Land of 10000 lakes VI

HEADING NORTH

I remembered watching those car ads on TV and wondering how true those routes within them really are. The ones that cut through lush forests and stretch along crystal creeks while mirroring the dazzling sunrays. Leaning on the window as we drove to northern Minnesota, I watched the gorgeous landscape passing by. That was the moment when all my doubts vanished.





















The journey took place on a soothing summer day: we decided to drive north to the harbor city of Duluth, 255 kilometers from Minneapolis. Wondering how this journey could be any different from previous ones, I sped on highway 35 and experienced the transformation of the landscape -- When gas stations and buildings were no longer beside the road, those borderless fields were replaced by forests of pines and firs stretching intervening miles. Once we entered the Indian reservation, the scenery got even wilder and became extremely original, as far as our eyes could reach was green plantation covering edgeless plains. The silver ribbon of water flew gently but serenely above black boulders before it accumulates and being engulfed by Mississippi. Not a geologist, but I am truly convinced that those views belong to a grand, old continent and have rested like this for hundreds, thousands of years.

View that makes you hypnotized
Vigorous lush land 
Wonderful shot that worths the risk 

How come Duluth could become one of the busiest harbors in the U.S. and allegedly, had the most millionaires per capita in the early 20th century? Geographically, it locates at the most western point of the Great Lake system which drove European pioneers, such as French and British to its earliest development. There used to be the largest Finnish communities in the world outside Finland settling here is another strong proof of its geographic attractiveness.[1]

Like other historical sagas of city development, Duluth flourished because of its natural resources, nevertheless, it didn't fall into a cliché and become an abandoned ghost town after the resources had totally run out. As tons and tons of iron ore were transported from its harbor to the processing plants in Illinois and Ohio, various industries boomed along the city's prosperity, grain elevators, cement plants, wire mills...etc.[2] Even though the local economy began its declination in the mid-1950s, Duluth successfully passed its transformation by shifting its focus to tourism. Now, it is a charming port city replete with historical and modern facilities: Comfy lodgements, tantalizing beach, plus warehouse-turned cafés, bars, restaurants, all these renovated hot spots have brought this former industry core a new chapter.

The ore harbor: Ancient/Modern Look[3]


Duluth in the 50s




























Being the front gate of Duluth harbor, Canal Park is the must-visit place where you could enjoy a panorama view of Superior Lake. It was absolutely a unique experience to watch cargos cruising at the far end while people windsurf nearby at a "lake": the Superior Lake is just tremendous enough for that. If you are the lucky one, maybe you would also see the famous Aerial Bridge lifting up for vessels to enter the basin. And don't lose the opportunity for a casual afternoon strolling and relaxing at a tranquil beach with locals at the Minnesota Point, a narrow, prolonged split stretching southward from the port.

A pedestrian-friendly district of Canal Park
















Lake water: chill but welcoming
Cerulean lake that pacifies the mind

















A spectacular bridge: functionally and historically 



















For those who crave more historical experience, hopping on the William A Irvin to see the interior and hidden stories of an iron ore cargo or diving into the Lake Superior Railroad Museum where more than 20 locomotives are preserved and showcased not only for those railway fanatics but also for everyone to reminisce their joyful journey in the coaches.

Love this perfect angle
















Steam/ Electric/ Diesel: A thrilling collection of locomotives














So who is Duluth for? Well, definitely for someone who craves a sea view but lives thousands of miles away from the ocean, but also for someone who hates water but absolutely into vintage architectures and city strolling. The truth is, today's Duluth is a regional epicenter of banking, retailing, health care, and recreation for the whole west Superior region, a marvelous inland-harbor city that awaits your exploration.




[1] [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duluth,_Minnesota
[3] http://zenithcity.com/past-present-pic-duluths-ore-docks/

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