Duluth, Minnesota
June 18,19,20-2004
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.
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