Duluth North Pier Lighthouse — Attraction in Duluth

Beautiful place..

An act of June 3, 1896, unified the harbors of Duluth, Minnesota and Superior, Wisconsin and provided over $3 million for improvements. Part of this money was used to widen the Duluth Canal and replace the existing piers with substantial structures of timber and monolithic concrete. Butler Ryan Company of St. Paul was contracted for the construction of the substructure and superstructure for the new north pier, and work started in April 1898.

The approach to Duluth Harbor is one of the worst and most dangerous on the whole chain of lakes. The entrance piers are only 300 feet in width, and the north pier is so close to the shore that a vessel making a mistake in judging the width would be immediately on the rocks. The Lake Carriers’ Association considers this a matter of such importance that it has made arrangements for the exhibition of private lights for the balance of the season of navigation in 1908. The local officers of the Eleventh district, after careful investigation, state that navigation will be very decidedly facilitated by the establishment of a light on the north pier, and the Board therefore recommends that such light be established, at a...

There are some pros and cons, but overall a great experience! The pros are the river walk itself is pristine and not too crowded. The view of lake Superior is quite breathtaking! Was kind of disappointed that you can walk right up to the lighthouse, but cannot go inside. They also have a bridge that goes up like an elevator when ships are entering or exiting the canal. The only parking is in parking lots that you can pay for from an app on your phone. The only downfall is if you don't remember when you arrived, you don't know when your time expires. There is walking access to lots of other attraction and eateries! If you are in the area it is worth...

This pier is truly one of the best spots within the Duluth city limits for staring out at the vast, seemingly endless blue expanse of Lake Superior, the nearby city skyline, and the surrounding hills. The lighthouse at this pier and the other two two lighthouses within the vicinity as well as the nearby aerial lift bridge are also fascinating engineering marvels to gaze at while exploring this area. Apparently, this is a popular spot for visitors and tourists to watch cargo ships that have traveled throughout the great lakes enter into the Duluth Harbor before arriving at the port where the cargo will be loaded...