"Sunrise Turn" James R Barker arrived in Silver Bay 05/08/2024

The James R Barker arrived in Silver Bay this morning to load iron ore pellets just in time to catch the sunrise.

"Daybreak Arrival" Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 05/07/2024

Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth this morning with gusty winds and a golden sunrise.

"Easy Does It" Wind Turbine Blades unloading 05/01/2024

The process of unloading wind turbine blades weighing 25 tons and having a length of 180 feet is challenging at best, but, it looks easy as it is viewed from far off.

"Melodious Munson" John G Munson departed Duluth 05/01/2024

The John G Munson departed Duluth this afternoon loaded with iron ore pellets and playing a signature master salute with it rich baritone horns.

"Wind Turbine Blades" Ronnie arrived in Duluth 04/30/2024

Ronnie arrived in Duluth this afternoon loaded with large wind turbine blades for somewhere in the Midwest.

"Memorial Service" for Coast Guardsman Edgar Culbertson in Duluth 04/30/...

The Story: On Sunday, April 30, 1967, Three young men, 16-year-old twins Nathan and Arthur Halverson and their older brother Eric Halverson, they embarked on an adventure after attending a church event at First United Methodist Church, showcasing their youthful bravery. Little did anyone at the church suspect that the brothers, in a moment of youthful exuberance, had embarked on a playful challenge. They were hopping from light pole to light pole along the pier, unaware that this innocent fun was about to take a tragic turn. Two of the three had made it to the end when the third one got hit by a rogue wave. The first two safe brothers went back to help their brother, and as the waves swept all three brothers away, local heroes stepped up. Edgar Culbertson, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Prei served in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Duluth. Undeterred by the treacherous conditions, Edgar Culbertson, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Prei, U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Duluth, demonstrated unparalleled bravery. They tied themselves together, forming a human chain, and embarked on a daring rescue mission, their hearts filled with the determination to save lives. During the rescue mission, Edgar Culbertson, the husband and father of two, lost his life. We dedicate this memorial ceremony and plaque to Edgar Culberson for his heroic effort in saving the boys who also ended up perishing.

Edgar Culbertson Memorial

This Tuesday, 04/30/2024, there will be a memorial service at 11:00 along the canal.

On Sunday, April 30, 1967, Three young men, 16-year-old twins Nathan and Arthur Halverson and their older brother Eric Halverson, they embarked on an adventure after attending a church event at First United Methodist Church, showcasing their youthful bravery.

Little did anyone at the church suspect that the brothers, in a moment of youthful exuberance, had embarked on a playful challenge. They were hopping from light pole to light pole along the pier, unaware that this innocent fun was about to take a tragic turn.

Two of the three had made it to the end when the third one got hit by a rogue wave. The first two safe brothers went back to help their brother, and as the waves swept all three brothers away, local heroes stepped up.

Edgar Culbertson, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Prei served in the U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Duluth.

Undeterred by the treacherous conditions, Edgar Culbertson, Richard Callahan, and Ronald Prei, U.S. Coast Guard stationed in Duluth, demonstrated unparalleled bravery. They tied themselves together, forming a human chain, and embarked on a daring rescue mission, their hearts filled with the determination to save lives.

During the rescue mission, Edgar Culbertson, the husband and father of two, lost his life. We dedicate this memorial ceremony and plaque to Edgar Culberson for his heroic effort in saving the boys who also ended up perishing.

The plaque was placed there in honor of Ed Culbertson, a Coast Guardsman who gave his life, 57 years ago, trying to save three young brothers who became trapped on the pier during a fierce storm.

