Once you understand how we’re different, you see how we’re the same. True understanding between people and nations begins with individual involvement..and it’s as easy as learning more about others! Since 1986 this program has been strengthening relationships worldwide.
Duluth, Minnesota is a beautiful, world seaport with an international airport and a diverse population, yet most of us never get a chance to meet people from foreign countries or enjoy their cultures. We seldom get to see up-close that despite living continents apart, we all want similar things for our families, our friends and our world.
But now we have greater opportunities than ever for global understanding, because Duluth Sister Cities International helps bridge the oceans by bringing many of the world’s traditions, cultures and languages right to us, and by taking us to their countries.
Learn more about our Sister Cities…
Petrozavodsk, Russia
Thundery Bay, Canada
Oharo-Isumi City, Japan
Växjö, Sweden
City of Petrozavodsk
Established as a Sister City in 1987, Petrozavodsk shares a mining and shipping history with Duluth. The city of 266,000, one of the biggest in Northwestern Russia, was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Petrozavodsk is also situated on a large lake, Lake Onega, which has a waterfront lake walk with sculptures from its many Sister Cities. The idea of Duluth’s Lakewalk was the inspiration for theirs. This Sister City relationship has a long-standing medical exchange and has been active with programs related to supporting youth.
To visit the City of Petrozavodsk website, click on the picture below:
City of Thunder Bay
Duluth’s first and closest Sister City – the communities formalized the bond in 1980 – Thunder Bay is one of the largest and busiest ports in Canada. With a population of 109,000, Thunder Bay is a city of many beautiful parks, including the International Friendship Gardens, representing that community’s multi-ethnic background.
To visit the City of Thunder Bay website, click on the picture below:
Ohara-Isumi City, Japan
Located 50 miles southeast of Tokyo, and situated on the Pacific Ocean, this 50,000-person agricultural and fishing town has been a Sister City since 1990. That tie began in 1954 when an ancient Buddhist temple bell, which found its way to Duluth after World War II, was returned to Ohara. In 1993 Ohara presented Duluth with a replica of the bell, which no resides in the Japanese Peace Bell Garden near Enger Tower. Duluth also shares an annual student exchange with Ohara.
To visit the Ohara-Isumi, Japan City website, click on the picture below:
City of Växjö
An exciting combination of idyllic university town and center of entertainment, Växjö is a strong regional center in the middle of southern Sweden, with close to 80,000 people inhabiting the city. Växjö, a Sister City since 1987, lies in the midst of the Kingdom of Crystal. Here you can see the world-class glass beain blown at Kosta, Orrefors and many other area glass factories. Its commitment to sustainability has earned Växjö the title of “Greenest City in Europe”. Along with many cultural, academic, and sports exchanges, our Växjö Sister City relationship assisted in developing a join international software agreement that created jobs and economic development in Duluth.
To visit the City of Växjö website, click on the picture below:
