Spirit Bay Trading Co. Caters to Native American Crafts

DULUTH, Minn. - If you're still in search of that one of a kind gift for someone special this holiday, a shop in Canal Park might have what you're looking for.

The owner of Spirit Bay Trading Company says handmade crafts are his specialty.

"I've heard many times about how unique it is,” said store owner, Terry Smith. “People think it's the most unique store in Duluth."

When you walk through the door at Spirit Bay you'll be fully immersed into the Native American culture.

"Shop local, support the local people and local artists and help the local economy," said Smith.

Each item is a handmade craft pieced together by the careful hands of a local artist.

"A lot of times when people buy stuff, I tell them about the artist,” said Smith. “Where the artist is from and what kind of stuff they usually do."

The store started 18 years ago with the goal of showcasing all the local talent coming from the Midwest.

"I realize that a lot of the artists that I knew didn't have an outlet," said Smith. So he made one.

What started small is now booming with unique items featuring more than 50 artists from reservations across the United States and Canada.

"Nobody else has the inventory and all the artists that I have," smiled Smith.

It's the variation of jewelry, home décor, and dream catchers that Smith says sets the Canal Park store apart from all the rest.

"There's so many stores that have the same thing and a lot of it comes from overseas," said Smith.

When you have the choice to buy local or not, the items at Spirit Bay serve as a reminder that there's nothing like receiving a handmade gift, and supporting local artists while you're at it.

Spirit Bay is open seven days a week.

The store is located at 395 South Lake Avenue #5 in Duluth’s Canal Park.

For the Spirit Bay website, click here.