Duluth, Minnesota

                                                                Lake Superior Live Cam

Duluth is a easy trip to make. Takes about two and a half hours north of the Twin Cities and your in the middle of downtown Duluth.

From Minneapolis: Find your way to I-35W going north. Keep going north and eventually I-35W will merge with I-35E at Forest Lake. It's this junction that now forms I-35. Continue on I-35 North all the way up Duluth, Minnesota. I-35 will end in Duluth at Londin St and if you plan to go further north along the shore line you will follow Hwy 61.

From St Paul: Find your way to I-35E going north. Keep going north and eventually I-35E will merge with I-35W at Forest Lake. It's this junction that now forms I-35. Continue on I-35 North all the way up Duluth, Minnesota. I-35 will end in Duluth at Londin St and if you plan to go further north along the shore line you will follow Hwy 61.

When we went to Duluth we chose not to camp that weekend. Instead we found J Gregers Inn a bed and breakfast. The inn is located approximately 30 miles north of Duluth by a small town by the name of Two Harbors. This was a great choice for us as we had decided to visit the sites in that area.

The Inn was a nice choice since it was still chilly that weekend. In the main building there were three rooms; Split Rock Lighthouse Room, Temperance Room, and the Gooseberry Room. They also have a cabin that they rent out; Lake Superior Cabin.

The room that we had was the Gooseberry room. The room was clean and cozy. We were surprised to find that they provided everything that was needed to enjoy our stay. We found a microwave, refrigerator, coffee pot; complete with coffee, all the dishes and silverware were provided. We also found that to complete the feeling of being at home; was a plate of homemade cookies on the bookshelf.

On the way to the J Gregers Inn we found some pleasing scenery. Of course the area is situated on Lake Superior, which always provides an eye pleasing scene. During the time that we were there many wild flowers were blooming. The most prevalent  were the colorful lupines.

The adventure continues to the famous Split Rock Lighthouse. This historical light house is a must see when on a trip up the coast of the north shore. The light house is well kept. The fascination about this light house continue on today. Once you are there you will see why they call it Split Rock. The light house is built on rock on a out ward jet of land  on the Lake Superior. The beauty of the light house is not only its location but the design and technology that was used back in the day.

There are guided tours through the house and surrounding buildings. The tours tell of the technology that was used and how it was used back in the day. Also what I found interesting is how the area developed and how the light house was built.

To this day the light house is not used any longer due to the advancement in technology. The park does light the beaconing light in the tower on the anniversary date; sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald, November 10th and when the park has its open house in the spring.

After going to Split Rock Lighthouse we chose to go to another well known site of that area, Gooseberry Falls. It got that name from the river that flows there, The Gooseberry River. The area is very beautiful. The park is neat and clean. They have used native wildflowers from that area, which were in full bloom at this time. They do have a nice visitors center that does explain the falls and other things that might be seen in the park.

The Falls that day were beautiful. The water is rust from the color of the iron ore that is natural in the rocks of the area. There are four different falls there; the Fifth Falls, Upper Falls, Middle Falls and The Lower Falls. These three are visible in the same area together. For the most part you are able to walk on the rock there and stand in directly in the falls area. After the spring thaw, and after a heavy rain you wouldn't be able to do this. There is fall further north of the main three falls. The trails here were not difficult to walk and were well marked. The fifth falls is just as spectacular as the other three.

We then stopped on the way home in Two Harbors. This town has several interesting areas. We stopped at the old steam engine train museum and there is another lighthouse there. There you will also see another loading dock.

All three areas are a must see when you go to the north shore. At least in my opinion they are something you wouldn't want to pass up. The scenery is breathtaking with Lake Superior off the shoreline.

You will find that we continue a to concentrate on this area. There is just so much to do and see to make it a one time stop.

Things to do while in Duluth:

1. Carnival Thrills: Carnival Thrillz is Northern Minnesota's newest complete indoor family entertainment facility. With 50,000 square feet our complex offers major attractions such as the Tilt-a-whirl, Thriller motion simulator, Miniature Golf, and a Laser Tag arena.  Check out our newest attraction, Bumper Cars

2. Duluth Omni Theater: OMNIMAX® Discover the World...Around You.
Viewing an OMNIMAX® film is the premier multi-media experience as audiences become totally engulfed in the action on the screen.  Showcasing 270 spacious, comfortable seats with unobstructed views.  

IMAX uses the largest film frame in motion picture history - more than ten times the size of conventional 35mm and three times the size of standard 70mm.  That means breathtaking images of unsurpassed size and impact - one of the keys to this powerful film experience.

3. Lake Superior Cruise: Experience Lake Superior and the Duluth Superior Harbor by taking a cruise.

4. The Historic Congdon Estate: Glensheen, Duluth's American Castle, as showcased on A&E's America's Castles, is a 7.6 acre estate built between 1905-08 by Chester A. Congdon. The estate's gently sloping terrain may have enticed Mr. Congdon and his wife, Clara, to select this site for their family home. The area was heavily wooded then and the lake shore was rough. Yet they saw the potential and an idea for a family home evolved into a formal estate.
 

5.Great Lakes Aquarium: Explore the magic of Lake Superior and watch otters scamper under waterfalls, gigantic sturgeon lurk in the two-story aquarium, large lake trout navigate their freshwater habitat, while bald eagle presides over everything. Pilot a boat through the Great Lakes, create waves, and pet freshwater creatures, including stingrays and sturgeon. Re-awaken your senses with over 30 high-touch, interactive exhibits. Hold a tiny crawfish in your hand or marvel at the 70-foot wall of water that welcomes you. Dive into the history, culture, and majesty of Lake Superior while enjoying daily dive shows and programs that highlight some of the 70 species of freshwater fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals found in and around the Great Lakes.

6. Lake Superior and Mississippi Railroad: Enjoy a historic 90-minute journey along the scenic St. Louis River. Here is a chance to view wildlife in its natural environment while enjoying the majestic beauty of the river and surrounding area. Using vintage equipment as well as an open "Safari Car" on its excursions, the LS&M traces its roots back to 1863 and was the first railroad linking Duluth with the Twin Cities. The LS&M is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation of railroad history and the restoration of railroad artifacts.

7. Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center: Canal Park's Marine Museum, drawing more visitors than any other museum on Lake Superior. Film shows, model ships and exhibits featuring the commercial shipping of Lake Superior and the Duluth-Superior Harbor. At Canal Park you are within yards of giant lake carriers and foreign ships as they pass under the world-famous Aerial Lift Bridge. While you are there, sit back and enjoy the beautiful gulls, and walk along the canal's piers to its lighthouses. New exhibits on lighthouses and Lewis & Clark Bicentennial open with assistance from Lake Superior Marine Museum Association

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