Family Fun In Canal Park, Duluth, MN

I am a Minnesota Boy - born and raised. I didn't travel much during my youth, but my family took our share of short trips up I-35 to spend long weekends on the North Shore of Lake Superior. I learned at a young age that there is not a better place in the state for a boy to do boy things than on the pebble lined banks of Gitche-Gumee (the Ojibwe name for the largest of the Great Lakes). Then, as an adult, I continued to make memories in Duluth and beyond, even proposing to my wife in Canal Park. Since then, we have returned many times with our daughter, 15, and son, 13. So when my wife's extended family - her parents, brother and sister, and their kids - all who live in South Dakota expressed interest in experiencing the forests and rocky shorelines of this region that Minnesotans hold sacred, I started planning right away.

Day 1 of the five day trip was spent in Duluth. After dropping off our stuff at the Hampton Inn on Canal Street, the four families met at Little Angie's Cantina And Grill - a favorite of our kids - for a late lunch. They have good, family friendly food and Margaritas big enough to moor a lake freighter in.

After lunch, we went straight to the lake to explore. The boardwalk area was heavily damaged during severe storms in October of 2018, but was still beautiful. The younger kids loved climbing the giant boulders along the shore and the older boys swam out to jump off of Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum - a giant concrete structure about 30 feet from shore that has no shortage of legends behind it. Some stories allege it was a bunker or an ice house, and a persistent tale claims it once housed an illegal casino during Prohibition. What ever it was, it now provides plenty of excitement for teenage thrill-seekers and more than plenty of anxiety for nervous parents watching from shore.

Jumping off Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum!

Next, it was time for a walk out to the light house on the end of the pier for some family photos with Duluth's iconic Aerial Lift Bridge in the background. One of the most photographed structures in the state, the bridge is one of only two like it in the world. I wonder if I will ever get a chance to see the other, which is located in Rouen, France.

Family Photos on the Pier!

That night, some of us went to the hotel to swim, while others went to the Bent Paddle and Canal Park Breweries. The Bent Paddle Brewery was very hipster and had GREAT beer. The Canal Park brewery had more food options and was much more centrally located.

The next day, after a morning consisting of sleeping-off hangovers for some, and more adventures including watching a giant lake freighter come in through the canal for others, we all visited the Great Lakes Aquarium. The only aquarium in the U.S. that focuses on freshwater exhibits, this three-story waterfront structure has plenty of interactive exhibits and habitats that were fun to explore. After a brown bag lunch in the aquariums lobby, we were off and ready for the rest of our North Shore Adventure. Next stop, Gooseberry Falls!

But first, I to want to blog about the awesome job my wife, Katie, did planning and preparing the food for this trip. Join me next time and you may get some ideas for your own travels.