Over MEA break this year, we took our family up to Duluth, MN. Duluth is nestled on the shores of Lake Superior. It’s a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with rich historical experiences plus modern flare. Duluth has something for every traveler.
With it being mid-October when we traveled, we thought it would be good weather to take our new-to-us travel trailer and camp as a family with our dog. I found it difficult this time of year to find a campsite that still had access to showers in the area and that was pet-friendly. Many of the campgrounds turn water or at least showers off by this time of year in the area. Thankfully we were able to make our reservations with Buffalo Valley Campground. The campground is only 10 minutes from Duluth and is right off I-35. They are open for camping all year and the staff we met were friendly and professional.
Amenities to Buffalo Valley Campground:
- Campsites: Type of sites available (RV, tent, etc.)
- Hookup: Availability of water, electricity (30 and 50 amp), and sewer hookups for RVs.
- Restrooms and Showers: Facilities for campers to use. New seasonal showers with handicap accessibility that are coin-operated. There are some restrooms in this building and port-a-potties dispersed in the campgrounds.
- Picnic Areas: Spaces for outdoor meals and gatherings. Firepits and picnic tables are available to use. Firewood and ice can be purchased. Firewood is delivered to your site during the evening hours. A pavilion or outdoor patio space is available for gatherings and meetings.
- Trails: Hiking or walking trails within or near the campground. It is connected to Jay Cooke State Park and Trail System. They are also located on the Munger State Trail.
- Fishing or Boating Facilities: If the campground is located near a lake or river.
- Playgrounds or Recreational Areas: Spaces for children to play or for recreational activities. Volleyball and basketball sites are on the grounds. There is also a banquet hall and restaurant on the grounds.
- Pet-Friendly Policies: Information on whether pets are allowed and any related amenities.
- Coin-operated laundry facility in the building that houses restrooms and showers.
On our first full day, we set out on a scenic cruise booked with the Vista Fleet in Duluth, Minnesota. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone looking to enjoy the tranquility of Lake Superior, the Vista Fleet in Duluth provides a variety of cruises to cater to different interests. Plan your voyage, relax on the deck, and soak in the unparalleled beauty of one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world. This fleet of ships provides a range of cruises that showcase the picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and maritime activity of the area. With being mid-October and the potentially stormy weather starting on Lake Superior, we stayed in the harbor for our tour.
Vista Fleet is conveniently located in Canal Park, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in the heart of Duluth. Canal Park’s vibrant atmosphere, with its shops and restaurants, adds to the overall experience of a visit to the Vista Fleet.
The Duluth harbor, located on the western tip of Lake Superior in Minnesota, has a rich history closely tied to the mining industry. The development of the harbor and the city of Duluth itself was significantly influenced by the extraction and transportation of iron ore from the nearby Mesabi Range and other mining regions. In the late 19th century, large iron ore deposits were discovered in the Mesabi Range, which is northwest of Duluth. The natural harbor of Duluth served as a crucial part in the transportation of the iron ore from the mines to the Great Lakes and beyond.
To increase the efficiency of loading iron ore onto ships, extensive ore docks were constructed along the Duluth harbor. These docks facilitated the transfer between railroads and vessels. The growth of the mining industry in Duluth led to the expansion of the shipping industry. Large ore freighters transported iron ore pellets from the mines to the docks in Duluth. They were then loaded onto ships for further transportation.
The Aerial Lift Bridge, a notable landmark in Duluth, was originally built in 1905 as a transporter bridge. It was later converted to a vertical lift bridge to accommodate the growing size of ships transporting iron ore. The bridge allowed for larger vessels to pass through the harbor, facilitating the efficient movement of goods. Thousands of jobs were created in mining, shipping, and related industries, contributing to the growth and prosperity of Duluth as an industrial hub. While iron ore shipping remains a significant part of Duluth’s economy, the harbor has diversified to handle various cargoes, including grain, coal, and general merchandise.
Today, while the mining industry continues to be a vital component of the Duluth harbor’s history, the area has also embraced tourism, recreation, and other industries. Visitors to Duluth can explore museums, historic sites, and scenic overlooks that showcase the city’s mining heritage and its pivotal role in the development of the American Midwest.
With the time of year we chose to visit Duluth, there was quite a bit of misty/rainy weather. To pass some of the time stuck indoors, we went to the Adventure Zone on Canal Park. They had a wristband special with unlimited laser tag and miniature golf during the afternoon. The arcade games were extra.
Here are some things you can do at Arcade Zone on Canal:
- Play Classic Arcade Games:
- Enjoy the nostalgia of classic arcade games like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Street Fighter.
- Try Modern Arcade Games:
- Explore newer arcade games with advanced graphics and interactive features.
- Compete in Racing Games:
- Engage in exciting racing simulations or competitive racing games.
- Challenge Friends to Multiplayer Games:
- Gather your friends and compete against each other in multiplayer games.
- Redemption Games:
- Play redemption games to win tickets that can be exchanged for prizes.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Games:
- Experience immersive virtual reality games for a more realistic and interactive gaming experience.
- Air Hockey or Foosball:
- Enjoy classic tabletop games like air hockey or foosball.
- Shoot Hoops:
- Test your basketball skills in arcade-style basketball shooting games.
- Dance Dance Revolution (DDR):
- Showcase your dance moves on the popular Dance Dance Revolution platform.
