Duluth, Minnesota is a historic port city on Lake Superior. This community is situated at the westernmost point of the Great Lakes. It is an important gateway for transportation to the Great Lakes region, the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond.
Our time visiting Duluth was far too limited. We made a brief stop at Canal Park for dinner. Then, we took a short walk on our summer road trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior.
Duluth’s Canal Park is a waterfront pedestrian-friendly district on the shore of Lake Superior. Here you will find restaurants and shops along with a variety of attractions such as the Maritime Visitor Center, the Great Lakes Aquarium, and the Downtown Lakewalk .
Canal Park is also home to a unique feature: the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge. This bridge was originally built between 1901-1905 and is now on the National Register for Historic Places.
This lift bridge crosses the Duluth Canal, the access to Duluth Harbor from Lake Superior. For motorists, it connects Canal Park to Minnesota Point.
The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is in operation 24 hours a day during shipping season and averages 26 lifts per day! So, chances are good the you’ll have an opportunity to see this bridge in action.
We took a walk out to the Duluth Harbor North Breakwater Lighthouse to get an up close look at the canal. Then, we headed back towards the Lift Bridge to see this famous bridge do it’s thing. We didn’t have to wait long!
The sidewalk actually goes underneath the bridge. This gives visitors the opportunity for an up close view of the bridge in action.
The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is one of the most photographed sites in Duluth and for good reason. It is fascinating to watch! Amazingly, this landmark has played a vital role Great Lakes commerce for over 100 years!
On this road trip, I discovered Duluth, Minnesota. I plan to go back to this unique place again someday. There is so much more to explore! To be sure, on my next visit I will cross over the Duluth Aerial bridge so I can enjoy the view from the other side.
For more information on travel to this area, check out the Minnesota page.
Beautiful images and a nice blue sky, too. Was there as a teenager back in the mid 70s. Remember all the ore ships coming and going that August.
I bet that was fun to watch!