Ed Culberson Memorial Plaque

The words on the plaque read:

EDGAR A CULBERTSON

BM1

THIS PLAQUE IS DEDICATED BY THE PEOPLE OF DULUTH TO THE MEMORY OF A FELLOW CITIZEN, COAST GUARD BOATSWAINS MATE FIRST CLASS, EDGAR A. CULBERTSON, WHO ON THE NIGHT OF APRIL 30TH 1967 GAVE HIS LIFE ATTEMPTING TO RESCUE THREE TEEN-AGE BROTHERS STRANDED ON THIS PIER DURING A SEVERE STORM, HIS GREAT SACRIFICE IS AN ENDURING EXAMPLE OF HIS DEVOTION TO DUTY AND COMPASSION FOR HIS FELLOW MAN.

"Wet & Wild Entry" Joseph L Block arrived in Duluth 04/28/2024

Joseph L Block arrived in Duluth last night during the peak of the Nor'easter with winds gusting over 40 MPH.

"Tug Work" Coe Luisa departed Duluth 04/27/2024

Coe Luisa departed Duluth this evening with a little help for the harbor tugs.

"Slipping Into Port" Presque Isle arrived in Two Harbors 04/26/2024

Presque Isle arrived in Two Harbors this morning to load iron ore pellets.

" First Light" Sunrise Time-lapse 04/26/2024

Fresh air, fresh water, and the first light of the day! It doesn't get any better!

American Integrity arrived in Duluth 04/25/2024

American Integrity arrived in Duluth this morning to load coal.

"Passing Showers, Passing Ship"John G Munson departed Duluth 04/23/2024

John G Munson departed Duluth this afternoon loaded with iron ore pellets.

"Good Morning" Hon James L Oberstar departed Superior 04/23/2024

Greeting with a beautiful sunrise, the Hon James L Oberstar departed Superior.

"Jessica B" Jessica B arrived in Duluth 04/22/2024

Jessica B arrived in Duluth this morning to load grain.

"Sunday Boats" Coe Luisa, Jamno, Joseph L Bloc & American Century. 04/2...

Coe Luisa, Jamno, Joseph L Bloc & American Century traversed the Duluth Canal on Sunday.

"Triple Bridges" Arthur M Anderson departed Duluth 04/20/2024

After unloading dolomite at C Reiss Dock, the Arthur M Anderson departed Duluth for Two Harbors to load taconite pellets.

"Pit Stop" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 04/20/2024

Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth loaded with limestone with a pit stop for shore services at the Port Terminal.

"First Light Departure" Burns Harbor departed, CGC Spar arrived in Dulut...

Burns Harbor departed with iron ore pellets while the CGC Spar arrived in Duluth from buoy tending.

"Surf's Up!" Edwin H Gott arrived, CGC Spar departed Duluth 04/17/2024

With left over rollers coming into shore, dozens of surfers took advantage of the waves as the Edwin H Gott arrived &CGC Spar departed Duluth.

Munson's Melody" John G Munson departed Duluth 04/15/2024

John G Munson departed Duluth Monday evening loaded with iron ore pellets.

"Canada Steamship" Rt Hon Paul J Martin departed Duluth 04/11/2024

Rt Hon Paul J Martin departed Duluth this afternoon loaded with iron ore pellets.

"Pushing Calcium Chloride Brine" Candace Elise arrived in Superior 04/11...

Candace Elise arrived in Superior pushing a tanker full of Brine used for dust control at construction sites.

Great Republic arrived in Duluth 04/10/2024

The Great Republic arrived in Duluth this morning to load iron ore pellets.

"Big Boy" American Integrity arrived in Duluth 04/09/2024

American Integrity arrived in Duluth this morning to load iron ore pellets.

"Iron Lady" Lee A Tregurtha departed Duluth 04/05/2024

Lee A Tregurtha departed Duluth this afternoon loaded with iron ore pellets.

"Classy Lady" Lee A Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 04/04/2024

Lee A Tregurtha arrived in Duluth this afternoon to load iron ore pellets.

"A Little Help Form My Friends" Indiana Harbor departed Duluth 04/04/2024

Indiana Harbor departed Duluth this evening escorted by tugs by request of captain.

