Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge Minnesota
Trips

Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

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.

View of Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

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.

Street View of Duluth Aerial Lift  Bridge in Minnesota

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 .

Entrance to Duluth 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.

Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge in Low Position

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.

Boat Going Under Aerial Lift Bridge

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!

North Breakwater Lighthouse and Duluth Canal

The sidewalk actually goes underneath the bridge. This gives visitors the opportunity for an up close view of the bridge in action.

Underside of Bridge

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!

Close View of Bridge from Below

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.

Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge

For more information on travel to this area, check out the Minnesota page.

2 thoughts on “Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge”

  1. 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.

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