Day Three - 2010 Summer Trip to Stillwater, Duluth, and Grand Marais, MN

Day Three - Duluth to Grand Marais, MN (and all points in between)
After a day of shopping in Stillwater, MN and a day in Duluth exploring the tall ships, and the sights around Duluth, Day 3 was a day of exploring "up the trail", as the Minnesotans say, the Western Coast of Lake Superior and the northern harbor town of Grand Marais, MN. As has been the pattern for the 1st couple days, skies started out overcast, but temps in the upper 60's. 

With our coffee in hand, we head out for the 2-1/2 hour drive. We decided to drive straight thru to Grand Marais and have a late breakfast/lunch. Then, we'd make stops at the many scenic areas we passed on the drive up. However, our 1st journey was the Duluth Skyline Parkway. This road system travels along the bluffs overlooking Duluth, and has some amazing views. It begins at the Thompson Hill Visitors Center on the southern edge of the Duluth area. The panoramic view from the overlook at the Visitors Center is awesome! Unfortunately, with the cloud cover, the photos don't do it justice. 

Further down the Skyline Parkway we came upon another scenic overlook - Rice's Point, which overlooks Duluth-Superior's outer and  inner harbors. This vantage point provides an even better vantage point of the industrial complex around the harbors of Duluth. 

Wandering further along the Parkway, we came to Enger Park and the Enger Park Tower, also overlooking Duluth, and the beautiful Enger Park gardens. The views from here, like the other locations, were amazing. This location gave a closer view of the Canal Park area where we spent most of Sunday. 

From this point, the Parkway wandered thru older, residential areas of Duluth, before heading along Hawk's Ridge and Lester Park. The Parkway followed "Seven Bridges Road" (yes, there ARE 7 bridges along that stretch), which traversed down the hillside, following the creek bed, and some picturesque water falls/rapids. In a small opening along the route we came upon a complex of 3 outdoor hockey rinks, nestled in amongst the wooded hillside. Looked like a great place to strap on the blades and play!

As we continued on, we came upon 3 deer enjoying their morning breakfast and the creek (I couldn't see any coffee pot, but 'm sure it was there somewhere). It was obvious from this "Video clip" (yes, finally, some video! From my hot little Kodak PlaySport Video cam) they were trying to figure out who and the heck is this guy, and what's he doing! A neat park area, and less than a mile to the entrance and the residential areas of Duluth!


By now, we were ready to head "East" to Grand Marais. Yes, its east, or rather NorthEast, following the shoreline of Lake Superior. Many, fabulous places to view the lake and its ever changing shoreline. From tree lined shores, to rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and harbors, there's just about any type of place to enjoy the scenic coastline. The drive, a 2 lane highway, passes thru Two Harbors, Beaver Bay, Illgen City, and the road to Lutsen Ski area.Definitely the road construction season. But we pulled in to Grand Marais around 11am. 

The Main St. runs right along the harbor, with a nice swimming beach, and park area surrounding the water. 

Having NOT had a bloody mary for the whole trip, the Gunflint Tavern was beckoning us. We were
able sit by the window, and enjoy the view overlooking the harbor. As you can see from the next
photo, not only were the bloody marys outstanding, but so was the beer chaser!

I could tell at this point, I was going to like this town! We split a huge serving of nachos, and enjoyed watching the towns folk go about their duties, and a seaplane land and take off across the street in the harbor (more on that later).

OK, now its time to explore. From the Gunflint Tavern, we wandered thru a couple shops on the main street. One store I didn't get to check out was The Beaver House. Don't know why we didn't. Heck with a building like this, who could NOT visit it!

From here it was time to head out to the small
lighthouse on the breakwater which protects the harbor. After a short walk from main street to the

Coast Guard Station, you come upon the entrance to "Artists' Point. Following the sand path you
come upon some amazing rock structures along the shore leading to the cement breakwater.There's
definitely an artistic setting, at any hour of the day! Fog was rolling in while we were exploring, making
the setting even more alluring.

We made our way out to the lighthouse at the end of the breakwater. A great view of Grand Marais
and the harbor activity from there! 

While there, the seaplane (mentioned earlier) headed right at us to take off (Time for video clip No. 2).

The day was getting on, so we wandered back to town, passing by the unusual rock formations on the

Superior side of the breakwater. I suspect many of these to be man made, but nonetheless very

intriquing, especially with the fog.

Our final stop before starting the drive back to Duluth was a visit to the Lake Superior Trading Post.

This place had everything. From camping, hiking, fishing, and boating supplies, to souvenirs, art and clothing. I suspect this IS the place not only in the Summer, but especially in the Winter for all your needs! This photo shows a view from the balcony inside the store.

Time to hit the road and wander back to Duluth. It was about 2pm by now, and some of the

"adventurer" in us was waning, so we only picked a couple places on the way back to stop. 

The 1st stop was Palisade Head, North of ilver Bay. This overlook was right on top of the rock cliffs, and the view was incredible! While I scampered around the top of the cliff to find good "photo ops", I could hear some grunts of someone working hard on something. Sure enough, there were 2 people climbing the rock face! I couldn't even get close enough to the edge to take a look! This photos is as close as I got!