"Pushing Along" Joyce L Vanenkevort departed Duluth 040124

Joyce L Vanenkevort departed Duluth this afternoon heading to Silver Bay.

"First Saltie" Barbro G arrived in Duluth 04/01/2024

Barbro G arrived in Duluth this afternoon as the 1st Saltie of the 2024 Shipping Season. The Barbro G left Egypt 6 weeks ago and will be loading grain.

"Moving Iron" CSL Assiniboine arrived and Mesabi Miner departed Duluth ...

CSL Assiniboine arrived and Mesabi Miner departed Duluth on a sunny March afternoon.

"Stealth Departure" Lee A Tregurtha departed Duluth 03/27/2024

Lee A Tregurtha departed Duluth quietly overnight headed down lake to load cargo.

"Cold Cuts" Mesabi Miner arrived in Duluth 03/27/2024

Mesabi Miner arrived in Duluth this afternoon to load iron ore pellets.

"Gale Force Departure" Edwin H Gott departed Duluth 03/26/2024

The Edwin H Gott departed Duluth bound for Two Harbors in strong winds, high waves and heavy snow. All in a days work!

"Storm Warning" Joseph L Block departed Duluth 03/24/2024

Joseph L Block heading into a late March Lake Superior storm loaded with iron ore pellets.

"March Departure" Arthur M Anderson departed Duluth 03/23/2024

Arthur M Anderson departed Duluth Saturday evening for Two Harbors.

"Saturday 2-Fer" Manitoulin & John G Munson departed Duluth 03/23/2024

Manitoulin & John G Munson departed Duluth Saturday afternoon in the first 2-Fer of the season.

Baie Comeau departed Duluth 03/22/2024

Baie Comeau departed Duluth overnight loaded with iron ore pellets.

"Night Escape" American Spirit departed Duluth 03/21/2024

American Spirit departed Duluth overnight to load iron ore pellets in Two Harbors.

"Breakout" John J Boland departed Superior 03/21/2024

The John J Boland departed Superior this afternoon as the first ship out of the harbor for the 2024 season. The Boland will be going to Two Harbors to load.

"Sky Fire" Sunrise time-lapse 03/15/2024

The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1

"Springtime on the Move" sunrise time-lapse 03/13/2024

While March is a rather grey month for colors, the exception is the sunrises and sunsets which have been awesome lately.

"Leaping into March" Sunrise Time-lapse 02/29/2024

The changing of the seasons is happening rapidly now and a sunrise on a leap year (February 29) is just as fantastic as always. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. - Psalm 118:24

Memories of Lutsen Resort - Lost to fire 02/06/2024

The Historic Lutsen Resort burned in a massive blaze last evening, bringing back fond memories for many and tears for other. Here are some photos taken over the years of this Northland Treasure. Read more at WDIO News - https://www.wdio.com/front-page/top-stories/early-morning-fire-engulfs-lutsen-resort/

"Timelapse Tapestry" sunrise 02/06/2024

Occasionally there are sunrises over Lake Superior that are so stunning that they take your breath away. This is one of those events.

Flash Back - Tall Ship Nao Trinidad, of Spain - Two Harbors

 The Tall Ship, Nao Trinidad, of Spain looked very majestic as it sat docked on the Two Harbors Break wall in August of 2022 for the Tow Harbors Festival of Sail.  The CSL Welland is seen in the background loading iron ore pellets at the Two Harbors ore docks.

Nao Trinidad

"Goodbye January" Evening Time-lapse 01/31/2024

With little snow and well above normal temperatures, can Spring be far away!

Tug Bayfield

The Tug Bayfield is a historic vessel that can be found outside the visitor center in Canal Park. This tugboat was built in 1953 and played a vital role in the shipping industry in the Great Lakes region. The Tug Bayfield was used to transport goods from one port to another, and it was also used to assist larger ships.

