Hello!! My husband was transferred to Duluth from Leavenworth a couple of weeks ago. From this great website I heard about the Agape House of Hope and made reservations. I am going to see the love of my life in 4 weeks. Can anyone tell me how this house works? Is there certain times to check in? This being my first visit to Duluth and a ten hour drive I am really nervous. I am taking two of our kids with me. Do they have things for kids there? AT the prison Are you allowed to take in card games? How much money are you allowed to take in? What times are you able to go in? Richie has been in for fifteen months and has 21 months left. Thanks, I can't wait to see my baby, Tonya

Tonya,
My son was at Duluth about a year ago. First of all, with kids and not knowing about the weather up North the drive will take about 12 hrs. The camp is very easy to find though.....the trip isn't too bad-- just very long. gas was usually the most expensive in Wisconsin.
For Sat & Sun visits-- plan to arrive at the camp about 7:45am.and you will start leaving th evisit about 2:50pm. The only thing you take in with you is:
Diapers, baby wipes, driver license, car keys and money. They use a debit card system there. You arrive, fill out a vistor form with your name, address, inmate name & number then wait in line.....once you are checked in you wait until your person shows up. In th meantime, you can pick out your seating area and lay down your coats etc... You can go ahead and purchase your Debit card to use in vending machines. They say you can only take in $20 or so, but taking 2 kids I used to take 40. Any money you don't us ethat day or that visit will remain on the card until your next visit. The inmate cannot touch the money you bring....
They have a tv that they play childrens movies on...a carpeted play area with some toys and a rocking horse. In warm weather they open up the play yard which has a wooden train that the kids can freely climb and play on, a wide open area and benches and a couple of tables to sit at.
But trust me-- it can get really, really cold in Duluth! So prepare.....
The kids can walk around freely and socialize as long as they are not too rambunctious and loud (no running). A lot of the visitors start buying out of the vending machines as soon as they arrive, because if it is crowded..things go fast. But have a wide variety ( milk, juic, water, pop, ice cream, salads, sandwiches, pizza etc.)
You can kiss and hug upon arrival and ususally hold hands during-- dads can hold and play with their kids-- but if you get too snuggly the CO's will approach and not kindly.
Good Luck to you.....

Thank you so much for the info. Did you stay at the Agape House? They said boys thirteen and over cannot stay there. This will be our only time we will be able to stay as my oldest turns thirteen in a few months. My husband has told me about the cold non-stop winds. I will be leaving in a little over a week. Thanks so much!!!

No, I didn't stay at the Agape house. There is an Econolodge within 5 minutes of the camp that will give you a 10% discount if you tell them you are visiting the camp. They also have a decent continental breakfast, small pool. But I would recommend making reservations in advance-- I made the mistake of not doing so at one time and ended up staying downtown which was a much nicer hotel but not as close.
The winds are awful--- my first trip with the windchill was 35 below----brrrr!
But it was worth it overall. There are also other hotels very close- Days Inn, Super 8, and a Country Inn and Suites I believe.
Do an internet search for Hotels Duluth Min and they will list them all. The highway- 53 N is also referred to as something Hill Road ( name of the shopping mall)
. 53 N. takes you to the camp minus one turn to the camp sign approx 3 -4 stop lights from the Econolodge. It is on airport road and there is a sign that shows the camp. After you turn, you are a hop away from the camp- you will see a larger sign on your left and a drive way-- follow it-- stay in line and get ready to enjoy your visit. You can carry a plastic clear bag for baby items, your keys, money etc..
Good Luck

I stayed at the apage house.. its approximately 5 minutes away. You donate what you can. It was pretty nice. I meet other women there who was from michigan there.

Thanks for the info Tessa and Sheedah!! I am getting ready to go and a little nervous about the weather but very excited to see my hubby!!