From here, we traveled down the coast to the Split Rock Light House, only to find the parking lot overflowing with tourists.... not what we felt like facing, so we drove further down the road to an overlook, where you can see the light house from a distance. I suspect this photo has been taken thousands of times... here's one more!

Next stop was Two Harbors. This town also has several tourist attractions along their harbor, including another light house, only it has been converted to a B&B. So we walked the shoreline, and came upon a gentleman by himself, who offered to take our photo. After chatting with him for a bit, it was clear (according to Sue) he is probably how I look when I am out wandering by myself! LOL..... he had his camera, was a wealth of knowledge, and loved to explore...

OK, now we are getting hungry again, so its time to head to Duluth, and find a new place to eat. As we entered Downtown Duluth, we came upon Fond-du-Luth Casino. Not one of your "new" casinos. In fact, it looks like its been here a long time! But hey, you never know... this could be the place we "strike it rich". We stopped and gambled about an hour (no, we didn't strike it rich). Losing money always makes us hungry, wandered further down the street to find a spot for dinner. 

Along the way we came upon a most unique spot - "Last Place on Earth". Check out the signs in the windows! Maybe they are looking for franchisees in the Cedar Valley??

Another block, and we came upon Pizza Luce.. Perfect for some beer and pizza. After stuffing ourselves, it was back to the hotel to crash. A great day exploring, and I definitely enjoyed the time visiting Grand Marais. Might just have to plan another trip there, and stay awhile!

Day 4 (last day) of our journey is awaiting... stay tuned!

Day Two - 2010 Summer Trip to Stillwater, Duluth, and Grand Marais, MN

Day Two - Stillwater, MN to Duluth, MN

Day Two (Sunday) started out overcast with a chance of showers. After refueling and grabbing a 24 oz. coffee, it was on to Duluth via I-35. It was only 2-1/2 hours to Duluth, and the Tall Ships Festival. The Festival, part of the Great Lakes United Tall Ships Challenge, which kicked off in Duluth a few days earlier. This is the main event of the Duluth Summer, and is expected to bring in literally tens of thousands of people over the 6 day event. Check out a couple news stories from the Festival - 
- Fox 21 - Duluth 
- WCCO - Minneapolis
- Kare 11 - Minneapolis

We exited I-35 in Duluth about 9:30, and got in line to park. Even by 10am the festival area was already crowded with tourists, and vendors hawking water, souvenirs, and events of the day.  The Duluth Bayfront Festival Park was the venue for all the activities. 

Located next to the Great Lakes Aquarium, the festival area not only included all the tall ships and exhibitors/vendors, but also a huge stage where The Pirates of Penzance daily shows were held. 

We opted not to view the stage show, as we wanted to beat the crowds to the "on board" tours of the boats. Lines to several of the ships were listed as 1-2 hours, so we grabbed the shortest line at the U.S. Brig Niagara. This ship has 17 professional crew members, and during this summer sailing event, adds 20 "trainees" who live on board for a minimum of 3 weeks. The ships are such majestic vessels, but once on board, man, are they small! The information says some carried up to 200 soldiers on board, along with supplies! As you can see from the photos below, this must have been quite a ride!

We selected a ship where they had a canvas covering above the deck. Ironically, as we boarded the ship, it began sprinkling. "Cameraman Rick" was VERY PLEASED with this as it kept my cameras dry!

After departing the ship, we wandered along the dock and checked out the other ships. By now, lines were at least 2 hours to tour on board. The ship garnering all the attention was the "Bounty". This was a replica of the real ship, and was the most popular at the Festival.












With the crowds growing, we opted to head over to Canal Park, and check out the lakewalk, the Aerial Bridge, and the Lake Superior Marine Museum and Maritime Visitor Center. 

The lakewalk, which runs from Canal Park up along the northern end of Duluth, has great views of Lake Superior and the canal entering the Duluth Harbor under the famed Duluth Aerial Bridge. 

It was definitely time for a break so we grabbed a table at Grandmas Saloon & Grille deck, overlooking the Aerial Bridge and Canal. This restaurant is one of the main hubs for the Annual Grandma's Marathon in the Spring. While enjoying some appetizers and "adult beverages", we were able to view the passing of the tall ships giving rides out onto Lake Superior.

Upon finishing, we decided to head back to the Festival, and make our "souvenir run" before heading out to the North Shore of Duluth. The walkway along the ships and the Aquarium were now packed, and with the sun finally breaking thru, it was getting HOT! It was definitely time to head on out.

Our next stop was the historic Fitger's Lakefront Hotel. This hotel, which still operates several rooms, also houses the Fitger's Brewery & Grille, two other restaruants, and a host of small shoppes. 

We wandered out to its lakefront area, and grabbed an ice cream cone while admiring the view of Lake Superior and Duluth. This area had not only the seating area shown here, but a deck built out over the Lakewalk and railroad tracks which the Northshore Railroad uses for its daily tours. 

