Friday, December 1, 2023
"December Departure" Hon James L Oberstar departed Duluth 12/01/2023
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
"Old Yeller" Happy Rover arrived in Duluth 11/29/2023
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
"Freighter in the Seasmoke" Erieborg arrived in Duluth 112823
"Seasmoke Sunrise" Sunrise timelapse 11/28/2023
"Out of the Mist" Stewart J Cort arrived in Superior 11/28/2023
"Night Moves" Mesabi Miner departed, Philip R Clarke arrived in Two Harb...
Monday, November 27, 2023
"Chip Off the OLD Block" Joseph L Block arrived in Duluth 11/27/2023
"On The Move" American Century, Philip R Clarke, Whitefish Bay, Walter J...
Sunday, November 26, 2023
"A Wifferdill Turn" Clyde S VanEnkevort/Erie Traderclyde arrived at Silv...
Friday, November 24, 2023
"Barkers Bark" James R Barker arrived in Duluth 11/24/2023
Thursday, November 23, 2023
"Building the Wall" Seawall construction timelapse 11/21/2023ws
"Thanksgiving Sunrise" Sunrise timelapse 11/23/2023
"Thanksgiving Tw-fer" John G Munson & Victory/Maumee112323
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
"Glory" Sunrise Timelapse 11/22/2023
Monday, November 20, 2023
"Hauling Iron" Mesabi Miner departed Duluth 11/20/23
"Daybreak Arrival" MINERVAGRACHT arrived in Duluth 11/20/2023
Sunday, November 19, 2023
"Bentleyville Arrival" American Century arrived in Duluth 11/18/2023
Saturday, November 18, 2023
"Crosswind Arrival" Clyde S VanEnkevort / Erie Trader arrived in Silver ...
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Trotman Folding Stock Anchor from the Whaleback Thomas Wilson
"Early Morning Departure" Lee A Tregurtha departed Duluth 11/16/23
"Two Ships Passing in the Night" Lee A Tregurtha & Arthur M Anderson 11/...
Wednesday, November 15, 2023
"Afternoon Arrival" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 11/15/2023
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
"Sunday Sunrise" sunrise timelapse 11/12/2023ws
Sunday, November 12, 2023
"Playing Dart's" Federal Dart arrived in Duluth 11/12/2023
"Mighty Miner" Mesabi Miner arrived in Duluth 11/12/2023
Saturday, November 11, 2023
"Pushing Cement" Samuel de Champlain / Innovation arrived in Duluth 11/1...
Thursday, November 9, 2023
"Just Passing Time" Sunrise timelapse 11/09/2023
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
"Three - 1000ftrs" Stewart J Cort, Burns Harbor & Edwin H Gott in Dulut...
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
"The Big Boys Arrive" Edwin H Gott, & Burns Harbors arrived in Duluth 11...
Sunday, November 5, 2023
"November Freighter" Isolda arrived in Duluth 11/05/2023
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
" Tug Along" Philip R Clarke arrived in Duluth 11/01/2023
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
"First Snow" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 10/30/2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023
"Grain Boat" Musala arrived in Duluth 10/29/2023
Thursday, October 26, 2023
"Late Night Arrival" Mesabi Miner & Hon James L Oberstar arrived in Dulu...
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
"Moonlit Departure" Burns Harbor & Isadora departed Duluth 10/23/2023
Monday, October 23, 2023
"Jeffery's Dilemma" Stuck gull on the lamp post 10/23/2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023
"Sunday at the Canal" Burns Harbor arrived in Duluth 10/22/2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
"Big Yellow" Happy River & CSL Niagara departed Duluth 10/21/2023
Friday, October 20, 2023
"Old Faithful" Michipicoten departed Duluth 10/20/2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
"Long Boat Departure" American Century departed Duluth 10/19/3023
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
"October Sunrise" Timelapse10/17/2023
"2 X 1000 Footers" Paul R Tregurtha departed & Walter J McCarthy Jr arri...
Monday, October 16, 2023
"Just Passing By" Mesabi Miner 10/16/2023.
Friday, October 13, 2023
"Into the Mouth of a Gale" Hon. James L Oberstar departed Duluth 10/13/2023
Thursday, October 12, 2023
"Sunrise Departure" Great Republic departed Duluth 10/12/2023
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
"Trading Places" Edwin H Gott departed, Michipicoten arrived in Two Harb...
"Lakers, Freighters & Tugs" Great Republic & Lake Erie arrived in Duluth...
Tuesday, October 10, 2023
"Evening Departures" State Of Michigan, Jamno & Volgaborg departed Dulut...
