Destination Two:
Duluth
by Lee Voss, WJON.com
Duluth's Aerial Lift Bridge. (Photos used with permission from VisitDuluth.com)
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Record high gas prices have many of us looking for vacation destinations a little closer to home. And all summer long, WJON.com News is bringing you a weekly installment of places right here in Minnesota where you can get away without breaking your bank account. On today's "Tour of 10,000 Lakes", we'll take a trip up I-35 to Duluth and the north shore of Lake Superior. WJON.com's Lee Voss has the story.
DULUTH -- Duluth is well-known as the gateway to the north shore -- a port city with 87-thousand people. But, it's Duluth's history as a vacation destination that attracts more than 3-and-a-half million visitors every year. Gene Shaw is the Director of Public relations for Visit Duluth -- the Convention and Visitors Bureau of the area. He says with dozens of attractions, you'll want to plan your trip in advance. But, there are some must-see attractions if you head to Duluth. First-off, Shaw says there is a trip to the harbor to catch a glimpse of one of the iron ore ships that dock in Duluth every season. And there is the Great Lakes Aquarium near by.
As you are making your way around Canal Park, don't forget to check out the Great Lakes Floating Maritime Museum -- a history of the Great Lakes shipping Industry. If you are looking for an outdoor activity, check out Park Point Beach -- the world's longest natural sandbar jutting seven miles into Lake Superior. Or, Shaw says there is the popular boardwalk.
If you are more of a railroad person, Duluth has a long history of railroads. A history of the rails is encompassed in the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Or, Shaw says you can catch a ride on the Lake Superior & Mississippi Railroads or North Shore Scenic Railroad.
When in Duluth, don't forget the Glensheen Mansion -- a turn-of-the-century architectural masterpiece preserved with the original furnishings of the Congdon family. But, if you want to get out of the city for a bit, Shaw says Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse are just up Highway 61.
And finally, Duluth also has fishing charters, whitewater rafting excursions, a water park, casino and the Lake Suprerior Zoo among other things all within about 140 miles of the St. Cloud area.
Resources:
Visit Duluth website
If we've missed a great tourism destination in the St. Cloud area, tell us about it, or send us pictures of you visiting that place. You can e-mail Jim.
Next Wednesday (6/11), as we continue our “Tour of 10,000 Lakes”, we’ll visit the Stillwater area.
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Destination One: St. Cloud/Central Minnesota