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.
"Morning Boats" Hon James L Oberstar, James R Barker, & Algoma Discover...
Sunday, May 21, 2023
"Gott-cha" Edwin H Gott arrived in Duluth 05/21/2023
"Hauling Limestone" Philip R Clarke arrived in Duluth 05/21/2023
Saturday, May 20, 2023
"Big Bad Barker arrived in Duluth, 05/20/2023
Friday, May 19, 2023
"Chip Off the Old Block" Joseph L Block departed Duluth 05/19/2023
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
"The Switch" Candance Elise switching positions 05/15/2023
Monday, May 15, 2023
" Boats in Review" Duluth 05/15/2023
"Lake Superior Steel Hauler" Michipicoten departed Duluth 05/15/2023
(Wake-Up Duluth) American Century departed, James R Barker arrived in Du...
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Friday, May 12, 2023
Thursday, May 11, 2023
"Rattling Windows" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 05/11/2023
"Pushing Limestone" ATB Clyde S VanEnkevort / Erie Trader arrived in Dul...
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
"Iron Horse" Hon James L Oberstar departed Duluth 05/10/2023
"Long Boat" Mesabi Miner departed Duluth 05/10/2023
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
"Old Friends" James L Oberstar & Edwin H Gott - 050823
Monday, May 8, 2023
"Triple Play" Edwin H Gott, Burns Harbor & Stewart J Cort 05/08/2023
Sunday, May 7, 2023
"Foggy Saltie" Solina arrived in Duluth 05/07/2023
Saturday, May 6, 2023
"Foggy Morning" John G Munson departed Duluth 050623
Friday, May 5, 2023
"Classic Passage" - John G Munson arrived, Arthur M Anderson departed D...
"Sunrise Departure" American Integrity departed Duluth 05/05/2023
Thursday, May 4, 2023
"Tug Assist" Algoma Discovery departed Two Harbors 05/04/2023
"Twilight Maneuvers" (Timelapse) in Two Harbors. 05/04/2023
"Overnight Shipping - American Century, American Integrity & Arthur M An...
Friday, April 28, 2023
"Double Passage" Paul R Tregurtha arrived, American Century departed Du...
Thursday, April 27, 2023
"Liquid Salt" Spartan Barge arrived in Duluth 04/27/2023
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
"A Good Day Ahead" Sunrise Timelapse 04/26/2023
"Silent Departure" John G Munson departed Duluth 04/26/2023
Tuesday, April 25, 2023
"Morning Miner" Mesabi Miner departed Duluth 04/25/2023
Sunday, April 23, 2023
"Mighty Munson" John G Munson arrived in Duluth 04/23/2023
Friday, April 21, 2023
"Double Entry" Algoma Intrepid (Duluth) Vlieborg (Superior) 04/21/2023
"Gales of Superior" Spring storm 2023
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
"Lake Superior Hauler" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 04/18/2023
Saturday, April 15, 2023
"Barker Bark" James R Barker departed Duluth 04/15/2023
"Spotlight Entry" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 04/15/2023
"Rattling Windows" James R Barker arrived in Duluth 04/14/2023
Friday, April 14, 2023
"Classic Laker" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 04/14/2023
"Mighty Miner" The Mesabi Miner arrived in Duluth 04/14/2023
Thursday, April 13, 2023
"Big Steel" Burns Harbor Departed Duluth 04/13/2023
Monday, April 10, 2023
"Floating History" Michipicoten arrived in Duluth 04/10/2023
"Queen of the Lakes" Paul R Tregurtha departed Duluth 04/10/2023
Sunday, April 9, 2023
"Easter Sunrise Departure" Algoma Sault departed Duluth
Thursday, April 6, 2023
"Master of the Lakes" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 04/06/2023
"A Little Help From My Friends" - CSL Assiniboine departed Duluth 04/06/...
"Out from Safe Harbor" Joseph L Block departed Duluth for the anchorage ...
Monday, April 3, 2023
"Canadian Boats" CSL Niagara departed, CSL Assiniboine arrived in Duluth...
Saturday, April 1, 2023
"Pushing Pack Ice"' Oakglen arrived in Superior 04/01/2023
"Crosswinds & Rollers" Algoma Transport arrived in Duluth 04/01/2023
Thursday, March 30, 2023
"Twilight 2-fer" James R Barker & Baie Comeau departed Duluth 032923
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
"Night Lights" Overnight traffic - 03/29/2023
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
First Saltie - The Federal Dart arrived in Duluth 03/28/2023
"Night Arrival" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 03/28/2023
Spring Sunrise 03/28/2023
"Queen of the Lakes" Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 03/27/2023
Monday, March 27, 2023
"Pushing Along" Laura L Vanenkevort arrived in Duluth 03/27/2023
Edwin H Gott arrived/departed Two Harbors on 03/26/2023
Sunday, March 26, 2023
"Pushing Ice" Stewart J Cort arrived in Superior 03/26/2023
"Chip off the Old Block" Joseph L Block arrived in Duluth 03/26/2023
Friday, March 24, 2023
Night Departure - American Mariner departed Duluth 03/23/2023
Thursday, March 23, 2023
"Break Out" - The Lee A Tregurtha opens the Shipping Season 03/23/2023
Sunday, March 19, 2023
"Dusk to Dawn" - Sunrise Timelapse 03/19/2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Fundraiser for new Western Harbor Cam
Color Wash - Sunrise timelapse 03/15/2023
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
"Breaking Up is Hard To Do! - Ice Breaker Spar is a sure sign of Spring....
Thursday, March 2, 2023
"March"ing into Spring - Sunrise Timelapse 030223
Friday, February 24, 2023
Going With The Flow - Lake Superior Seiche 02/24/2023
Sea Smoke Daybreak - 02/24/2023
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Ice Caps - Lake Superior Wave Action - 02/22/2023
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
February Sunrise (Timelapse) 02/14/2023
Friday, February 3, 2023
Kaleidoscope Sunrise 02/03/2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
"Capturing February" - Sunrise time-lapse 02/01/2023
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Two Harbors in a Polar Grip - 01/31/2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023
"Fun in the Cold" - Lake Superior Ice Festival 01/28/2023
Saturday, January 21, 2023
"Arriving for the Last Load" Saginaw arrived in Superior 01/21/2023
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
Saginaw departed Superior 01/18/2023
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Saginaw arrived in Superior 01/17/2023
Sunday, January 15, 2023
New Hillside Cam Sunrise - Timelapse 01/15/2023
Saginaw departed Superior 01/15/2023
Saturday, January 14, 2023
Tug Victory departed Duluth 01/14/2023
State of the Harborcams 2023
With the imminent closing of to Soo Locks and the end of the 2022 Shipping season, I would like to thank all of the viewers, live stream moderators, and entities that provided locations locations for the cameras.
2022 was a wonderful year for boat watching, weather watching, people watching and more. The cameras operated well and I hope these little "Windows to the Northland' provided interesting entertainments and a break from your routine, I know it did for myself.
I am looking forward to 2023 and hope you are also. Most of the cameras are operating well and I will be spending the off season upgrading firmware and tuning up the networks and servers.
All of the cameras will continue to run during the off season in order to view weather and sunrises.
I especially want to thank the live chat moderators who do so much to make this channel work.
Best regards,
Dennis O'Hara - DHC