United Northern Sportsmen's Club
Since 1946, United Northern Sportsmen's Club has operated as a private retreat for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Organized by thirteen original members, the club has grown to over 1,400 members and operates one of the region's most comprehensive shooting and recreation facilities. The 25-minute drive...
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01 // OVERVIEW
Overview
Location details and information
Since 1946, United Northern Sportsmen's Club has operated as a private retreat for serious outdoor enthusiasts. Organized by thirteen original members, the club has grown to over 1,400 members and operates one of the region's most comprehensive shooting and recreation facilities.
The 25-minute drive north from downtown Duluth on Route 4 takes you to 7229 Rice Lake Road—the club's Island Lake retreat. Members find themselves at a well-maintained facility with lakeside access, picnic areas with charcoal grills, and full recreational amenities.
| Range Type | Yard Distances | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|
| Large Bore Range | 25–300 yards | Rifle sighting, centerfire shooting |
| Small Bore Range | 25–50 yards | Rimfire practice, precision work |
| Trap Range | — | Clay pigeon shooting, shotguns only |
| Archery Range | — | Bow hunting practice |
- •Range Hours: 8:00 AM to 30 minutes before sunset, seven days a week (closed Mondays). Eye and ear protection required. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Guests can purchase day passes for $5.00. Members must supervise guests at all times on club property.
- •All firearms unloaded and cased when not on firing line
- •Muzzles point downrange at all times
- •No alcohol or controlled substances before or during range use
- •Paper targets only—no metal, wood, glass, exploding targets, or plastic
- •Fully automatic firearms and bump stocks prohibited per Minnesota law MS609.67
- •Centerfire rifles, black-powder arms, and handguns larger than .45 caliber prohibited on pistol range
- •Metal gongs only on 200- and 300-yard ranges (UNS authorized only)
- •Remove all targets when done; police spent brass and trash
Members receive 14 days of camping per season. The grounds open May 1st through October 15th with first-come, first-serve sites. A camp host is on site during season to verify membership.
Campsite Breakdown: - 9 primitive lakefront sites (firepit, picnic table, parking) - 23 sites with electric hookups - 5 primitive sites (including group tent area)
Amenities & Costs: - Electric hookups: $8/day (20, 30, or 50 amp roadside); $5/day (20 or 30 amp hillside) - Shower house: Low-cost private showers (bring quarters) - Portable restrooms throughout property - Firewood: $5 per bundle - Well-groomed picnic areas with charcoal grills
Earn additional camping days by volunteering for club events and maintenance.
Members access Island Lake via: - Private boat launch (concrete ramp) - Five docks for mooring - Lakeside picnic area - Swimming area
Annual membership includes: - Access to all four ranges (year-round) - 14 camping days per season - Monthly newsletter "Sportsmen's News" (12 issues, digital) - Voting rights on club governance and conservation initiatives - Opportunity to volunteer and earn additional camping days
Board meetings held first Wednesday of each month via Zoom. Annual membership meeting held in December (in-person).
UNS sponsors public and member events:
- •Annual Sight-In Days (November): Large bore rifle sighting, $5 per rifle, 8 AM–5 PM, open to public
- •Annual Ice Fishing Contest (January): Island Lake, 12:30–3:30 PM
- •Youth Outdoor Field Day (August): Conservation education
- •Youth Fishing Class (June): Open to public
- •Firearm Safety Courses: DNR and NRA-certified instructors, registered classes citywide
- •Permit to Carry Classes: Scheduled throughout year
UNS has shaped Minnesota outdoor policy:
1952 – Presented Firearm Safety Bill to State Legislature; bill passed, creating Minnesota Youth Firearm Safety Training Program
1961 – Spearheaded Pollution Bill that became state law
1965 – Congressional Water Quality Control Act (club involvement); led to cleanup of St. Louis River and Duluth/Superior harbors
Current initiatives: - Partner with UMD Outdoor Program for firearm safety and range training - Cooperate with Regional Environmental Education Council and Minnesota Conservation Federation - Purchase and loan rifles to youth in firearm safety courses - Donate conservation education materials to area public schools - Support Long Lake Youth Conservation Center - Financially support community-based outdoor organizations
- •Tax Status: 501(c)(3) tax-exempt (Treasury Department, April 2004)
- •Phone: 218-721-4843
- •Email: [email protected]
- •Mailing Address: 7229 Rice Lake Road, Duluth, MN 55803
Board of Directors: - Jim Weiss, President - Mike Hart, Vice President - Eric Hansen, Secretary & Webmaster - Tina Sund, Treasurer - Deanna Dodge, Membership Secretary
Safety Information
- •Check current conditions before visiting
- •Follow all posted safety guidelines
- •Respect other shooters and maintain safe distances
Restrictions
- •Members only (private club)
- •Children under 18 must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian
- •No fully automatic firearms or machine gun conversion kits
- •No centerfire rifles, black powder, shotguns, or handguns larger than .45 caliber on pistol range
- •Paper targets only—no metal, wood, glass, exploding targets, or plastic
- •No alcohol or FDA-controlled substances before or during range use
- •Guest day passes required ($5.00)
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