Sunday, October 8, 2023
"Blast from the Past" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 10/08/2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
"Morning Arrival" Jamno arrived in Duluth 10/07/2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
"October Sunrise" time-lapse 10/03/2023
Monday, October 2, 2023
"Superior Ships" Walter J McCarthy Jr & Algoma Discovery in Superior 10...
"Sunrise, Salties & Tugs" Ronnie arrived in Duluth 10/02/2023
"Ghost Ships" Philip R Clark & Paul R Tregurtha in Duluth 10/01/2023
Thursday, September 28, 2023
50 Years Old!
Congratulations to the Lake Superior Marine Museum for turning 50 today.
Rangers Jeanette, Kaylee, and Hannah treated visitors to some cake and coffee to celebrate.
"Quick Trip" Mesabi Miner arrived in Duluth 09/28/2023
"Big Boy" Maxima arrived in Duluth 09/28/2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023
"Grand Old Lady" Kaye E Barker departed Duluth 09/27/2023
Monday, September 25, 2023
"Old Friend" Kaye E Barker arrived in Duluth 09/25/2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023
"Concrete Hauler" Federal Delta arrived in Duluth 09/21/2023
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
"Munson Salute" John G Munson departed Duluth 09/20/2023
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
" Night Moves" Duluth overnight ship movement 09/19/2023
Sunday, September 17, 2023
"hauling Rocks" Hon James L Oberstar arrived in Duluth 09/17/2023
Friday, September 15, 2023
"Pit Stop" Edgar B Speer arrived in Duluth 09/15/2023
Thursday, September 14, 2023
"The Fleet Departs" Fishing boats deploy from Duluth 09/14/2023
"Harbor Arrivals" Philip R Clarke, Michipicoten, & Mesabi Miner arrived ...
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
"Anchors Aweigh" Viking Polaris departed Duluth 09/12/2023
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
"Polaris Arrival" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 09/12/2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023
"Silent Departure" Federal St Laurent departed Duluth 09/09/2023
Thursday, September 7, 2023
"Dancing with the Tugs" Federal St. Laurent arrived in Duluth on 09/07/2023
"Master of the Lakes" John G Munson departed Duluth 9/07/2023
"Mighty Miner" Mesabi Miner departed Duluth 9/07/2023
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
"Red White & Blue" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 09/05/2023
Monday, September 4, 2023
"Labor Day 2-fer" Paul R Tregurtha, American Century in Duluth 09/04/2023
"Big Ships Moving Overnight" Duluth 09/03/2023
Sunday, September 3, 2023
"The Greatest Republic" Great Republic arrived in Duluth 09/032023
Friday, September 1, 2023
"Just Sailing" Duluth 08/30/2023
"Morning Departure" John G Munson 09/01/2023
Thursday, August 31, 2023
"Supermoon" over Duluth 08/30/2023
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
"Big Red" Edwin H Gott arrived in Duluth 08/30/2023
"Moonlit Arrival" Edwin H Gott arrived in Two Harbors 08/30/2023
"Pit Stop" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 083023
Tuesday, August 29, 2023
"Triple Bypass" H Lee White, Federal Yukina & Walter J McCarthy Jr in Du...
Monday, August 28, 2023
"Big Boats and Calm Seas" Paul R Tregurtha departed Duluth 08/28/2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
"The Old Man and the Sea" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 08/25/2023

Thursday, August 24, 2023
"Floating Concrete" Federal Fraser arrived in Duluth 08/24/2023
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
"Sailing maneuvers" Vezhen departed Duluth 08/23/2023
Monday, August 21, 2023
"Tug Along" BBC Utah arrived in Duluth 08/21/2023
Friday, August 18, 2023
"Vikings Escape" Viking Octantis departed Duluth 08/18/2023
Camera Fund Fundraiser Honor Roll
"Just Passing Through" John G Munson, Barge Ecosse, Viking Octantis arr...
Thursday, August 17, 2023
"Feeding the World" Vezhen arrived in Duluth 08/17/2023
2023 Camera Fundraiser
2023 Camera Fundraiser
Unexpected high maintenance costs this summer has depleted our camera fund.
My hope is that we can build the the camera fund back up to $3000 in order to cover continuing operations, maintenance and emergency repair.
As always, thank your generous and faithful support of the harborcams.
