Wade Stadium
Hidden under the train trestles next to I-35
North side
preferred route
- From the I-35 take 27th Ave. W exit
(one with the Motel 6 and Amoco signs)
- Turn west towards the bluff
- Stop at the traffic light
- Straight to the stop sign
- Left (South) on Michigan (or Superior)
- Continue South
- When the road veers right, keep going straight and under the train trestles
- After passing under the trestles the Wade is (should be) on your right
- If you find yourself right next to I-35, you've gone too far
South side
"the preferred back way"
- From the I-35 take 40th Ave. exit west
- After stopping at the stop sign, continue straight along side I-35
- Go one block as the road narrows to one lane and turn left at the next stop sign
- Cross the bridge over I-35
- Turn right ("North") onto Michigan St.
- Follow Michigan until you reach 34th Ave W. at the foot of the train trestle
- The Wade and parking will be on your left
Note: Leave using this way (without the bridge crossing) to make a quick exit onto south I-35
South side
standard route
- From the I-35 take 40th Ave. exit west
- Go 5 blocks to Grand Ave. then take a right to 34th Ave
- Right on 34th
- Stadium will be on your right
Can you find the sign to Wade Stadium in this photo?
Note the train trestles, sign for Bowling (Stadium Lanes) on the right
If you find yourself at this intersection - Turn Right!
(Headed north on Grand Ave. at 34th Ave. W.)
Where is it on the map?
My old atlas has it marked next to I-35 in "southern" (i.e., south of downtown) Duluth --if only it was that easy. Though right next
to the interstate the Wade is so tightly nestled into an older neighborhood it is nearly invisible. There are signs on Grand Ave. but they can be easy
to miss so... you should look for the sign and the nearby landmarks.
You can see it, but can't get to it from here. It's a dead end.
Note how the Wade, like the real Wrigley Field, is "part of the neighborhood."
What landmarks should I look for?
From I-35, the trained eye can make out the light poles (particularly at night
--more so heading down the hillside) or the grandstand roof. What you can see
is the main, high train trestles to the ports (used for taconite ore;
look for the smallish ore cars). This is a half block north of the stadium and
breaks up the street pattern.
Off the main street (Grand Ave.) you're looking for Stadium Lanes which is
at the traffic light of Grand and 34th. Its parking lot in back and across the street
from the stadium. This lot takes the overflow when the Wade and the adjoining softball
diamonds are in use simultaneously.
Taking the "back way" from the south avoids most traffic, traffic lights, and crowds.
It's particularly convenient if you're staying at the one of the motels at the 40th Ave.
exit.
What you should bring with you?
My old atlas has it marked next to I-35 in "southern" (i.e., south of downtown) Duluth --if only it was that easy. Though right next
to the interstate the Wade is so tightly nestled into an older neighborhood it is nearly invisible. There are signs on Grand Ave. but they can be easy
to miss so... you should look for the sign and the nearby landmarks.