From here, we decided to hit the lakewalk and wander back down toward the Canal Park area. Along the walk we passed a really interesting mural created on the train tunnel heading into Downtown Duluth. Its hard to see, but the mural is made entirely of 1" square tiles. Amazing!

Further down the walk we came upon a "first" for me... a Handicapped Porta Pottie"! (No, I didn't go in to check it out). Ok, now has anyone ever seen one of these???)

By now, between all the walking, and the heat/sun which was now into the upper 80's, we made the executive decision to wind things down for the day. But before the drive back to the hotel, we had to check out the brewery at Fitger's. Those beers definitely hit the spot!

We left Fitger's, and wandered up the shoreline thru the older established lakefront neighborhoods. Some beautiful homes, not unlike those you see along Prospect Blvd in Waterloo, but with Lake Superior as your backyard setting. Several with "for sale" signs in the front yard, so if anyone is looking for a great summer vacation spot, tell them "Rick Sent you".... 

Not quite ready to head to the hotel, we decided to check out the Black Bear Casino and Resort in Carlton, MN. A VERY NICE facility. After about an hour of slot play, Sue and I actually left ahead!










Time to head to our Country Inn & Suites in Proctor, MN, after grabbing some subs at the Proctor Pizza and Subs Shop, in Downtown Proctor. Nothin' better than relaxin' in the hotel after a busy day, and some good food!

That wraps of DAY TWO of our trip to Minnesota. DAY THREE will take us up the coast of Lake Superior to Grand Marais, and all point in between. 

Stay tuned!

Day One - 2010 Summer Trip to Stillwater, Duluth, and Grand Marais, MN

The summer journey to Minnesota is now "in the books". Our four day getaway to Minnesota was a great one, and for once, the weather even cooperated with decent temperatures and no rain (at least while we we out and about). Tons of photos were taken and are posted in Picasa on the web in case you're interested. Click Here to go to the album directly.

Day One - Waterloo to Stillwater, MN

We took off about 7:30am Saturday, after grabbing some coffee and donuts for the drive up Hiway 63. Having not been on 63 North for quite awhile, I was amazed at the amount of 4-lane sections now in place, and how quickly we got to Rochester. We continued north on Hiway 63 over to Lake City, MN. Although it was overcast, you could definitely tell this is area was starting to come alive with tourists, and vacationers... the camping areas were filled with motor homes, and boats seemed to be attached to about one out of every three vehicles in the town.

Our drive continued along the Mississippi River to Red Wing, MN, where we stopped for gas and a coffee refill. Of course it was "Crazy Days" in town, so everyone was out and about... even at 10am in the morning!

From Red Wing, our drive took us on the Wisconsin side of the Mississippi up to Prescott, WI, where the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers converge. Then back into Minnesota for the drive up Hiway 95 to Stillwater.

Stillwater, MN













After grabbing a parking spot in the lot along the St. Croix River, we decided margarita's on the deck of The Freight House was in order. Knowing I had "hours" of shopping ahead, this seemed like the best way to start. As you can see its still overcast, but as it turned out that was a good thing, as when the skies cleared it got hot!

From there it was time to wander the shops along the main drag - St. Croix Trail. One of the notable places we visited was the Northern Vinyards Winery - This place was a bee hive of tasters, most notably, a group of women who appeared to be part of a "Bachelorette Party". They were definitely enjoying the tasting! Here's one of the items they had for sale... know anyone who might enjoy this?












Here is an interior shot of the tasting area of Northern Vineyard Winery...

Of course, as you can imagine, Sue had to make sure we left with some of their "product", as you can see by this photo taken outside the store...

The downtown area of Stillwater is very similar to downtown Galena, with a multitude of shops, eateries, and activities to enjoy. While I was waiting outside one store, I noticed a wedding party walking down the sidewalk. You know how wedding photographers are, they always enjoy those "candid" photo ops. I suspect this will be one on their wedding album.. 

After another hour of wandering, it was time to check out the riverfront, and see if we could find a spot for a refreshing drink (or two)... This is a shot looking toward the Stillwater Marina. 

PD Papi's Bar and Restaurant is located next to the marina.. This appeared to be a nice place to enjoy the waterfront, and the music of the locals. It also looked like it was the watering hole preferred by bikers traveling thru Stillwater (and I mean there are ALOT of them!). After finishing off a couple Leinenkugel Summer Shandy's, we wandered back thru the downtown. 

Can you believe I went shopping in a spice shop and The Stillwater Farm Store? (there were some interesting bird feeders, garden statues and of course every kind of bird seed and animal feed you could think of)

By now, the thought of dinner was hitting us both so we headed to Luna Rossa. Their outdoor seating along main street (and in the shade) looked like the best way to enjoy a great meal and "people watch". After finishing off a Bruchetta appetizer, and a small pizza, it was time to end our day in Stillwater.

After a short drive, we checked into the Americinn in Oakdale, MN.

Day Two - Duluth and the Tall Ships Festival (Sunday) is next, and our trip to the Tall Ships Festival in Duluth. 

Stay tuned for the next installment!