- Skeeball:
- Roll balls up a ramp to score points in this classic carnival-style game.
- Photo Booth Fun:
- Capture memories with friends in a photo booth.
- Win Prizes:
- Collect tickets from various games and redeem them for prizes at the prize counter.
- Mini-Golf:
- Duluth-themed mini-golf setup.
- Grab a Snack:
- Take a break and enjoy some refreshments.
- Relax in Lounge Areas:
- Take a break in designated lounge areas, socialize, and plan your next gaming adventure.
We did take a day to travel up the North Shore. We had heard of the Black Beach near Silver Bay and wanted to check it out. Google Maps led us past the Black Beach Municipal Campground to a small parking lot on a gravel road. There was a sign there labeled Black Beach Park. We went down to the shore and there were pebbles, but not anything I would consider a black beach. There were a few picnic tables on the shore to use by the public too.
We explored to the right (south) of where we started and went on a less traveled trail that then had us going over a rock formation and back down to another piece of shoreline that was obstructed from our initial view. Here is where we found black rock that I would call Black Beach. We spent a couple of hours exploring this location. I have heard this is a popular swimming spot, but it was too cold to entertain the idea of swimming when we visited.
After all the hiking at the beach, we had worked up an appetite so we went to Judy’s Cafe in Two Harbors. One thing that drew us in was the opportunity to try homemade pie. We had stopped at Betty’s Pies, but it was packed. Most of my family had one of the specials that was a burger with macaroni and cheese on it at Judy’s. They enjoyed it. I had a fish sandwich and it was tasty. The waitress we had that day tried her best to serve us, but she seemed to be the only wait staff on that afternoon. There were no frills or extras. We were stuffed after our entrees so there was no sampling of pie to be had after.
Another site on our trip was visiting Split Rock Lighthouse. It is a historic lighthouse located on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Here are some key details about Split Rock Lighthouse:
- Location:
- Split Rock Lighthouse is situated on the North Shore of Lake Superior, near the town of Two Harbors, Minnesota.
- History:
- The lighthouse was built in response to a series of shipwrecks in the early 20th century, including the famous Mataafa Storm of 1905.
- It was completed in 1910 and became operational on July 31, 1910.
- Architecture:
- The lighthouse is a well-known example of a lighthouse designed in the Beaux-Arts architectural style.
- The tower is 54 feet (16 m) tall, and the light had a range of 22 miles (35 km).
- State Park:
- The area around Split Rock Lighthouse is part of the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park, which offers hiking trails and scenic views of Lake Superior.
- Visitor Center:
- The Split Rock Lighthouse Visitor Center provides information about the history of the lighthouse, the shipping industry on Lake Superior, and maritime history in the region.
- Tours:
- Visitors can take guided tours of the lighthouse and explore the grounds. The tours provide insights into the life of lighthouse keepers and the historical significance of Split Rock.
- Scenic Views:
- The location offers breathtaking views of Lake Superior and the surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
- Events:
- The site hosts special events throughout the year, including the annual lighting of the beacon on November 10 to commemorate the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald in 1975.
- Lighthouse Keeper’s Residence:
- The lighthouse keeper’s residence is preserved and open for tours, giving visitors a glimpse into the living conditions of the people who worked at the lighthouse.
Before planning a visit, it’s recommended to check the official Split Rock Lighthouse State Park website or contact the site directly for the latest information on operating hours, tours, and any special events.
We also took our family to visit Enger Tower. It is a prominent landmark in Duluth, Minnesota, offering panoramic views of the city, Lake Superior, and the surrounding landscape. Here’s some information about Enger Tower:
Location: Enger Tower is located in Enger Park, which is on the western end of Duluth. The park and tower are situated on a high bluff, providing stunning vistas of Duluth, the harbor, and Lake Superior.
History: Enger Tower was built in 1939 in memory of Bert Enger, a successful Norwegian immigrant who came to Duluth in the early 20th century. The tower and park were dedicated to Enger by his wife and daughter. The structure is a 5-story tower constructed of natural Blue Stone and Norwegian brick.
Architecture: The tower’s architectural style is reminiscent of a Norwegian castle, and it stands as a testament to Duluth’s Scandinavian heritage. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower via a series of stairs to enjoy breathtaking views.
Viewing Platform: At the top of Enger Tower, there is an observation platform that provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. On clear days, visitors can see not only the city of Duluth and Lake Superior but also the Aerial Lift Bridge, Park Point, and the Superior, Wisconsin, skyline across the harbor.
Enger Park: In addition to the tower, Enger Park features beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and picnic areas. It’s a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
Events and Activities: Enger Park and Tower host various events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals. The park’s trails are also great for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
Accessibility: Enger Tower is accessible by car, and there is parking available near the base of the tower. The park and tower are generally open to the public, but it’s advisable to check for any seasonal or maintenance-related closures before planning your visit.
Enger Tower stands as an iconic symbol of Duluth, offering residents and visitors alike a unique vantage point to appreciate the beauty of the city and its surroundings. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoying scenic views, a trip to Enger Tower is a worthwhile experience in Duluth.
Duluth, MN, is a destination that seamlessly blends natural wonders with many other attractions. Whether you’re exploring the scenic shores of Lake Superior, learning about maritime history, or enjoying the scenic views, Duluth offers a diverse array of experiences for every type of traveler. Plan your visit and discover the unique charm of this picturesque city in the heart of Minnesota.