Dennis O'Hara
" Midnight Maneuvers" Edwin H Gott arrived in Two Harbors 08/17/2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
"Leviathan" Mesabi Miner arrived in Duluth 08/15/2023
Monday, August 14, 2023
"Catch Your Breath" sunrise 08/14/2023
Sunday, August 13, 2023
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Thursday, August 10, 2023
"Big Bird" Happy Ranger arrived in Duluth 08/10/2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023
"The Big One" Paul R Tregurtha departed Duluth 08/06/2023
Saturday, August 5, 2023
"Morning Departure" Arthur M Anderson departed Two Harbors 08/05/2023
Friday, August 4, 2023
"Beet Pulp for Europe" Finnborg departed Duluth 08/04/2023
Tuesday, August 1, 2023
"Loud & Proud" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 08/01/2023
Thursday, July 27, 2023
"Hauling Iron" Philip R Clarke & American Integrity in Duluth 07/27/2023
Wednesday, July 26, 2023
"Summer Breeze" Arthur M Anderson departed Duluth 07/26/2023
"Just Passing By!" Philip R Clarke arrived in Duluth 07/26/2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023
"Hazy Arrival" James R Barker arrived in Duluth 07/24/2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023
"Early Moring Arrival" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 07/22/2023
Friday, July 21, 2023
"Oldie But Goodie" John G Munson departed Duluth 07/21/2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023
"A Superior Rainbow" - Duluth Canal 07/19/2023
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
"Incoming" Federal Montreal, Paul R Tregurtha, Hon James L Oberstar arr...
Monday, July 17, 2023
"Farewell Blue Angels" Blue Angels departed Duluth 07/17/2023
Sunday, July 16, 2023
"The Turn" James R Barker arrived in Silver Bay 07/16/2023
"Lakers, Freighters, & a Wedding - Duluth 7/15/2023 (republished)
Friday, July 14, 2023
"Double Salute" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 07/14/2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
"Farewell Voyagers" Viking Octatantis departed Duluth 07/11/2023
"Viking Invasion" Viking Octantis arrived in Duluth 07/11/2023
Monday, July 10, 2023
"Mid-Summer Breeze" Philip R Clarke arrived in Duluth 07/10/2023
Friday, July 7, 2023
"2-Fer" Friday" Arthur M Anderson & Michipicoten departed Duluth 07/07/223
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Duluth 4th of July Fireworks Display 07/04/2023
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
"July 4th Boats" - Paul R Tregurtha, John G Munson, Walter J McCarthy Jr...
Monday, July 3, 2023
"Mighty Munson" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 07/03/2023
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
"Old Boats & New" HANSEATIC INSPIRATION arrived & Michipicoten departed ...
Sunday, June 25, 2023
"Big Boats Passing" Mesabi Miner & Viking Polaris 06/24/2023
Saturday, June 24, 2023
"Polaris Arrives" Viking Polaris arrived in Duluth 06/24/2023
Friday, June 23, 2023
"Ahoy There" Ocean Navigator arrived in Duluth 06/23/2023
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Arthur M Anderson, Philip R Clarke & John G Munson arrived In Duluth 6/2...
Monday, June 19, 2023
"Floating in Concrete" The Federal Biscay arrived in Duluth 06/19/2023
Sunday, June 18, 2023
"Shiver Me Timbers" James R Barker arrived in town - 06/18/2023
Saturday, June 17, 2023
"Marathon Boat" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 06/17/2023
Friday, June 16, 2023
William A Irvin 5K running race start 06/16/2023
"Morning Saltie" Aujaq arrived in Duluth 06/16/2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023
"Harbor Traffic" Arthur M Anderson & Paul R Tregurtha 06/14/2023
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
"Just Passing" Paul R Tregurtha & American Century 06/14/2023
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
"Farewell Friends" Viking Octantis departed Duluth 06/13/2023
"Just Cruisin" Viking Octantis arrived in Duluth 06/13/2023
Monday, June 12, 2023
"Master Salute" James R Barker Departed Duluth 06/12/2023
"Pacman Arrives" Patagonman arrived in Duluth 06/12/2023
Saturday, June 10, 2023
"Morning Departure" Michipicoten departed Duluth 06/10/2023
Friday, June 9, 2023
"Welcome Aboard" Ocean Navigator arrived in Duluth 06/09/2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
"Big Lift" Happy River departed Duluth 06/06/2023
"Big Max" Maxima arrived in Duluth 06/05/2023
Sunday, June 4, 2023
"Double Header" Hanseatic Inspiration & Hon James L Oberstar departed Du...
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Saturday, June 3, 2023
"Rock-ing into the Twin Ports" James L Oberstar arrived in Duluth 06/03/...
