Does anyone know locations for outdoor tennis courts in Duluth where you don’t have to pay a court fee to play?
Does anyone know locations for outdoor tennis courts in Duluth where you don’t have to pay a court fee to play?
23 thoughts on “Free Outdoor Tennis Courts in Duluth”
Endion Park, 16th Avenue East and First Street.
There’s one at Fond du Lac Park that’s in good shape and seldom used.
The ones at Spirit Mountain have cracked pavement with some grass popping up, but they are playable by my standards. Most people don’t know those courts exist. They are almost never in use.
Keene Creek Park has one that is never used by anyone, ever. Maybe that’s because it’s under I-35 and hasn’t had a net on it for a few years.
Isn’t Wheeler free? I’ve never gone there because I don’t want actual tennis players to see me play.
There are a couple of courts on Park Point by the community center that are almost always empty. They aren’t in the best of shape, and it is easy to hit the ball into the poison ivy on the lake side. You might want to bring a broom too.
Back in the day we made the circuit between UMD, St. Scholastica (both were in tip top shape) and Old Main (had some cracks/weeds). Not sure if the Old Main court still survives.
Considering how little time is left for Central’s courts, those should see some action (although I think the court is usually locked when not being officially used).
The Park Point court (just one) got an update last year with a new net. But it definitely needs help (and a broom).
The Longview courts on Fourth Street are technically free, but you have to pay or join Friends of Tennis if you want to make a reservation.
Wheeler’s courts are free
Upper Woodland, by the community center off of Winona Street. I think the ones on E 4th/N 25th ave E are free as well.
There are some asphalt courts on the UWS campus that appear to be open/unlocked.
There used to be some at UMD, near the track/stadium. Are they still there?
The courts at Wheeler and UMD are both good. The courts at Marshall are good and rarely locked in my experience. Not sure about Woodland or Irving. The courts at Harrison are pretty bad.
Courts at UMD are now a parking lot.
Uh, no they’re not. They were redone last year.
Speaking of tennis, other than the creepy platonic Craigslist category, how would a person find someone to play singles with? Anybody have any ideas?
Great news. Last time I looked there was a bulldozer there.
Does anyone know if there is any sort of community recreational league? I found the one at Longview, but I don’t really want to pay to join a competitive league. Does anything like that even exist in Duluth?
Wow those are a lot of places I have never heard of! I looked on the Duluth Parks and Rec webpage and all they had listed was Arrowhead and Longville Tennis.
I would be up for playing singles or doubles with people on the weekends or evenings. Maybe someone could figure out some sort of informal league or calling list or something. I don’t know how we could start that without showing everyone on PDD our phone numbers…
What’s the deal with those Longview courts? Can you just show up and play if there’s an open court? Who can use the building? What’s in the building? Why does it look like a private club? Is it owned by the city?
Grew up playing tennis in Duluth. The Longview courts are indeed free and probably the best courts around, and anyone can use the building. The Marshall ones are good but often locked, and I have no idea about the Central ones as I don’t live in Duluth anymore.
It can be hard to find prime-time courts at Longview during peak summer hours during leagues, but just call the clubhouse and ask when the leagues are. Or be like me when I was little; grab a seat and wait for an open court! Most people don’t play for more than an hour.
At one point there was a free, non-USTA affiliated league around town but I’m not sure if it’s still there.
Note: nobody questions you if you look like you mean business and say “sorry guys, reserved a court.”
Well glad I found this informative page on where to play, now about that informal league/phone list/club/something .. Did anyone ever start anything??
No I don’t think anyone did. I wouldn’t mind sharing my email. I am watching the Wimbeldon final right now and it is really making me want to get out in the sun and breeze and play some tennis soon! I am not in Duluth at the moment so I don’t know if it is sunny there or not though…
I can be reached at thompson.stephaniej@hotmail.com if anyone wants to play! I am pretty rusty but want to play just for fun!
Endion Park
1602 E. Second St.
Fond du Lac Park
131st Ave. W. & Fifth St.
Harrison Park
3000 W. Third St.
Lafayette Park
3026 Minnesota Ave.
Longview Tennis Court
326 N. 25th Ave. E.
Wheeler Field Athletic Complex
35th Ave. W. & Grand Ave.
Woodland Park
3211 Allendale Ave.
Can anyone tell me an exact address of where I could play tennis for free? Like an exact address of where a free tennis court could be.
Thanks!
Following the flood, the tennis court at Fond du Lac Park is no longer recommended. It’s covered with sand and there is no longer a net.
Volleyball?