Hartley Nature Center offers recreation programming for adults throughout the year. This includes gear rental, introductory lessons for recreation activities (ski lessons, bike lessons), small weekly socials (group bike rides, group ski social), and community events (Candlelight Ski, Global Fat Bike Day, Trails Fest). Below you will find descriptions of our recreation programming for the current season. We will update this page as new events or programs are added, or when a new seasons begins.
Summer 2026
Mountain Biking for Beginners
Are you interested in mountain biking, but don’t know where to start? Mountain biking can be an intimidating sport to learn, but we are here to help. Hartley Nature Center is once again offering beginner level mountain bike classes in Hartley Park this summer. These single day (3hr), adult classes, are designed with the novice in mind. Participants will learn about bike equipment, biker safety and trail etiquette, before diving into the fundamental skills needed for a day on the trail.
Our lesson will consist of some classroom instruction, skills practice, and trail time. This class will introduce you to the sport of mountain biking, and help build confidence that will inspire you to get out and practice more on your own.
Age Requirement: Individuals must be 15 years old (under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) to participate and should have a moderate level of fitness. We will cover anywhere from 3-5 miles of trail during our lesson, and though we will be riding beginner level trails, there will be some climbing, descending, sharp corners, and small obstacles like rocks and roots.
Cost: $40 (does not include bike rental which can be added for an additional $10). Hartley’s fleet consists of fat tire bikes, which are great for beginners due to their added stability, but they can feel less maneuverable than a mountain bike. Helmets are required, and one will be provided for you if you do not have one. If cost is a barrier to participation, please reach out to us via phone or email to ask about scholarship opportunities.
Click the date to register:
Thursday, June 4, 5:30-8:30 PM | Saturday, June 20, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM | Wednesday, July 8, 5:30-8:30 PM
Summer Gear Rental
- Click here for more info
Summer Events
- Click here for more info
Past Season Programs and Events
Winter 25/26
- Introduction to Classic Cross Country Skiing
- Introduction to Fat Tire Biking
- Candlelight 2026
Summer 2025
- Social Pedal
- Intro to Mountain Biking
Winter 2025
- Introduction to Classic Cross Country Skiing
- Introduction to Fat Tire Biking
- Candlelight 2025
- 218 Days
Fall 2024
- Forest bathing film & walk
- Hartley Stewardship Fest 2024
Summer 2024
- Introduction to Mountain Biking
- Social Pedal Weekly Beginner Group Ride
- Hartley Trails Fest
Spring 2024
- Intro to XC Skiing Lessons
- Earth Day Park & Trail Clean Up
- Iditarod Trail by Bike Speaker Event
Winter 2023/2024
- Winter Trails Celebration Kickoff
- Tuesday Fat Tire Weekly Bike Ride
- Sip & Ski weekly social ski
- Hartley Candlelight 2024
- Intro to Cross Country Skiing Lessons
- 218 Days
Fall 2023
- Thursday weekly group ride
- Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day 23
- Hartley Park Stewardship Fest 23
Summer 2023
- Roll with It – Bike film screening and summer trail kickoff ride
- Thursday weekly group bike ride
- Hartley Park Trails Fest 2023
Spring 2023
- Earth Month – April 2023
- Living the Change Film Screening
- Wildflower Hike
- Hike the Divide Film Screening
- MAEE Bioblitz
Community Recreation Partners
Hartley Nature Center partners with community businesses and organizations for some of our recreation based programs or events. This partnership can include organizations leading rides, tabling at events, providing volunteers for large events, gear demos, trail maintenance and more. Thank you all for your help in connecting people to the outdoors through recreation.
Cyclists of Gitche Gumee Shores (COGGS)
Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA)
Duluth Foot Trail Alliance (DUFTA)
Duluth Cross Country Ski Club (DXC)
Duluth Area Outdoor Alliance (DAOA)
City of Duluth Parks & Recreation
Continental Ski & Bike
The Ski Hut
Trailfitters