Thursday, June 1, 2023
"Moving Iron" Mesabi Miner, Walter J McCarthy Jr, & Michipicoten 06/01/2023
"The Queen Arrives" Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 06/01/2023
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
"Mighty Munson" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 05/31/2023
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
"Back to Sea" The Viking Octantis departed Duluth 05/30/2023
"Viking Invasion" Viking Octantis arrived in Duluth 05/302023
Saturday, May 27, 2023
"Superior Traveler" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 05/27/2023
Friday, May 26, 2023
"Big Red" Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 05/26/2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023
The North Pier Lighthouse: Guiding Ships and Preserving History in Duluth
One of the most prominent points of interest on the Canal Cam is the North Pier Lighthouse. The lighthouse is a historical gem of maritime safety. With a century-old legacy, it has guided ships and captured the hearts of visitors. So let's delve into the captivating story of the North Pier Lighthouse.
Constructed in 1910 by architect Oliver G. Traphagen, the North Pier Lighthouse was built to aid ships entering Duluth Harbor. It has since become a cherished landmark, embodying Duluth's rich maritime heritage.
Equipped with a Fourth Order Fresnel lens, the lighthouse's powerful beam guided ships through foggy nights and stormy weather, ensuring their safe passage. Its contribution to maritime safety cannot be overstated.
Despite facing challenges, dedicated organizations and enthusiasts have kept the North Pier Lighthouse. Restoration efforts have maintained its structural integrity and original charm.
The lighthouse's striking red hue against the backdrop of Lake Superior makes it a visual delight. Visitors can capture its timeless beauty from vantage points along the shoreline and nearby parks.
Located near Canal Park, the North Pier Lighthouse offers easy access for locals and tourists. While visitors cannot enter the lighthouse, they can enjoy scenic walks along the pier and appreciate its significance.
The North Pier Lighthouse represents Duluth's maritime heritage, guiding ships, and captivating visitors. Preserved with care, it symbolizes the bravery of sailors and the enduring connection between Duluth and Lake Superior.
Monday, May 22, 2023
"Honorable Mention" - Hon James L Oberstar departed Duluth 05/22/2023
The Duluth Shipping Canal: Gateway to the Great Lakes
Introduction
The waterway you see before you on the Canal Cam is located at the far western end of Lake Superior in Minnesota, the Duluth Shipping Canal has served as a crucial gateway between the Atlantic Ocean and the North American heartland for centuries. The canal is an engineering marvel, a testament to human ingenuity, and a centerpiece of Duluth's industrial and cultural history.
Historical Background
The Duluth Shipping Canal came into existence in the late 19th century. Its construction was motivated by a need to facilitate the flow of goods and raw materials across Lake Superior. This objective was becoming increasingly significant due to the booming industry in the region. Iron ore, grain, timber, and coal were in high demand and required an efficient transportation route.
Two entrepreneurs, William Austin, and John D. Ray, began the canal project unofficially in 1870. They took the rather bold step of digging a canal across Minnesota Point, a thin sand spit separating the St. Louis River from Lake Superior. Their action was initially controversial and only partially legal. However, the benefits of the new route became immediately apparent, and the canal soon received official sanction.
Engineering Marvel
The canal was initially a simple, man-made cut through the sand spit. However, the risk of sand filling the channel and the high waves of Lake Superior threatened its usability. This led to the construction of two parallel piers extending into the lake, ensuring that the canal remained open and navigable. The iconic Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge was later added in 1905, initially as an aerial transfer bridge, before it was altered to its current design in 1930.
The Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It operates by lifting a section of the roadway vertically to allow ships to pass underneath, rather than using a traditional drawbridge design. When raised, a clearance of 180 feet will enable even the most massive lake freighters to pass through.
Economic Importance
Since its inception, the Duluth Shipping Canal has been central to the region's economy. Serving as the entry point to the Duluth-Superior Harbor, the largest and farthest-inland freshwater port in North America, the canal plays a significant role in North American trade routes. Annually, it sees over 900 vessel visits and handles around 35 million short tons of cargo.
The raw materials transported through this gateway, such as iron ore, coal, and grain, are vital to industries across the continent. This constant flow of goods fuels the economy, supports jobs, and provides resources for industries far removed from the shores of Lake Superior.
Cultural Significance
Over the years, the canal and the adjacent Canal Park have become cultural hubs of Duluth. Canal Park, once an industrial warehouse area, has been transformed into a bustling district filled with restaurants, shops, and hotels. Visitors can watch ships pass, learn about the area's history at the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center, or enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery.
The sight of massive freighters silently gliding through the canal, yards away from spectators, is genuinely something to behold. This daily spectacle has turned the shipping canal into a significant tourist attraction, and watching the ships has become a beloved pastime for locals and visitors.
Conclusion
The Duluth Shipping Canal is not just a man-made waterway but a lifeline connecting North America's heartland with the world. As we look towards the future, the canal's importance as a center of commerce, transportation, and culture will remain. Its history is a testament to the innovation and resilience of those who dared to dream, and its future holds the promise of continued relevance and vibrancy in an ever-changing world.