these supports,” said Natalie Roehl, nursing student at the College of St. Scholastica.