Today, the Tug Bayfield is displayed in front of the Lake Superior Maritime Museum in Duluth. The display serves as a museum and a reminder of the critical role that shipping played in the growth and development of the Great Lakes region. Visitors to the Canal Park can explore the vessel and learn about its history and shipping history in the area.

The Tug Bayfield is an impressive sight and a must-see for anyone visiting Canal Park. Whether you are interested in history engineering or want to see a unique piece of maritime history, the Tug Bayfield is worth visiting. So, include it on your itinerary when you visit Canal Park.

"Last Boat In" John J Boland arrived in Superior 01/21/2024

Looking like a snotty nosed kid who refused to come in from the cold, the John J Boland finally relented and gave it up for the season, making it the final boat of nine that will be wintering in Duluth-Superior.

"Icy Hot" American Spirit arrived in Superior 01/18/2024

The American Spirit sailed out of the sea smoke in it's way to winter layup in Superior. The temperatures were hovering below zero at the time of arrival.

"Superior Cold" The John G Munson arrived in Duluth 01/18/24

The John G Munson arrived in Duluth this morning for winter layup at the Port Terminal. With below zero temperatures, the harbor ice was beginning to thicken up.

"Deep Winter Arrival" Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth 01/18/2024

The Arthur M Anderson arrived in Duluth this morning with sea smoke streaming up from the warm water of Lake Superior. The Anderson will be going to winter layup at Fraser shipyard in Superior.

"Frozen Assets" Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 01/17/2024

The "Queen of the Lakes", Paul R Tregurtha arrived in Duluth this evening for winter layup.

"On Thin Ice" John J Boland arrived in Duluth 01/17/2024

John J Boland arrived in Duluth this afternoon to refuel and load iron ore pellets at BN.

"Mid-January Sunrise"

The cool January air lifts sea smoke over the open water of Lake Superior making for a beautiful sunrise this morning.

"Frigid Beauty" Lee A. Tregurtha arrived in Duluth 01/15/2024

Lee A. Tregurtha arrived in Duluth in sub-zero temperatures and beautiful sea smoke. The Tregurtha is headed for winter lay-up.

"Cold Cuts" Indiana Harbor departed Superior 01/14/2023

With assistance from the tug Missouri, the Indiana Harbor departed Superior on it's final trip of the season loaded with iron ore pellets..

Bentleyville Tree Removal

Just like everyone else, the Christmas tree must come down for another year. Although the Bentleyville tree is a bit more of a task weighing in at 17 tons and a height of 120 feet, the Local Steelworks make it look easy.

"ICE" Manitoulin arrived in Duluth 01/12/2024

Manitoulin arrived in Duluth this morning for winter layup.

"Pushing the Season" Edgar B Speer arrived in Duluth 01/12/2024

Edgar B Speer arrived in Duluth overnight to refuel and load iron ore pellets. With the Soo Locks closing on Monday, the season will soon be coming to an end.

""Before the Storm" The Great Republic arrived in Duluth 01/11/2024

The Great Republic arrived in Duluth this evening to refuel and load before tomorrows gales.

"Warm January Arrival" Wilfred Sykes arrived in Duluth 01/09/2024

Wilfred Sykes arrived in Duluth on an unusually warm (30F) January night to load iron ore pellets.

"Calm Waters" American Spirit arrived in Two Harbors 01/08/2024

The Arthur M Anderson switched docks to make room for the American Spirit's arrive in Two Harbors overnight.

"Winter Arrival" Mark W Barker arrived in Duluth 01/06/2024

With arrival of "Real Winter" the Mark W Barker arrived in Duluth to load iron ore pellets.

"Slipping Into Port" Baie Comeau arrived in Duluth 01/04/2024

Baie Comeau arrived in Duluth overnight for the Port Terminal.

"City Lights" James R Barker departed Duluth 01/03/2024

James R Barker departed Duluth last evening against a backdrop of city lights. The Barker was loaded with iron ore pellets.

"Blasts from the Past - 2023

Boat horns are always fun the listen to, here is a selection from 2023.